New Zealand April 22nd. Settling in to Turangi

We have had a relatively quiet day today.

We started with breakfast sausage sizzle with the other guests here. This gave us a chance to hear about some of the activities available in the area and to get a bit of a feel for the place.

We decided to visit the information centre and equip ourselves with some more knowledge,  and made a few decisions about what we wanted to do in the coming week. Time will tell how many of them come to fruition.

It was a beautiful gentle sunny day with only a light cool breeze-perfect for being outside.

We tried out my ankle with a casual 5km amble along the river (well, you couldn't see the river for quite a lot of the time, although you could still hear it roaring along at an impressive speed. The loop walk took us down over a suspension bridge (always good fun) and past a good number of trout fishers using rod and fly and doing it the traditional way (the only way allowed on this part of the river).

It was a pretty scenic view when we got one, and the canoists who came past were moving at a very good pace... the most challenge seemed to be to stay upright. (No paddling required)

The path varied, but was mostly like this-a good flat surface (even when climbing and falling ) and high growth on either side.  Every now and then a narrow track could be seen heading down to the river.

This suspension bridge marked the turning point for us.  We hung around (!) And watched a local fly fisher and a group of 3 kayakers doing their thing on the fast flowing water.

The red of the flower against the bush was lovely

Our long range view of the top bridge which we were heading for from the highest point of the walk.

Looking in the other direction. The river splits in two with a forested island in the centre.

Popular fly fishing spot.-how many can you see?

Our path was up there above those high cliffs.   See the obligatory fisherman?

The leaves are just starting to turn.  It will be a real picture in a month or two with the wide variety of trees and blend of evergreens and deciduous.