Ruakuri Cave

Ruakuri Cave is one of two well-known tourist attractions in the Waitomo area (the other being the Aranui Cave).

According to the Waitomo website, Ruakuri Cave was discovered by the local Maori about 400-500 years ago. Key features of the cave include the spectacular spiral walkway leading down into the cave, limestone formations and Waitomo's biggest attraction, the glowworms.

The photo here shows a small group of visitors being escorted through one of Ruakuri's many attractive spots.

Location: Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand. [Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre: S38 15.654 E175 06.540]

PhotoID: B_20110318_29377

Breakfast with Birds

Al shares the last bits of bread with friendly ducks and gulls on the shore of Lake Taupo. A little sparrow decided to tag along (far right). Not seen in the picture was a pigeon.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand. [S38 41.282 E176 03.899]

PhotoID: B_20110318_29357

The Painted Sunset

Sunset over Lake Taupo. (HDR processed)

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 41.393 E176 04.146]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29350

Taupo Moon

The moon rises over Taupo.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand. [S38 41.3150 E176 03.9890]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29347

Ernest Kemp

The steamboat Ernest Kemp putters home to the harbour in Taupo, New Zealand.

Richard Moore has a really neat write-up about this classic steamboat at Tiki Touring

Location: Taupo, New Zealand. [S38 41.3150 E176 03.9890]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29345

Done For The Day

Water scooters parked by a jetty. I guess they've had enough fun for the day and have retired to rest as the sun sets over Lake Taupo.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand. [S38 41.241 E176 03.862]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29344

Paddlin'

A duck paddles along peacefully while the sun slowly sets over Lake Taupo.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 41.269 E176 03.859]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29343

Taupo Harbour

Taupo Harbour at the mouth of the Waikato River.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 41.209 E176 03.893]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29330

Whitney

A small dedication to Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012). The photo is of Whitney's debut album in 1985.

To my family, she will always be the Girl with the Golden Voice.

PhotoID: B_20120212_30082

Duckies

Ducks commonly seen along Lake Taupo.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 41.330 E176 04.032]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29324

Taupo Black-Bill

Black-billed gulls along Lake Taupo, near Ruapehu Street.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 41.464 E176 04.275]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29314

Landscape Shooting

A view inland from the shore of Five Mile Bayhand.

Location: Five Mile Bay, Taupo, New Zealand [S38 44.735 E176 04.131]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29301

A Handful of Pebbles

A handful of pebbles from Five Mile Bay (two handfuls if your palms are small).

Note: None of the pebbles were harmed or removed from the beach.

Location: Five Mile Bay, Taupo, New Zealand [S38 44.735 E176 04.131]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29289

Girl on Pebbly Beach

On the Five Mile Bay beach, south of Taupo, New Zealand.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 44.735 E176 04.131]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29283

Lone Tree on the Five Mile

View of Five Mile Bay from Ernest Kemp Rise.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 44.311 E176 04.233]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29281

Five Mile Bay

View of Five Mile Bay from Ernest Kemp Rise.

Location: Taupo, New Zealand [S38 44.311 E176 04.233]

PhotoID: B_20110317_29279