New Zealand bush and farm

So I haven't provided much history of New Zealand, so I'll take a breif moment. It is an island settled by British colonists in the 1800's. It was settled a couple hundred years before by people from Hawaii now known as the Mauri [mauw-ri]. New Zealand is divided up into regions and we are spending a majority of our time in the Wiararapa [wi-ra-rap-a]. In the Wiararapa, the Mauri and settlers have always had good relations, making this a fairly peaceful region in terms of politics.

Yesterday, we explored some of the last remaining native bush of New Zealand. Colin told us only 2% of the island remains in its natural state, though the Wiararapa is working hard to encourage regeneration. We drove to the Waiohine [wi-o-heen-ee] Gorge where we walked across a very scary swing bridge. From here we were able to hike through the bush, which I was surprised to find is actually a sub-tropical rain forest. It reminded me a lot of what I saw in the Amazon in Ecuador, though with different varieties of plants and much cooler temperatures. It was chilly and those who had hats and gloves hiked with them. It was all very beautiful. On our way to our next hiking point we stopped at a few local craftsmen shops: a carpenter and potter. All of the work was beautiful and I wish I had the money and space for a rocking chair or set of ceramic dishes. I did find one piece at the potter that I don't believe I will be able to live without...but no progress on the purchase yet [check out the picture below], lol. Our next hike was at Holdsworth and it was similar to our earlier hike in the bush. The evening was filled with our family-style dinner and class.

Today we were able to meet one of Brian's old friends named Barry. Barry is a fourth generation farmer here in New Zealand. His family was one of five to first settle this part of the Wiararapa in th 1850's. The farm stead we visited still has the original house built, though they are currently working to restore it. Barry leases three quarters of his farm now and only holds 170 acres or so for his small-ish heards of sheep and cattle. He talked a lot today about the changes experienced by the sheep industry in the last decade and how many sheep farms are going under. We watched as he fed his cattle, walked around a patch of native bush perserved on the farm, and took turns driving the 4-wheeler up to his new house where we ate our packed lunches. We will see Barry again soon. Our afternoon was spent touring vineyards [New Zealand is wine country after all]. We stopped at 4 different vineyards and tried their various wines. Some were very good and others very different. It was overall a very enjoyable afternoon topped off with a visit to a local chocolate shop. This shop had tons of different chocolate flavors including sea salt [my fav], chili lime, rose, and so many others. We bought 6 different bars to try at dessert this evening...I'm excited :).

Tomorrow we are meeting with Mauri people to tour thier traditional meeting house and Friday is a day to be spend exploring the very inviting downtown area of Masterton. I'll update you soon!

Native bush in the Wiararapa

My boot and a river below as I walk across a swinging bridge.

The swinging bridge we walked across...fun, but scary.

A creek running through the bush.

View from the hiking trail.

Mountains in the morning fog.

Landscape from the car.

Local potter's work.

A piece by the potter that I decided I need. 450 New Zealand dollars and it's mine [take note dad/mom/andrew :)]

Plants growing on a tree in the bush.

Taryn and I in the bush.

Cattle on Barry's farm.

The entrance to the farm stead and the front of the old farm house.

Barry with his sheep.

In Carlton there was a Kansas Street!