So as I leave Auckland for a couple days there is time for a rear view mirror look across the harbour.
The we head North to the Bay of Islands and become deeply entrenched into the Maori culture and beginnings here in New Zealand. The first stop is the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. The museum tells the story of the Kauri tree and early settlement. One Kauri tree is carved carved into a spiral staircase and the photos below give you some clue as to the immense size and height of these trees.
Want to see these trees close up? I did and tomorrow when I am scheduled to go to Cape Reinga I will take a diversion to the "woods" to get a close up....not to be missed...believe me!
Some of the by-products of these trees is the gum. It provides the basic ingredient to form beautiful jewelry and artwork. A number of large and diverse pieces are on exhibit in the museum.
As I head North the history of the Maori is provided by a descendant of the original settlers in the region and the tour arrives at the birthplace of New Zealand at Waitangi. A memorial flag staff overlooks the bay of Paihia on spectacular grounds. The tour is invited to tour the treaty house and Maori Meeting house featured below.
And...as can be noted in the carvings the eyes and tongues are powerful to any Maori artwork....another example...
The giant war canoe is also a feature of the memorial grounds....one can only imagine coming across any part of the Pacific Ocean in this vessel.... Figi to New Zealand....wow...hard to believe...but if you have enough warriors anything is possible.
Okay...one last look at the grounds with one of the relics....the flag staff memorial...not me...well....
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