Morrinsville is located in the Waikato region on New Zealand’s North Island, about half an hour’s drive out of Hamilton on the road to Te Aroha. It’s a pretty little town, with many places to grab a bite to eat in cafés, hotels and restaurants. There’s a nice bright playground for the kids in Thomas Park, a Rose Garden, a museum and several fuel stations and supermarkets. There’s also some quirky street art in Morrinsville!
Continue reading “Street Art in Morrinsville”Pompeii
Since I was a child, I have been eerily fascinated by the tragic story of ancient Pompeii. A thriving city built in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius until A.D79, when it was suddenly destroyed as the volcano erupted violently. In 1748 a group of explorers re-discovered the remains of the city, and its people. I had seen images of the plaster casts that were taken of the people and animals caught in the last moments of their lives, which brought their story to life in such a vivid way. For as long as I can remember I had wanted to travel to Italy and see the ruined city that was frozen in time by the ominous Mt Vesuvius.
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Tirau is a small rural town that sits on a major junction point of the New Zealand state highway network on the North Island. Apart from being in a suitable location to break up a road trip, this interesting town has a unique character that sets it apart from other places in the world.
Continue reading “Tirau – New Zealand”Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village Rotorua
A visit to the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village Rotorua is a unique experience, combining a glimpse into Māori culture and their history of everyday life in a geothermal area. Boiling mud, simmering pools of teal blue water, coloured lakes and explosive geysers form the landscape in and around the village, where people have been living for hundreds of years.
Continue reading “Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village Rotorua”Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua
Take a short 8-minute drive into the Whakarewarewa Redwoods Forest, and experience a walk through hundred-year-old trees. The Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua takes about 40 minutes to complete although everyone is welcome to take the walk at their own pace. You walk through the tranquil forest across swinging wooden bridges suspended between platforms that hang around the tree trunks. The attraction is open for both day and night walks, and can even be done in wet weather.
Continue reading “Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua”Hamilton Gardens New Zealand
Hamilton is a city in the Waikato region on the North Island of New Zealand. The Waikato river passes through the middle of the town on its way North. At the east end of the town, the Hamilton Gardens are bounded by the banks of the river and incorporate a jetty for access to the river cruises. The award-winning gardens are a public space covering over 58 hectares and are free to enter.
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Devonport New Zealand is a quaint little village to the North of Auckland. A short 12-minute ferry trip from Auckland will bring you to the town. A historic town with a dormant volcano, Victorian-era buildings and beautifully decorated beach style houses. Street Art was really the last thing I was expecting to find on my visit to Devonport. Yet, to my surprise, there were many pieces to be found on blank walls, and electricity junction boxes around the town.
Continue reading “Street Art in Devonport NZ”Prague Astronomical Clock
Don’t you find beautiful custom-made clocks interesting? Throughout history, the creation of a beautiful clock has been a skill and art form meticulously studied. Master instructing apprentice, handing down secrets not to be shared with the competition. Who could become the most renowned clock maker of their time? Centuries ago, the creation of a unique work of art in the form of a beautiful clock was not just commissioned as a time measuring device. These clocks were also seen as symbols of status. A measure of the wealth or technological advancement of the owners or developers of the clock, in comparison to other clockmakers in other nations. Which brings me to the Prague Astronomical Clock.
Continue reading “Prague Astronomical Clock”Prague Castle Complex
Inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list, the Prague Castle Complex is a group of palaces and church buildings of varying architectural styles. Here you will find 10th Century Romanesque buildings as well as the newest modifications of the 20th Century. The castle complex is the seat of the Head of State and is a culturally significant monument. Within the complex walls, there are the remains of Czech Kings, Christian relics, historical documents and artistic treasures.
Continue reading “Prague Castle Complex”48 Hours in Melbourne
Melbourne is such an interesting city! It is the perfect place for a quick city break, with a long list of things that you can choose from to entertain you while you are there. Situated on the Yarra River, the capital city is a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Bars, plazas, restaurants, cafes, theatres, museums, galleries,