Off to the ‘Naki

A damp and misty departure from Cambridge heading for SH3 en route for the Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular.   Light traffic, light drizzle, leaving the suburbs behind.    There’s something very calming about New Zealand’s farming countryside in a soft, gentle rain; fifty shades of green, punctuated at this time of year by vibrant bursts of springtime blossom and happy new foliage.   I vaguely  remember reading somewhere that green is the most calming colour in the spectrum.   Perhaps that’s why so many kiwi farmers are relaxed, laid back characters…. almost their whole day is spent surrounded by green vistas.

By the time we get to Otorohonga the day has lightened up, patches of blue sky and sunshine as we head into the kiwiana capital of NZ.    Don’t know about the kiwi memorabilia bit. We should’ve stopped to take a look, but right down the Main Street of this small country town the most glorious display of hanging baskets outside every shop and office and establishment absolutely cascading with lobelia.

A distinct contrast to the Awakino gorge with its steeply flanked riverside valleys, interesting outbursts of striated rock and beautiful patches of native bush, some with massive rock ramparts bursting out the top.

On to the coast with the mountain in sight, 20 degrees and a lovely day in the ‘Naki…..hope it holds for the garden tours.