Four Lakes In One Day

 

On Sunday our city of Hamilton was hammered with severe gale-force winds from the remnant of Cyclone Dovi.  On my way out of the city this morning, it was clear to see how much damage had been caused – trees blown down, large and small branches lying everywhere, and leaves in piles larger than appear in autumn.

The Council has been moving through to make sure road and path access was available, and the debris has been left to be cleared away when they can.  Quite sobering to see, but thankfully there was not more damage or injuries caused.

Fitzgerald Glade, on the road to Rotorua

For my February get-out-of-the-city excursion, I headed for Rotorua.  All of this area was once a prime tourist destination, and it was sad to see how many businesses were shut (but hopefully not closed down completely) during this covid time.  It must be such a struggle for some of them to survive.

My first stop was Lake Rotorua in the heart of the city, where I sat for a while and watched seagulls, cormorants, coots, mallards and black swans.

Lake Rotorua, with some of the city in the background

Then it was on to Lake Tikitapu (usually called the Blue Lake), a pretty crater lake that is popular with swimmers and water skiers alike.  I went for a paddle along its pebbly shoreline and found the water pleasantly warm, and was thrilled to see a little tomtit flitting among the trees (sometimes I think I need to buy myself a good camera!).

One corner of the Blue Lake

At Lake Tarawera there was a tree waiting for a little car to park beneath its shady canopy – the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying the peace and quiet.

Stoney Point Reserve at Lake Tarawera 

A drive to the end of the road showed an amazing number of houses clustered together like a long strung-out village in this semi-isolated spot, each with a view of the mountain and the lake.  I imagine many are most definitely well outside my price range!

Mount Tarawera across the lake (it last erupted in 1886)

Heading back into Rotorua, a short detour took me to Lake Okareka.  Not as popular as Lake Tarawera, it nevertheless still had a significant number of homes built along some of its shoreline.

At the end of this road there was a Department of Conservation campsite, and several campervans and a couple of tents were in evidence.

On the shores of Lake Okareka

The drive home took around 90 minutes and included several lots of road works.  At one spot, my poor little car had to negotiate melted tarseal with only a thin layer of rough metal spread over it – I was afraid much of it would stick beneath the car but I think very little actually did.

I am so thankful I am able to make these little monthly excursions to different places.

I would recommend it to everyone! 😊

Margaret.