So it's winter in New Zealand. Down here that means rain..and cold.So what do you do on a rainy Sunday? Go hang out at the cosy Mall? Sit at the local cafe and sip your latte?No.
You get on your wet weather gear and head outdoors. Photographers know the overcast conditions and rain make for rich colours and atmosphere,and being outdoors makes you feel alive on a day like this.
That is epecially true at the Karekare Wilderness Reseve near Auckland. This rugged area is bounded by huge cliffs and the Pacific ocean.
It is an area of wild black sand beaches, wetlands and sand dunes, home to endangered birds. There are set tracks for people so they don't stray off into the protected areas.
My friend and I were the only people around this day-which says something about the weather and our sanity. But nothing ventured nothing gained! When the sun did poke thru it made for some great highlighted areas.
There was a railway through this area a century ago that carried trees cut from the forest to a wharf 10 kilometres away around the coast. It has long been swallowed up by nature but relics from it remain-like this boiler and a tunnel cut thru rock.
My friend in the tunnel.
There is a large rock outcrop in the reserve around 100 metres high.It has a steep track to the top which is dodgy in places but worth the risk for the outlook.My friend on a section of the track.
The view is worth it! Especially when the sun poked thru.
Black sand beaches are found all along the west coasts of New Zealand's islands-it is a whole different atmosphere than the white sand beaches most people are used to. It is due to iron particles in the sand.
And so as the rain set in again we headed back towards the carpark-wet but happy with the outdoor fresh air and the wildness of the wilderness.
I hope you enjoyed this trip to Karekare Wilderness Reserve!