Kia Ora

Kia Ora

Interesting facts.

NZ. or Aotearoa In Maori, means 'The Land of the long white cloud'. It is quite a young country, geologically active, with tectonic faults and volcanoes, glaciers and rivers constantly building and eroding land. It consists of many islands, the main ones being the North and South island. It used to be part of one land mass, Gondwana, and split off 80 million years ago, taking with it its unique plants and bird life. The first Eastern Polynesian settlers arrived 750 years ago, and the first Europeans to settle arrived in 1769 after discovery by James Cook.

As it is a long thin country, there are several climates and micro climates within, from sub tropical in the North and temperate (similar to UK) in the South. The total population is around 4.2 million ( UK has nearly 63 million) of which 1 million are based in Auckland. Auckalnd also known as the 'The city of sails' (due to a high proportion of boat ownership) is the biggest city, though not the capital, which is Wellinton. Auckland’s weather is warm/hot long summers with mild and wet winters. (average annual sunshine hours= 2050. Manchester=1200 hrs) and (annual average rain=1240mm. Manchester=810mm!) most rain falling as heavy tropical showers in the winter months of June-July

Sunday 15 August 2010

WET AZ!!!

off for a 9 day tour of the North with the kids, and had the wettest week ever! record rain falls and flooding in the next town meant for a miserable time in Rotorua. we stayed in some funky backpackers during the holiday, and Niall made lots of new friends along the way..

rain in Rotorua

polynesian spa by Lake



Rotorua is a very geo thermic area, with hot bubbling steaming and stinky pools everywhere. just walking down the street you can see steam rising and smell the sulphur fumes!

Meg at a Maori Marai
we found this amazing cafe called 'The Fat dog cafe' whic was very cozy, funky and served great food in huge portions! a hot chocolate after a day out walking in the rain made it all worthwhile!

this is a bowling green..honest


bowl of hot choc mmm!
 


Matty's burger


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