Kauri Coast

We set off on our epic journey across New Zealand's North Island three weeks ago and the following Blogs - many of them - will recount our pleasant experiences. After a night in Auckland, Dot, I, our daughter Rebecca and our lively Grandson Max, now aged 10, set our for Northland. The western coast is famous for its large, and now well protected, Kauri forests with their massive trees. The road to the coast snaked through rolling hills, but gave little premonition of the spectacular forests we were about to witness.

On first seeing the Kauri trees, Max seemed less than impressed - even when looking at a stand of 4 trees like the ones shown! However, I seemed much more  impressed. The fourth image in this cluster shows Dot, Max and Bec walking along a special path designed to protect the fragile root systems of these stately trees.

 Then we came to the Lord of the Forest, one of the largest Kauri trees whose impressive dimensions are provided on the notice-board. Bec and Max spent quite a while in awe of this monster, while Dot and I posed in front of the monarch of the forest and Max was inspired to take a photo.

The final picture shows some of the impressive west coast of Northland - destination that has much to recommend it.

AS