Travel log: New Zealand - A Storytellers Paradise

A Maori Guardian in the woods

It's week two of travelling for the Lady Doth Scribe blog and I am very happy to report the jetlag has finally subsided.  Fun times with family and friends has meant late nights and somewhere between last week and today, the haze has disappeared.  

This week I am in New Zealand, a country with panaromic postcard views, rugged mountain ranges and coastlines; I grew up here but its only during return journey's that I can really appreciate the natural beauty of these islands.  During a daytrip to the volcanic region of Rotorua in the North Island of New Zealand, I stumbled through misty thermal springs, gaped in awe at feisty geysers and the warped moon-like terrain.  At one point, the mist was so thick I could barely see and I felt a chill on the back of my neck - my imagination took hold as I suddenly found myself alone on a hillside.  As I passed the bubbling mudpools and walked through the woods where carved statues of Maori Guardians stood watch amongst the trees, half hidden from view - I realised what a paradise this place is for storytellers. Listening to local legends in these incredible surroundings - what more could a writer ask for?


NZ Native Ferns and Flax

Bubbling Mud Pools

The Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua, New Zealand



A/N: Photos courtesy yours truly. 
Snapped during NZ trip this week.

Comments

Karen Roderick said…
Wow, bubbling mud pools, that's cool. I'm not a traveller, but this trip must be inspiring you, and that mist, that's eery indeed, but strangely, I love stuff like that.
Talei said…
Hi Karen, ;) I have to admit the mist created a rather creepy atmosphere, when I found myself mysteriously alone, my imagination ran wild and I had this wierd feeling that ancient eyes were watching me. Call me crazy but maybe it was the cemetary nearby. Definitely inspiring for a spooky tale! ;-))
Pat Tillett said…
thanks for the photos and narrative from a place I've never been to....
nice photos!
Talei said…
Hi Pat, you're welcome! ;) Glad you enjoyed the photos. I know there are direct flights from Japan to NZ too.;))
Talli Roland said…
Gorgeous photos Talei! Hope you're having a fab time - certainly looks that way! :)
Mya said…
My sister and brother-in-law visited New Zealand many years ago and traveled around a good bit. They are both adventuresome, and thought NZ one of the most fascinating places on earth. They said that in many areas you felt like you had gone back in time, to the beginning of time, beautifyl and untamed.
Talei said…
Hi Talli! Thanks!! You are right, and only one more week to go and I'll be back in London. Why do holidays go so quickly?;)))
Talei said…
Hi Mya, ;)) Your sister and brother-in-law are so right and interestingly just last week -a good friend of mine described Rotorua almost like that. Its got an old world feel in places and you can imagine time before man settled there. I have a soft spot for some of the coast lines, rustic,untouched, and beautiful. ;)
Jayne said…
What lovely pictures but that sounds so creepy, my imagination would also have been in over-drive! I have never been to New Zealand but it does look such a beautiful country. Glad you having fun!
notesfromnadir said…
That looks like such a beautiful place--you got a really good shot of the ferns in that 1st picture.

I've read that the water is really, really clean & doesn't need to be filtered. I've also read about the air being so clean. Yes, I need to visit! :)
Talei said…
Hi Jayne, thanks! Its definitely a beautiful country. My imagination does run wild when surrounded with stunning surroundings. Thanks for coming by. :)))
Talei said…
Hi Lisa, thanks! The water is soooo clean, I can vouch for that. I drink bottled water almost everywhere in the world except for NZ. I hope you do get to visit one day. ;)
Anonymous said…
Definitely on my "Places to visit before I die" list! Mud pools, geysers, ferns...I sense a story coming on already!

Popular Posts