Tane Mahuta

Saturday we left Piahia and traveled back down to Auckland after a fantastic NYE adventure. On route we had a few fun stops to complete.  First on the agenda was the Waitangi Treaty Visitor's Centre. This is where they signed the Treaty and has such sites as the symbolic flag mast and the Treaty House. And of course a magnificent view.


Here we learned even more about the Treaty and filled in some knowledge about pre-settler New Zealand. Basically from about late 1700's, ships would arrive at New Zealand and they would step ashore. Many we're killed by the Maori because they were white demons. But still they came in their droves and Maori allowed some peaceful settlers but would take drastic violent action against any disrespect. They were very much in control.

Slowly the island started to fill up with settlers from the UK and its Empire. The Maori became strangers in their own home and there much in fighting. I think they were quite scared of the changing times and the technology (such as guns and battleships) of the UK. Not only that, they were also scared of other colonial powers. France was sniffing around the shore and the forward thinking influential chiefs knew they would not be able to protect their land alone. That's why some asked for protection by Empire. Some chiefs hated it but on the eve of the Treaty they were persuaded by their peers. I quoted Article 2. Here's Article 3:

"In consideration thereof Her Majesty the Queen of England extends to the Natives of New Zealand Her royal protection and imparts to them all the Rights and Privileges of British Subjects."

I still think that the UK was extremely manipulative and kept the true meaning of Article 2 private from the Maori who thought they had comprised but still had integrity.

But any how, the museum was very interesting and the grounds were beautiful. Since around 1940, 100 years since the treaty, relations between the settlers and Maori had soften and there was a big drive in gifts and public displays of unity. A lot of these gifts are here at the grounds such as a huge canoe and a Maori house.

Also, found an interesting fact out about the Maori Warrior tattoos. They used to cut the face tattoos into their skin with a knife. Then they were permanently scarred. How hard were they?!

So, we moved on to our next stop: A chocolate factory and a bakery! Not a totally seamless transition but still very pleasant. After a nice lunch, we then drove on to the Kauri forest on the west coast. We had an unexpected stop at Omapere. We pulled into a scenic lookout and had a breather. The sites were unbelievable. New Zealand is epic. The scenery is amazing.  You can see where the massive water inlet meets the sea.

Eventually, we got to the Kauri Forrest. Here there is the second biggest tree in the world: Tane Mahuta. One thing my Ame loves, is a tree and so she was very much taken in by its beauty. It's over 2000 years old. I really is a bit of a perspective maker really. Makes you feel a bit small...

Finally, we returned to Auckland and this time we were staying in the Takapuna Beach Resort in a self-catering little caravan! We loved our little yellow caravan and its 1940 charm... That evening we went out for one final dinner with the Munnoch and Barrett lot which was really nice. We have a day off lined up for Sunday to do some planning for our next big adventures...