A Dotterel
Jim at the waterfallWhangamata - pronounced fang - a mawtaw, emphasis on the last syllable, I think. Brian Pittams worked hard on my pronunciation but Jim wouldn't try! Having overnighted close to the airport in Auckland we travelled a very windy road to fang. The road signs told us that it would be twisty for 5 km just after it had been twisty for 10km without notice. Needless to say I found it very scenic - I hope Jim didn't as he was supposed to be concentrating on his driving! On the road we saw trees with lovely red flowers which are called Pohutukawas (Christmas trees, because they are in full blossom at Christmas). Brian and Barbara have been exceptional hosts - food, drink, advice, tour guides, laughs, comfort, everything!
On Monday B. and B. brought us to the start of the Wentworth Valley where we walked for 2 hours to the waterfall - picture of Jim above. We did several other walks through pine plantations to a deserted beach etc. Saw dotterels, tea trees (2 varieties) and a tui bird.
On Tuesday it was pouring rain and we had planned a tour of Corimandel Peninsula so we went! Gradually the weather improved and we were able to take a trip on a narrow gauge railway
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