Some Thoughts From A Concerned Kiwi

Opononi, Northland NZ

Today's Perfect Moment

 After a week of unsettled (to put it mildly) weather, TSG felt like the road trip gods smiled on us today. Having the Cape Reinga Lighthouse to ourselves on such a brilliant morning was a major high point of our visit, both figuratively and latitudinally speaking. 

A Lovely Bunch O' 'Shrooms

Seen along Pungaere Road en route to the Puketi Forest Kauri Walk. 

This is as good a place as any to air one of my Kiwi pet peeves: the lack of road shoulders/places to pull over when a photo op is encountered. We had to make 3 passes looking for a spot wide enough to get off the roadway anywhere near this fine crop of colorful fungi. Far be it from us to criticise the NZ road network--the roads are generally excellent--but man it is frustrating not being able to pull over to snap a pic of the abundant scenic views along the way.

A Knife Day In Paihia

Bay Of Islands NZ

Mangawhia Harbor Overlook

From the aptly-named "Lookout point". Taranga Island in the distance.

The Headless, Bespectacled Miners Of Karangahake Gorge (Updated!)

At first we thought these guys were photo stand-ins for tourist photo ops. But on closer inspection it appears some anti-social types have performed some uncalled-for modifications.

**Update**

We were able to find a pic of these fellows in their original non-defaced (ha) versions:

 

 

When Clark Kent Has To Go...

He looks for a Super Loo, of course.

Tongariro Domain  NZ

If You Prefer A Plane Burger

Then you need to head to Taupo New Zealand, where they have the (self-proclaimed?) "World's Coolest McDonald's"