Getting the Lay of the Land

We did a bit of exploring during our first weekend in New Zealand including a hike (or a "walk" in NZ terms) up Maungakakaramea - Maori for "Mountain of Coloured Earth." Thankfully, this beautiful spot is typically called Rainbow Mountain which rolls off the tongue a bit more easily. The easy climb treated us to a variety of geothermal evidence and yielded spectacular 360º views at the top. The vegetation was varied and dense. We were especially intrigued with the pictured colorful shoots that fall from trees. Where's Sarah Gates when you need her???