Time Slows Down in Middle Earth

At Mount Victoria in the little quaint village of Devonport. The volcanic mountain behind is Rangitoto Island, the newest volcano in the world at just 500 to 600 years old.

We are back from 12 days of immersing in the splendid outdoors and resplendent nature of New Zealand's North Island. It was a trip where time slowed down tremendously, allowing us to truly savour the richness of every single moment. It was true escapism in New Zealand, away from the madding crowds, seeing more sheep and cattle than humans! We were in tune with Mother Nature and the true magic of a land discovered almost a thousand years ago by the Maori people. We experienced the true respect and understanding of New Zealand's residents with the indigenous Maori and the legends of the land - something that many countries did not practise.

We spent days holed up on a remote farm, in a tiny little cottage, with nothing but the companionship of wary sheep, friendly dogs, nonchalant alpacas, glorious horses, passive cows, and magnificent views of undulating emerald-green hills. We went horseback riding as a family with views of stunning hills and gorgeous countryside, looking over sublime vistas of the Pacific Ocean. We trekked and walked (or in Kiwi terms, tramped!) over hectares of wild countryside and bush, summitted 3 volcanic mounts, climbed down a deep volcanic crater (just the Hubby!), climbed up trees and read our favourite books in the middle of vast meadows.

Living Earth - Middle Earth - Under Earth 

New Zealand is a land of stark contrasts. We were able to appreciate peaceful jade-green pasture fields, but were also privy to a land of active volcanic activity, with livid geysers, hot springs and scorching mud pools - testaments to a true Living Earth.

We went to Middle Earth and surrounded ourselves with the beauty of the Shire in the Hobbiton movie set. For The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit fans like us, this is a dream come true - to visit the Shire and immerse ourselves in the lives of Bilbo, Frodo, Sam and the rest of the hobbits (as well as Gandalf!). We revelled in stories of film magic and met fellow LOTR and Hobbit fans. The Shire was set in resplendent, rolling countryside with 44 beautiful hobbit holes. Gorgeous indeed. We did not want to leave The Shire!

We submerged into the pitch dark, mysterious caves of New Zealand, where we were awed spectators to thousands of electric blue glow worms. They dotted the ceilings of the cavernous caves like brilliant stars on a dark winter night. Totally magical and a truly enchanting Under Earth. 

It was a truly rejuvenating 12 days, where we appreciated the beauty of Mother Earth once again and embraced the true meaning of a sustainable, living Earth in the land of the long white cloud (Aotearoa - the Maori name for New Zealand). 

More to come in detailed blog posts!