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Antony Ranger's Travel Blog

Antony Ranger's Travel Blog
The adventures, sites, sounds and tastes of Europe whilst I'm living in The Netherlands.

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Articles: 1, 2, 3

Articles

Kayak Lake Tarawera (Queen's Birthday)
2008-06-05 12:56:00
Day 1 - Tarawera Landing to Te Rata Bay It was a cold and misty morning but we didn't care (except maybe for Nick). We packed our kayaks with relative ease as the car park allowed us to unload our cars directly into the kayaks before we ferried them back to the Blue Lake Motor Camp. After the usual period of faffing we were off some splitting off to kayak under the Pohutakawa trees and explore the rock gardens and thermal springs. After only a short paddle we were at Te Rata Bay (aka Hot Water Bea ch) and in no time had picked out our camping spots and eaten lunch. It was then off to explore Rapatu Bay and walk across to Lake Rotomahana (to be explored at a later date) which turned out to be about 40 minutes return. This section between the lakes is where the Pink and White Terraces used to be before the eruption in 1886. The last time I stayed here we setup the tent on the nice warm grass and ended up having to leave the tent sweating at 3am. I wasn't about to make the s...
More About: Birthday , Kayak

Kayak Motuora Island
2008-04-15 10:27:00
A few of us had decided that two nights would be better than one so after a rushed Fri morning of work we were off stopping for a quick bite in Orewa conscious it would soon be dark. We made it to Sulivan's bay in good time with the remaining daylight assisting us making sure we didn't leave anything important behind (as it turns out eggs weren't that important). As the sun vanished over the horizon we set of across the milk pond they call Mahurangi harbour. Due to the small amount of light reflecting off the slither of moon it was easy to see the the phosphorous streaming off the paddles and bows of the yaks. It didn't take more than an hour across the smooth water and upon our arrival a flock of Kawahi freaked at our lights and spent the next 15 minutes mostly out of the water. We knew at least one other member of the club was already there and it didn't take long to find Farzad and Lance and setup along side and enjoy the remainder of the evening over a few quiet beers. ...
More About: Island , Kayak

Kayak Waikaremoana - Easter 2008
2008-03-31 20:04:00
Day 0 - Auckland to Waikaremoana 6am the alarm clock sounded and within an hour we were on the road avoiding both rush hour and the Easter madness on the roads. It was a leisurely trip with a few stops along the way as we were in no rush and needed to pick up a few supplies along the way. Along the metal road a bus pulling over to allow a car to pass went over a bit too far sliding into the ditch so we offered them our assistance and before long we were all on our way. We eventually made it to the camp site at Waikaremoana late in the afternoon and startled the bunnies, perhaps a sign of things to come. We unpacked over a quiet beer welcoming the others as they arrived. Les and Gregor demonstrated how to pack their kayaks for those of us new to multi day overnight missions. Day 1 (Easter Friday) - Waikaremoana to Waiopaoa Hut The plan was to be on the water at 9:30am so after a final shower and a quick breakfast it was down to the water with plenty of time to pack. It doesn't ...
More About: Kayak , 2008

Leitch's Clearing
2008-03-14 19:02:00
I've never walked in this area before or really knew about it so it was a nice to visit somewhere different. It's an easy overnight walk only 3hrs each way so you really spend more time in the car from Auckland than actually walking but worth it all the same. The track starts off at the back of Pio Pio just to the West of Te Kuiti in the Whareorino Forest on the way to New Plymouth. A gentle uphill starts the walk followed by about an hour flat then a gentle hour down into and across Leitch's Clearing . It's a nice piece of bush with some streams but no major features like waterfalls. The area is also home to a couple of native frog species. Walking across the clearing to the South we came across the hut hidden in amongst the trees located in a beautiful little spot complete with a river and hills all around. Mr Sam Leitch originally bought the land because he thought it would be a bustling little centre between three towns. This never happened and DOC now administers this pi...

Flight of the Conchords
2008-03-02 09:14:00
Some how, some place HBO in American loved the Wellingtonian comedy duo of Bret and Jemaine (aka Flight of the Conchords) they decided to turn it into a TV series. It's the story of a struggling band trying to make their way in New York full of dry kiwi humour. Intermixed with the stories are segments based on popular music videos from years gone by including if I'm not mistaken the Pet Shop Boys as well as rappers, raster's and even possibly Devo. Anyway, here is a sample clip of their song Business Time to get you in the mood. Oh and a thank you must go out to Prime TV in New Zealand for not only airing it after TVNZ opted out but for repeating it so I can catch up. Bring on series two!
More About: Flight of the Conchords

Burial or Cremation?
2008-03-01 09:27:00
Warning: Some of this post may conjure up graphic images. As a youngan I used to deliver circulars (aka Junk Mail) for a bit of extra cash. One of the houses had the word Death written on the letter box. Later I worked out this was pronounced De Ath. What has this got to do about my travels in the Netherlands? I don't know but its certainly a more religious country than NZ. The question arose one day Burial or Cremation? The answers I'm sure vary greatly depending upon your religious beliefs, the impact on the environment and a number of other factors. Whilst staying with a friend in London a few years back he comment that they may be doing "double-decker" burials at the local graveyard soon. I certainly didn't think would happen but many city graveyards are simply running out of space. It was only in 1963 The Pope lifted the ban on cremation however some cultures have bans on burial. Some believe the body is just a vessel for the soul and the body has no use after ...

Whirinaki - Auckland Anniversary 2008
2008-02-03 10:07:00
Day 1 - Road End to Central Whirinaki Hut (6hrs) This is one of my favourite areas for tramping in New Zealand which forms part of the Te Urewera National Park. We managed to make good time making it into the forest and to the Whirinaki Falls for a spot of lunch. Here we bumped into a group from the Waikato tramping club who turned out to be our companions for the rest of the weekend. The rest of the day was easy walking and we made it to the Central Whirinaki hut with plenty of daylight and setup out tents in such a way the snorers were at a safe distance. As evening approached we were unable to locate any native Whio (Blue Duck) as we have seen on previous visits. Unfortunately Ish managed to get some stubborn substance in his eye that wouldn't budge no matter what we tried. Emptying our bladders (the drinking kind) into his eye. In the dead of night we were awoken with a loud crashing like a cliff over the river collapsed. In was only in the morning we were to discov...
More About: Anniversary , Auckland , 2008

Not the Nine O'clock News
2007-12-10 01:05:00
For your viewing pleasure here are a couple of my favourite clips from the old show. Gerald the Gorilla Darts Sketch
More About: News

Mt Pirongia Tramp 2007
2007-11-23 01:10:00
Mt Pirongia is the main landscape feature just to the west of Hamilton. It's very close to Auckland but seems almost forgotten. Mike, Regina and I headed down on the Saturday morning and planned to spend the night at the hut as always taking tents just in case all 6 bunks were full. On a previous visit we thought we had taken the wrong track as it was quite rugged and took under longer than expected. With this in mind I checked all the signs and times and we set off up the Mahaukura track. It was an overcast day with the cloud trapping in the heat so it was going to be a sweaty one. Shortly after starting the walk I had a nagging feeling my car was unlocked and the feeling didn't fade so after running back to check I discovered I had made the right call, locked my car and returned to the others. Not long after we discovered we were on the correct track the previous trip mostly following a ridge line and using the roots of plants to assist. It took us the planned 6hrs with nume...

Interesting facts about New Zealand
2007-11-14 01:08:00
Lake Taupo, the big lake in the middle of Zealand 's North Island is the worlds largest volcanic crater. If you were to lay New Zealand on a map of Europe, Invergagill would be about Zurich in Switzerland and Cape Reinga would be 300kms into Africa. Famous New Zealander's include Sir Edmund Hillary who was the first person to climb Mount Everest and Ernest Rutherford who was the first to split the atom and of course the first person to fly Richard Pearse. In 1987 New Zealand became a nuclear-free country free from nuclear weapons and power. Of course this meant the US Government downgraded us from a ally to a friend (C'est la vie). The Kiwifruit unlike the Kiwi (confused by European's as the fruit rather than the bird or person) was imported from China. When I was young this was called the Chinese Gooseberry. Some of the more interesting New Zealand inventions include the Tranquilliser Dart Gun, Milking Machines and Ear tags for farming, Bungy Jumping, Blokart...
More About: Interesting , Facts

Te Henga (Bethelle's) Walk 2007
2007-10-28 01:04:00
After Holland its straight back in the bush, well sort of... Auckland is one of the narrowest points of New Zealand nestled between the Tasman sea, Pacific Ocean and home to three large harbours. The east coast is littered with sheltered white sandy beaches where as the west coast is a lot more rugged with its black sand large surf. The walk follows an established and marked route from the top of the cliffs and Murawhai and takes you North along the cliff tops to Bethelle's beach. All in all its not a long walk and the sea breeze certainly keeps you cool as there's almost no shelter from the sun along the walk. Wear sunscreen. It takes about 3-4 hrs each way but we cheated and parked cars at both ends but in some ways you spend more time doing this that walking. We finished the day a picnic dinner to watch the sun go down at the lake behind Bethelle's beach. All in all, it was a great day except for a bit of car sickness on the windy roads.
More About: Walk

Whilst in Holland...
2007-10-26 23:58:00
Two guests came to stay from New Zealand (not that I expected everyone to come over). 5831 photos taken which in a 2 hour sideshow would mean less that one a second. Two others deserted New Zealand indefinitely. My brother Rob and Stanley a good friend and Salsa instructor. Visited seven other counties (Belgium, Germany, Turkey, UK, Czech Republic, Guernsey and Slovenia). 8 babies born. Congratulations to the parents Matt & Belinda, Rob Hogan & Barbara, Norman & Victoria, Simon & Sandra, Simon & Cara, Kelly & Fiona, Sean & Tracy, Craig & Heleen and another 3 on the way that I know of. 5 weddings of which I was able to attend a couple in Holland . Congratulations Corine & Hubert, Ginny & Nick, Vicki & Rodney, Geoff & Leigh, Brent & Mary and couple more scheduled. 3 people have passed away including my May Sampson my New Zealand grandmother. ...and for the blog... I've posted 39 blog entries but...

Likes and dislikes of living in Holland
2007-10-17 23:58:00
After 7 months living in Holland where is what I have enjoyed the most: Living with Renate of course but that is the point. No rush hour. Ok so this isn't a Dutch thing but I can wake up in the morning and be working at 7:30 without sitting in a car for 30-45 minutes. Biking pretty much everywhere. The movies, shopping for groceries, going to friends houses or even the forest. Different foods. Lots more interesting types of food to try both at the supermarket and dining our or at friends places. Fresh figs aren't $2.50. Being so close to everywhere else in Europe. Weekend trips to other countries. Meeting new people Learning all the subtle cultural differences (some not to subtle). I even went to a ballet :-) The great selection of beers on offer and of course better access to South African wines. Lack of chain stores - You can go to 20 towns and except for the supermarkets all the small shops are unique (unlike the malls in NZ). Terraces - ...

Likes and dislikes of living in Holland
2007-10-17 23:58:00
After 7 months living in Holland where is what I ave enjoyed the most: Living with Renate of course but that is the point. No rush hour. Ok so this isn't a Dutch thing but I can wake up in the morning and be working at 7:30 without sitting in a car for 30-45 minutes. Biking pretty much everywhere. The movies, shopping for groceries, going to friends houses or even the forest. Different foods. Lots more interesting types of food to try both at the supermarket and dining our or at friends places. Fresh figs aren't $2.50. Being so close to everywhere else in Europe. Weekend trips to other countries. Meeting new people Learning all the subtle cultural differences (some not to subtle). I even went to a ballet :-) The great selection of beers on offer and of course better access to South African wines. Lack of chain stores - You can go to 20 towns and except for the supermarkets all the small shops are unique (unlike the malls in NZ). Terraces - T...

Saturday morning soccer
2007-10-05 23:58:00
Just around the corner is the local soccer club NEC whose colours are black, green and red. Every time I go through the park and they are practicing or playing it reminds me of my soccer days. Wind the clock back quite a few years and on Saturday mornings we would get up early, suit up in our outfits, shiny clean boots and the all important shin pads. Rain, shine or hail, mum and dad used to take us boys off to our different games which must have been difficult (3 boys and 2 parents). They would stand at the side lines for more than an hour and a half as we warmed up and then played. If it was our turn we would bring along oranges for half time. My team was East Coast Bays but my brother Nick and I also teamed up in the 2nd 11 for Rangitoto College. Go East Coast Bays! The Dutch are soccer mad in the same way as the British and in my reckoning the biggest sport in Holland as it in in New Zealand (if you're under the age of 16). Even kids as old as 5 can kick the ball bett...
More About: Soccer , Morning

Camping on Vlieland in Holland
2007-09-30 23:57:00
It's the end of summer here so the crowds are gone leaving the camp sites empty. Renate's parents were at the end of their 3 week holiday on Vlieland so we decided to join them for a weekend. It was such as good idea that Renate's sisters both came along as well with their respective friends/partners. I've been here before but its nice to be back in the place where Renate and her family spent many years for their summer holidays. It's difficult to describe as its more of a feeling but the words baron and wild come to mind. Vlieland is one of the Islands just off the North coast of Holland . Although there are cars on the island they are just for the locals so you need to carry everything you need. After departing the ferry we balanced the tents and bags on the back of bikes and walked them to the camp but a horse and cart is also available. The tents all have the same sturdy construction designed to take the wind and their sandy colour allows them to blend into the sand dun...
More About: Camping

Camping on Vieland in Holland
2007-09-30 23:57:00
It's the end of summer here so the crowds are gone leaving the camp sites empty. Renate's parents were at the end of their 3 week holiday on Vieland so we decided to join them for a weekend. It was such as good idea that Renate's sister both came along as well with their respective friends/partners. I've been here before but its nice to be back in the place where Renate and her family spent many years for their summer holidays. It's difficult to describe as its more of a feeling but the words baron and wild come to mind. Vieland is one of the Islands just off the North coast of Holland . Although there are cars on the island they are just for the locals so you need to carry everything you need. After departing the ferry we balanced the tents and bags on the back of bikes and walked them to the camp but a horse and cart is also available. The tents all have the same sturdy construction designed to take the wind and their sandy colour allows them to blend into the sand dunes....
More About: Camping

Garbage in, garbage out
2007-09-28 23:56:00
Don't you hate it when you are in the supermarket and in a split second before you can say "no bags please" they have your bags wrapped inside other bags inside other bags and only put a couple of items in each bag? Sometimes I feel like I come home with more plastic than I do product! I try to recycle as much as possible at home however I feel like we can always do more. In Europe this is this is almost a reality with everyone brining their own bags which has started to take off in New Zealand. In Germany I believe if you need something from the deli you just bring your container and get them to fill it for you. Cool huh. The only exception to this phenomenon has been in New Zealand news recently and that's the one of "food will kill you, you will die" and it needs to be hygienically sealed before hitting the shelves. What ever happed to safe cooking? Except for a few fruit and vege everything in Europe is wrapped. The supermarkets play their party too hos...
More About: Garbage

Winter is coming
2007-09-24 21:11:00
A little over a week ago I looked outside and and there in the middle of the greenery there was a patch of orange. With summer officially over we are into Autumn and the trees are very quickly preparing for hibernation. Even though we have been blessed with clear skies the temperature rarely gets above 18 degrees. In the sun it is warm but the the shadows are cold. Everyone is now dressing in their winter clothes with big coats and scarf's but its not actually that cold.... yet. It's strange to think that if I was in New Zealand I would probably be on a mountain skiing in similar conditions. Perhaps in a t-shirt in September. Update: Autumn has struck with a vengeance. A couple of weeks later and the days are misty, the roads are covered with leaves and the trees presenting with a colourful display or gold and orange.
More About: Winter

Snake in the Grass
2007-09-23 10:40:00
Yesterday whilst we were riding in the forest I saw my first real live snake that wasn't in captivity. I've seen plenty of creepy crawlies over the years in various countries but never a snake even in Australia. Anyway, it turned out this little fellow is the stock standard Grass Snake ("Ringslang" in Dutch) identifiable from its distinct yellow/black neck markings. It was actually pretty cute measuring about a metre long but only about 15mm at its widest point and it was curled up like snakes do. I found it in the middle of the road so herded it to safety with my bike safe to live another day. Updated: I remembered I have seen a sea snake in Fiji too.
More About: The G

Op je fiets (On your bike)
2007-09-15 10:40:00
The entire time I've been living here we have only used the car once to go somewhere local. Hey it was a rainy night and we felt like curries (Mmmm, oh how we miss Sages). We literally go everywhere by bike and why not? The steepest street is up a bridge over the river. Fietspaden (cycle ways) are footpaths especially for bikes and scooters. At major intersections they have their own traffic lights but normally bikes have the right of way. This is pretty scary at first deliberately biking into the path of an oncoming car but they stop. Glad I'm not coming from Holland to New Zealand. Nijmegen is a student town so there are a lot of young people but its also home to many older people and disabled (I can't remember the current politically correct term). They are just as quick on the fietspaden with their supercharged mobility scooters. Maybe Top Gear should do an episode of them. I wonder how many scooter vs. car accidents there are. The local constabulary often patrol the stre...
More About: Bike

More articles from this author:
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