Two conspicuous features of New Zealand is waterfalls and flora. Though perhaps an odd connection, each is impressive in their own right due to the variety and visual display each offers. We visited Haunu Falls which immediately reminded me of Greer Creek Falls near Vanderhoof, British Columbia. The small plunge pools were about the same size but I was accompanied by two cute granddaughters at Greer Creek. New Zealand has waterfalls in abundance given the suitable topography and plentiful rainfall. A fault line depression probably created this one as there is very little erosion of the top rock face.
We walked in what I would describe as a fern forest to get to the falls.It made me think we were in the Jurassic period. A canopy of stately ferns overshadowed us like big umbrellas.
The parking lot was crowded with holiday visitors. New Zealanders take their extended vacations from before Christmas to well into February. It was a warm, pleasant day with sufficient cloud cover to spare us from the summer sun.
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The rest of the day was spent
visiting the Auckland Botanic
Garden - 156 acres in size
which includes 10 hectares of
native forest.
This garden captures the unique
South Pacific flavor. Surprisingly,
it was free; the grounds were well
maintained with paved footpaths
and well appointed signage. The
garden is designed to showcase the
seasonal variations of flowering
plant life.
The very first observation upon
arrival in Auckland was how
green and the diversity of the
flora. The garden provided a
good cross section of the gardening
options open to the locals.
Lovely photos - this is a place we will have to make a point of seeing!
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