#coromandel — Public Fediverse posts

At the Te Puru boat launch ramp. #photography #aotearoa #coromandel #seagulls

Are you looking for a scenic drive in New Zealand? State Highway 25 around the #Coromandel Peninsula between Kopu and Whitianga is a winding two-lane road which in some areas narrows to a one-lane road. How did you like it? #NewZealand https://backpackandsnorkel.com/Hahei/#introduction

#ZeroWasteAotearoa - Mine #EWaste for #gold, not beautiful landscapes

February 16, 2026

​"As a fast-track consent is sought for a major gold mine in #CentralOtago and another has already been granted in #Coromandel, #ZeroWaste #Aotearoa is calling upon the government to mine #ElectronicWaste, not beautiful landscapes, for gold and other precious metals.

"E-waste contains a significant concentration of gold, with one metric tonne of electronic waste containing up to 800 times more gold than a tonne of mined ore. While precious metals (including gold, silver, copper) make up approximately 60% of the composition of some e-waste, gold specifically is highly concentrated, with a single tonne of circuit boards containing roughly 39 grams of gold.

"#NewZealand currently generates 99,000 tonnes of e-waste every single year. Approximately 98 percent ends up in landfill or is disposed of illegally, according to the Ministry for the Environment.

" 'At present the voluntary product stewardship scheme means that we have one of the lowest rates of e-waste recovery in the world. We are literally throwing gold away into landfills while proposing to dig it up elsewhere in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. It is the height of madness,' says Sue Coutts of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

" 'Like many people across the country, we are gravely concerned about the environmental impact of gold mining. We think that there are much better ways to get these valuable resources – and ensure that they stay in circulation forever, not dumped in landfills.'

" 'The World Gold Council says that only 7% of gold is used in tech but 27% of worldwide gold production is already from recycling. This is more than 4 times what we need for tech – there is no valid reason to dig up any more of our precious #ecosystems.'

" '#ProductStewardship would create a pathway for a new industry: one built on resource recovery of valuable materials and a #CircularEconomy.

"NZ company #MINTInnovation relocated to #Sydney because they could tap into flows of e-waste from extended producer responsibility schemes that collect electronic waste in #Australia .

"They chose not to invest in NZ because there is no regulated e-waste scheme here. That’s $60m in turnover that will be dropping into the Australian economy every year instead of ours.

"E-waste was declared a priority product in June 2020 requiring the establishment of a regulated product stewardship scheme under the #WasteMinimisationAct. Yet six years on, a mandatory scheme is not in place and no further work is being done.

"Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. E-waste is a rich source of precious metals and #RareEarth elements, including gold, #silver, #platinum, and #palladium, used in #CircuitBoards and components."

Source:
https://zerowaste.co.nz/media-statement-mine-e-waste-for-gold-not-beautiful-landscapes/

#SolarPunkSunday #NoGoldMining #EWasteRecycling #MetalsExtraction #Electronics

#ZeroWasteAotearoa - Mine #EWaste for #gold, not beautiful landscapes

February 16, 2026

​"As a fast-track consent is sought for a major gold mine in #CentralOtago and another has already been granted in #Coromandel, #ZeroWaste #Aotearoa is calling upon the government to mine #ElectronicWaste, not beautiful landscapes, for gold and other precious metals.

"E-waste contains a significant concentration of gold, with one metric tonne of electronic waste containing up to 800 times more gold than a tonne of mined ore. While precious metals (including gold, silver, copper) make up approximately 60% of the composition of some e-waste, gold specifically is highly concentrated, with a single tonne of circuit boards containing roughly 39 grams of gold.

"#NewZealand currently generates 99,000 tonnes of e-waste every single year. Approximately 98 percent ends up in landfill or is disposed of illegally, according to the Ministry for the Environment.

" 'At present the voluntary product stewardship scheme means that we have one of the lowest rates of e-waste recovery in the world. We are literally throwing gold away into landfills while proposing to dig it up elsewhere in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. It is the height of madness,' says Sue Coutts of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

" 'Like many people across the country, we are gravely concerned about the environmental impact of gold mining. We think that there are much better ways to get these valuable resources – and ensure that they stay in circulation forever, not dumped in landfills.'

" 'The World Gold Council says that only 7% of gold is used in tech but 27% of worldwide gold production is already from recycling. This is more than 4 times what we need for tech – there is no valid reason to dig up any more of our precious #ecosystems.'

" '#ProductStewardship would create a pathway for a new industry: one built on resource recovery of valuable materials and a #CircularEconomy.

"NZ company #MINTInnovation relocated to #Sydney because they could tap into flows of e-waste from extended producer responsibility schemes that collect electronic waste in #Australia .

"They chose not to invest in NZ because there is no regulated e-waste scheme here. That’s $60m in turnover that will be dropping into the Australian economy every year instead of ours.

"E-waste was declared a priority product in June 2020 requiring the establishment of a regulated product stewardship scheme under the #WasteMinimisationAct. Yet six years on, a mandatory scheme is not in place and no further work is being done.

"Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. E-waste is a rich source of precious metals and #RareEarth elements, including gold, #silver, #platinum, and #palladium, used in #CircuitBoards and components."

Source:
https://zerowaste.co.nz/media-statement-mine-e-waste-for-gold-not-beautiful-landscapes/

#SolarPunkSunday #NoGoldMining #EWasteRecycling #MetalsExtraction #Electronics

#ZeroWasteAotearoa - Mine #EWaste for #gold, not beautiful landscapes

February 16, 2026

​"As a fast-track consent is sought for a major gold mine in #CentralOtago and another has already been granted in #Coromandel, #ZeroWaste #Aotearoa is calling upon the government to mine #ElectronicWaste, not beautiful landscapes, for gold and other precious metals.

"E-waste contains a significant concentration of gold, with one metric tonne of electronic waste containing up to 800 times more gold than a tonne of mined ore. While precious metals (including gold, silver, copper) make up approximately 60% of the composition of some e-waste, gold specifically is highly concentrated, with a single tonne of circuit boards containing roughly 39 grams of gold.

"#NewZealand currently generates 99,000 tonnes of e-waste every single year. Approximately 98 percent ends up in landfill or is disposed of illegally, according to the Ministry for the Environment.

" 'At present the voluntary product stewardship scheme means that we have one of the lowest rates of e-waste recovery in the world. We are literally throwing gold away into landfills while proposing to dig it up elsewhere in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. It is the height of madness,' says Sue Coutts of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

" 'Like many people across the country, we are gravely concerned about the environmental impact of gold mining. We think that there are much better ways to get these valuable resources – and ensure that they stay in circulation forever, not dumped in landfills.'

" 'The World Gold Council says that only 7% of gold is used in tech but 27% of worldwide gold production is already from recycling. This is more than 4 times what we need for tech – there is no valid reason to dig up any more of our precious #ecosystems.'

" '#ProductStewardship would create a pathway for a new industry: one built on resource recovery of valuable materials and a #CircularEconomy.

"NZ company #MINTInnovation relocated to #Sydney because they could tap into flows of e-waste from extended producer responsibility schemes that collect electronic waste in #Australia .

"They chose not to invest in NZ because there is no regulated e-waste scheme here. That’s $60m in turnover that will be dropping into the Australian economy every year instead of ours.

"E-waste was declared a priority product in June 2020 requiring the establishment of a regulated product stewardship scheme under the #WasteMinimisationAct. Yet six years on, a mandatory scheme is not in place and no further work is being done.

"Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. E-waste is a rich source of precious metals and #RareEarth elements, including gold, #silver, #platinum, and #palladium, used in #CircuitBoards and components."

Source:
https://zerowaste.co.nz/media-statement-mine-e-waste-for-gold-not-beautiful-landscapes/

#SolarPunkSunday #NoGoldMining #EWasteRecycling #MetalsExtraction #Electronics

#ZeroWasteAotearoa - Mine #EWaste for #gold, not beautiful landscapes

February 16, 2026

​"As a fast-track consent is sought for a major gold mine in #CentralOtago and another has already been granted in #Coromandel, #ZeroWaste #Aotearoa is calling upon the government to mine #ElectronicWaste, not beautiful landscapes, for gold and other precious metals.

"E-waste contains a significant concentration of gold, with one metric tonne of electronic waste containing up to 800 times more gold than a tonne of mined ore. While precious metals (including gold, silver, copper) make up approximately 60% of the composition of some e-waste, gold specifically is highly concentrated, with a single tonne of circuit boards containing roughly 39 grams of gold.

"#NewZealand currently generates 99,000 tonnes of e-waste every single year. Approximately 98 percent ends up in landfill or is disposed of illegally, according to the Ministry for the Environment.

" 'At present the voluntary product stewardship scheme means that we have one of the lowest rates of e-waste recovery in the world. We are literally throwing gold away into landfills while proposing to dig it up elsewhere in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. It is the height of madness,' says Sue Coutts of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

" 'Like many people across the country, we are gravely concerned about the environmental impact of gold mining. We think that there are much better ways to get these valuable resources – and ensure that they stay in circulation forever, not dumped in landfills.'

" 'The World Gold Council says that only 7% of gold is used in tech but 27% of worldwide gold production is already from recycling. This is more than 4 times what we need for tech – there is no valid reason to dig up any more of our precious #ecosystems.'

" '#ProductStewardship would create a pathway for a new industry: one built on resource recovery of valuable materials and a #CircularEconomy.

"NZ company #MINTInnovation relocated to #Sydney because they could tap into flows of e-waste from extended producer responsibility schemes that collect electronic waste in #Australia .

"They chose not to invest in NZ because there is no regulated e-waste scheme here. That’s $60m in turnover that will be dropping into the Australian economy every year instead of ours.

"E-waste was declared a priority product in June 2020 requiring the establishment of a regulated product stewardship scheme under the #WasteMinimisationAct. Yet six years on, a mandatory scheme is not in place and no further work is being done.

"Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. E-waste is a rich source of precious metals and #RareEarth elements, including gold, #silver, #platinum, and #palladium, used in #CircuitBoards and components."

Source:
https://zerowaste.co.nz/media-statement-mine-e-waste-for-gold-not-beautiful-landscapes/

#SolarPunkSunday #NoGoldMining #EWasteRecycling #MetalsExtraction #Electronics

#ZeroWasteAotearoa - Mine #EWaste for #gold, not beautiful landscapes

February 16, 2026

​"As a fast-track consent is sought for a major gold mine in #CentralOtago and another has already been granted in #Coromandel, #ZeroWaste #Aotearoa is calling upon the government to mine #ElectronicWaste, not beautiful landscapes, for gold and other precious metals.

"E-waste contains a significant concentration of gold, with one metric tonne of electronic waste containing up to 800 times more gold than a tonne of mined ore. While precious metals (including gold, silver, copper) make up approximately 60% of the composition of some e-waste, gold specifically is highly concentrated, with a single tonne of circuit boards containing roughly 39 grams of gold.

"#NewZealand currently generates 99,000 tonnes of e-waste every single year. Approximately 98 percent ends up in landfill or is disposed of illegally, according to the Ministry for the Environment.

" 'At present the voluntary product stewardship scheme means that we have one of the lowest rates of e-waste recovery in the world. We are literally throwing gold away into landfills while proposing to dig it up elsewhere in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. It is the height of madness,' says Sue Coutts of Zero Waste Aotearoa.

" 'Like many people across the country, we are gravely concerned about the environmental impact of gold mining. We think that there are much better ways to get these valuable resources – and ensure that they stay in circulation forever, not dumped in landfills.'

" 'The World Gold Council says that only 7% of gold is used in tech but 27% of worldwide gold production is already from recycling. This is more than 4 times what we need for tech – there is no valid reason to dig up any more of our precious #ecosystems.'

" '#ProductStewardship would create a pathway for a new industry: one built on resource recovery of valuable materials and a #CircularEconomy.

"NZ company #MINTInnovation relocated to #Sydney because they could tap into flows of e-waste from extended producer responsibility schemes that collect electronic waste in #Australia .

"They chose not to invest in NZ because there is no regulated e-waste scheme here. That’s $60m in turnover that will be dropping into the Australian economy every year instead of ours.

"E-waste was declared a priority product in June 2020 requiring the establishment of a regulated product stewardship scheme under the #WasteMinimisationAct. Yet six years on, a mandatory scheme is not in place and no further work is being done.

"Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes discarded electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions. E-waste is a rich source of precious metals and #RareEarth elements, including gold, #silver, #platinum, and #palladium, used in #CircuitBoards and components."

Source:
https://zerowaste.co.nz/media-statement-mine-e-waste-for-gold-not-beautiful-landscapes/

#SolarPunkSunday #NoGoldMining #EWasteRecycling #MetalsExtraction #Electronics

A clump of native grasses at the side of the road on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand overlooking part of the Hauraki Gulf.
#photography #photo #NewZealand #NativeGrasses #Landscape #Coromandel

A clump of native grasses at the side of the road on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand overlooking part of the Hauraki Gulf.
#photography #photo #NewZealand #NativeGrasses #Landscape #Coromandel

A clump of native grasses at the side of the road on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand overlooking part of the Hauraki Gulf.
#photography #photo #NewZealand #NativeGrasses #Landscape #Coromandel

A clump of native grasses at the side of the road on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand overlooking part of the Hauraki Gulf.
#photography #photo #NewZealand #NativeGrasses #Landscape #Coromandel

A clump of native grasses at the side of the road on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand overlooking part of the Hauraki Gulf.
#photography #photo #NewZealand #NativeGrasses #Landscape #Coromandel

Not only did we find ourselves back in NZ, but back in a van—albeit for a short tour in North Island this time.

👀 More? See https://curiositydrive.org/2026/01/24/north-island-down-the-middle/

#auckland #camperVan #coromandel #hiking #manawatu #motorhome #nature #newZealand #nomad #northland #roadTrip #rv #travel #vanLife #waikato #wairarapa #wellington

Not only did we find ourselves back in NZ, but back in a van—albeit for a short tour in North Island this time.

👀 More? See https://curiositydrive.org/2026/01/24/north-island-down-the-middle/

#auckland #camperVan #coromandel #hiking #manawatu #motorhome #nature #newZealand #nomad #northland #roadTrip #rv #travel #vanLife #waikato #wairarapa #wellington

Not only did we find ourselves back in NZ, but back in a van—albeit for a short tour in North Island this time.

👀 More? See https://curiositydrive.org/2026/01/24/north-island-down-the-middle/

#auckland #camperVan #coromandel #hiking #manawatu #motorhome #nature #newZealand #nomad #northland #roadTrip #rv #travel #vanLife #waikato #wairarapa #wellington

Not only did we find ourselves back in NZ, but back in a van—albeit for a short tour in North Island this time.

👀 More? See https://curiositydrive.org/2026/01/24/north-island-down-the-middle/

#auckland #camperVan #coromandel #hiking #manawatu #motorhome #nature #newZealand #nomad #northland #roadTrip #rv #travel #vanLife #waikato #wairarapa #wellington

North Island down the middle

Not only did we find ourselves back in NZ, but back in a van—albeit for a short tour in North Island this time.

Coordinates

• Clevedon
• Wellington
• Miranda
• Thames
• Hahei
• Te Aroha
• Gordon
• Putāruru
• Waikite Valley
• Kerosene Creek
• Taupō
• Taihape
• Rangiwahia
• Āpiti
• Greytown
• Martinborough
• Riversdale Beach
• Carterton
• Pongaroa

Auckland

Smaller than our live-aboard 2022–24 home Curiosity, the family’s rejuvenated camper is an ex-rental KEA Nomad M700. A common sight on NZ roads, the 7m Sprinter conversion’s rear bed/ barn door combo offers up those archetypal morning views (📷1). From pitch at Ardmore Airfield we made our way to Pine Harbour, enjoying views to the volcanic Rangitoto Island (📷2). We continued along the Pōhutukawa Coast, via Ōmana and a very busy Maraetai, to Umupuia. When B grew up here the latter was known as Duders Beach; the family homestead is still nestled into the base of Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, now occupied by Duder Regional Park (📷3). On to Clevedon, location of B’s old primary school and scout den at Camp Sladdin. Behind the camp is Clevedon Scenic Reserve | Te Nīkau Pā; we combined the Tōtara and Puriri tracks for a 3km/ 1h loop via a lookout from which we could see central Auckland, the mouth of the Wairoa River and Hauraki Gulf (📷4), and the Hunua Ranges. The Puriri section is dubbed “Stairway to Heaven” after its almost 1,000 wooden steps.

The KEA Nomad M700: the family’s “new” used wheels

Key features:

• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314 CDI [3.5-ton weight class, 143 PS/ 105 kW power output, 2.1 L/ 2,143 cm3 OM651 4-cylinder common-rail direct-injection diesel]
• LWB [4,325 mm], built on the VS30 [3rd Gen] platform, model series BR907/ body variant W907 [panel/ crew van chassis]
• Rear wheel drive; 7-gear automatic transmission
• Dimensions: L 6,967 mm; W 2,345 mm; H 2,365 mm
• 3 belted seats; cab-only air con, cruise control
• XTRONS PX5 Android 8.0 head unit with Bluetooth and reversing camera display
• Tare 2,275 kg = unladen mass; GVM 3,490 kg = tare + payload (1,215 kg)
• Beds 1.91 x 1.78m rear + 1.75 x 0.66 m front
• Webasto Air Top 2000 STC diesel heater
• Sink; 3-burner gas hob; 2-burner slide-out BBQ; gas-fired Suburban water heater
• 130 L, 12 V compressor fridge
• 100 Ah deep cycle AGM house battery + solar panel & PWM solar charger
• Underslung tanks: 85 L fresh water; 104 L grey water
• Thetford C402 bench-type chemical toilet and shower/ handbasin
• Evoke DVB-T TV and Majestic radio/ CD player

🤔 Curiosity

Now for a brief insight into road trip sustenance (professional etiquette and dirty looks from S prohibit B from using the word “nutrition”). Two cups of fresh filter coffee for breakfast (📷1). What do you mean, you need solids? The ubiquitous Kiwi favourite, a savoury pie for lunch; this one is steak and cheese (📷2). Afternoon tea at the beach in the form of a Tip Top Jelly Tip ice cream (📷3)—although when B was a lad there was less tip but actual jelly! For dinner, fish and chips seemed like the perfect way to end a day on the road (📷4). Add in a Longest Drink in Town milkshake, because fish like to swim. The inevitable post-prandial slide from anticipation into regret is readily ameliorated with an alcoholic beverage of your choice.

Waikato

We called at Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve at Pūkorokoro | Miranda in the Firth of Thames, where intertidal mudflats attract Artic migrants in summer e.g. kuaka | bar-tailed godwit, seen here airborne together with NZ migrant tōrea | South Island pied oystercatcher (📷1). Another NZ migrant, this taranui | Caspian tern had a catch in its beak (📷2); we also saw year round residents e.g. tūturiwhatu | northern NZ dotterel and poaka | pied stilt. We drove on to Thames hoping for a bottle of colour-changing Awildian gin, but The Tasting Room were on summer break. Located on the gravel road over the Coromandel Range linking Tapu to Coroglen, Rapaura Watergardens were created in the early 1960s by a German family; they offer a 2km trail through manicured pond-side planting and regenerating native bush with cascades (📷3). A short drive east on the same road is a 175m DOC track to a ~1,200 year old “Square Kauri”, although the squarish trunk of this forest giant is hard to appreciate in a 2D photo (📷4). The tree’s viewing platform also looks out to Maumaupaki | Camels Back at 822m.

It’s nice revisiting a place and not having to do/ re-do the “main thing” that the masses have come for; we eschewed Cathedral Cove at Hahei. The Coromandel settlement’s long beach is a fine specimen, deservedly popular on a summer’s day (📷1). We followed the beach to its end at Wigmore Stream. The lookout at Hereheretaura Pā on Te Pare Point Historic Reserve, set upon high cliffs at the southern end of the beach, is only 20min from the end of Pa Rd (or wade the stream from the beach). The track itself affords elevated views over the length of Hahei Beach (📷2). From the lookout/ pā terraces on the point there are commanding views northeast beyond Mahurangi | Goat Island to the Mercury Islands (📷3), and southeast to the Alderman Islands (📷4). You can also see up the coast to the vicinity of Cathedral Cove, marked by associated water taxi, kayak and other seagoing traffic (📷5).

We’d never been to Te Aroha (in Māori “the love”). The township arose with the opening of goldfields in 1880, but when those failed it relied for a time on hot springs as a spa town. Visitors can still buy access to mineral pools; Mōkena Geyser was on an extended summer break. Like many NZ small towns, Te Aroha has seen better days, but a heritage trail explores noteworthy architectural remnants (📷1). In 27° we decided not to climb the Te Aroha peak looming over the town, highest in the Kaimai Range at 953m; we instead followed the inland flank of the range southeast. Wairere Falls near Gordon are North Island’s highest falls (153m tall) and had been on our point-of-interest list in 2022–24, but the track had closed due to rockfall risk. Sad to learn it was still closed, we wondered if the falls could be see from the road: indeed they can (📷2). The track is barricaded before reaching the viewing platforms, and thus delivers only a glimpse from closer by (📷3). However, on the return you can rest in the “International Seat of Peace”, installed by a local farmer to overlook “Paddock 66” and admire the farmscape beyond, including Te Tapui at 492m—around 22km distant to the west of Matamata (📷4). There’s also a swimming hole beneath the bridge, about 10min up the track.

Time for a short (adapted) story?

Once upon a time a boy and girl sought out the Waihou River—but it was too cold for a swim (and discouraged). Te Waihou Walkway (near Putāruru) from Whites Road car park is 4km one way on a well-made path, lined with the burgundy flowers of Himalayan honeysuckle, offering multiple views of the clear waters in which watercress and other aquatic plants sway (📷1). The 11° waters of the Te Puna | Blue Spring spend 50–100 years underground on their journey from the Mamaku Plateau, during which time aquifers filter out light-absorbing particles to imbue the pure water with its blue-green hue (📷2); it’s the source of 70% of NZ’s bottled water.

Grateful for having arrived at 0830h in the now overwhelmed car park, the pair moved on, taking the scenic route through the Waikite Valley to arrive at Waikite Hot Pools—but the water was too hot (and entry fee greater than five nights in an NZMCA Park). Fed by Te Manaroa Spring discharging ~40–50 L per second of almost boiling water (📷3), it needs cooling before bathing use.

Onward the couple went, until they came to Kerosene Creek (Hakereteke Stream) near Maunga Kākaramea. Here they sighed, as the water was just right. The access road was in poor condition, yet the reward… rarely do you lower yourself into a stream in nature slowly because it’s a tad too warm (📷4)!

Here’s a brief recording made in one of the hot pools within the creek:

Manawatū

Departing from pitch in a grey and damp Taupō we made use of a laundrette and observed the latest in gumboot fashion in Taihape before deviating east from SH1 onto the Manawatū Scenic Route—a winding drive through rugged farming country (📷1). We stopped to overlook the Ruahine Dress Circle, a papa formation on the Mangawharariki Stream, so named because it reminded early settlers of an opera house fixture (📷2). The small reserve here features a swimming hole at the base of a horse-tail waterfall (📷3). Just upstream layers of papa (“earth” in Māori, referring to soft blue-grey mudstone) have eroded differentially: undermining has resulted in a partially suspended section of faux stream bed (📷4).

We’re fond of Rangiwahia in northern Manawatū: this small farming community has a great park-over property (POP) with excellent amenities and local info. Rangiwahia Hut Track in the Ruahine Forest Park was on our list but missed last visit, due to bad weather. It begins at Renfrew Road end (drive through a couple of stock gates) and climbs 4.2km/ 2h to Rangiwahia Hut, offering clear views to Mount Ruapehu—almost 80km distant—even from the lower end (📷1). About 1.5km in, the hillside is predominantly endemic Pseudowintera colorata | mountain horopito | NZ pepper tree, a “pioneer plant” recognisable by red/ purple staining of leaf edges caused by anthocyanin pigments; polygodial is the chemical responsible for its peppery taste and behind Māori medicinal uses (antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory). Libocedrus bidwillii | pāhautea | mountain cedar, with reddish “flaky pastry” bark, is a threatened endemic tree readily observed here (📷2); as a resinous hardwood, its grey trunks (known as “snags” or “mountain ghosts”) remain standing for some time after death—also well seen on the track. We encountered several other endemics trackside, including the broad-leaved Cordyline indivisa | mountain cabbage tree (📷3); Celmisia spectabilis | cotton daisy (📷4); and Euphrasia cuneata | North Island eyebright (📷5).

Situated above the tree line and set at the edge of a tussock landscape, the present DOC hut at 1327m elevation on the Whanahuia Range (an outlying ridge of the greywacke Ruahine Range) replaces a shepherd’s hut linked to a ski slope established here in the 1930s. Out and back, including lunch at the hut, took us 4.5h:

Also on Renfrew Road, Rangiwahia, is the Ian McKean Pinetum, a 14ha family farm planted with one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest collections of conifers—300 species and 90 pines—including the rarest, largest, tallest and oldest varieties. You could visit purely for views to the cone of Mount Ruapehu if tree cones aren’t your thing.

Mangahuia Wetlands on Main South Road, Rangiwahia, are the result of Bourke’s Dam, established 1997. Parking is roadside but due to an adverse camber we walked back 500m. Clearly a project with potential, it had a somewhat neglected feel. Black swan were present and we were aggressively stalked by free-range chickens, one of whom was especially large with a high percentage of velociraptor DNA!

Limestone Creek Reserve Glow Worm Caves are east of Āpiti; roadside parking/ turning wasn’t ideal for a 7m van. This trail on private property wasn’t maintained and lacked waypoints; it involves several creek crossings. B slipped descending a muddy bank and ended up lying in the creek. Both phone and camera were submerged and the latter was taken out of action. We bailed after further trail finding woes and can’t recommend visiting.

Entry to all three sites is free.

Wellington

Back in the Eye of the Fish, the capital at the Edge of the World (if you know, you know). Hard to believe it’s 20 years since we came to live/ work in Wellington on sabbatical. Of course, it’s not quite as we remember. One can never truly “go back” to a place, for even if it had stood still, you’re no longer the same visitor. The iconic Chocolate Fish Cafe has gone and Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe is soon to close—the leases for both being terminated. An “absolutely positively” attitude isn’t enough to keep businesses afloat in the economic downturn locals tell us the city is experiencing (more so than the country as a whole). Te Papa kept us dry during a wet welcome (📷1). When the rain stopped we had a last beer at Leuven (📷2), then on to Wellington Seamarket (Cuba St) for the best crumbed tarakihi, followed by Kaffee Eis for tasty feijoa and black liquorice ice cream (📷3). An evening stroll along Oriental Parade helped it all settle (📷4).

Migration to New Zealand

An exhibit in Te Papa focussed on New Zealand’s migration history. The main movement of people from Asia into the Pacific took place around 3,500 to 3,000 years ago. This was followed by further colonisation of smaller and more remote islands. A small wave of people from the vicinity of the Society Islands in the eastern Pacific voyaged further south than ever before, and legend tells of Kuramārōtini, wife of Polynesian explorer Kupe, sighting land and exclaiming:

He ao, he ao, he ao tea, he ao tea roa! | A cloud, a cloud, a white cloud, a long white cloud!

Archeological, anthropological and genetic evidence suggests this southern colonisation voyage took place around the late 13th century—c.1250–1300 CE. These first migrants were the forebears of the Māori.

The next big wave of migration comprised “boatfuls of hopefuls” who arrived during the 1840–60s: some 40,000 people, who were mostly British. Their hopes centred on being able to buy land, and organisations like The New Zealand Company provided for their passage to incentivise purchase of land at considerable profit (having themselves acquired it cheaply from Māori). By 1858 there were almost as many Europeans in New Zealand as there were Māori.

European numbers swelled via “chain migration”, whereby family and friends from the same areas followed in subsequent sailings (as per the Highland Scots “Waipū Migration”). Passage was typically uncomfortable, with most accommodated in “steerage class” (dark bunk rooms, left to their own devices) rather than “intermediate class” (small cabin, some luxuries) or “cabin class” (best cabins, with attendants). Thus, many New Zealanders can trace their descent via these 19th C. “chain migrants” from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Imagine, off the back of a rough trip, arriving on far-flung and foreign shores. In 1853 Henry Sewell, a migrant from England, recorded his observations:

Everything very strange. I can hardly tell what my first impressions were. I think the main idea was of newness and unfinishedness—every thing appearing as if done yesterday in a great hurry

🤔 Curiosity

We’ve probably visited Zealandia, a predator-free ecosanctuary in Wellington’s Karori suburb, every time we’ve come to Welly. But never have we seen so many tuatara out of their burrows at once (📷1). This endemic reptile (Sphenodon punctatus) is the only surviving species from an order that thrived 200,000,000 years ago; we had the luck to meet one outside of the enclosure and get eye-to-eye with this living relic (📷2). Kākā | Nestor meridionalis is a large endangered parrot readily seen in the skies and around feeders here (📷3). Tūī | Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae may not rival kākā for size despite being one of the largest Australasian honeyeaters (📷4), but they sure do give NZ’s only other endemic honeyeater, the korimako | bellbird | Anthornis melanura—also seen and heard here (📷5)—stiff competition as bush song meister.

Water birds are present at Zealandia too, as there are a couple of reservoirs within the sanctuary. Examples are the kāruhiruhi | pied shag | Phalacrocorax varius, a.k.a. Australian pied cormorant (📷1) and papango | NZ scaup | Aythya novaeseelandiae, a species of diving duck (📷2). On the forest paths, do look up! The endemic North Island robin | Petroica longipes (📷3) diverged from its South Island cousin before the Pleistocene, according to DNA analyses. Just as we’d given up on getting a good look at a North Island saddleback | Philesturnus rufusater, having heard the distinctive cackle of several, one obliged with a brief appearance (📷4).

Wait, bird photos? How? Despite the creek dunking the Canon EOS R7 took and visible water residue inside the lens, it seems to be (mostly) working again!

Wairarapa

The long weekend (due to Wellington Anniversary Day) got off to a windy and wet start; our empathy went to the tent campers beside us at Kaitoke Regional Park (📷1). Crossing the Remutaka Range into the Wairarapa, we wandered bustling Greytown and a relatively subdued Martinborough (📷2) before making for the freedom camp at Lake Domain, on the northern shore of Wairarapa Moana Wetland. After a quiet night (deliberately parking nose into the wind) we called in for treats at Carterton’s deservedly popular Clareville Bakery (📷3), to enjoy later with coffee after a walk/ sandblasting on Riversdale Beach (📷4). At the beach’s northern end we encountered terns, oystercatchers, dotterels, pied stilts and fur seals; the Castlepoint headland loomed on the hazy horizon.

A damp ending

In February 2023 we were working our way north from the Wairarapa into the eastern Manawatū when Cyclone Gabrielle came barrelling down the East Coast. We bailed on visiting Mangatiti Falls, instead bolting through the gap between the Tararua & Ruahine ranges to relative safety deep in the Whanganui. Three years later, Mangatiti Falls on the Aohanga River can still be accessed with permission via private farmland on Coast Road, Pongaroa. It’s a 1h winding drive in from SH2 just south of Mangatainoka, although sealed and in good condition. Phone farm owners Debbie and Marty in advance to arrange your visit; you’ll sign a waiver at the farmhouse, as this is a working stock farm (📷1). Indeed, we were mobbed by curious cattle and chose to yield ground (given a prior head-butting incident with a young bull), so viewed the falls from a distance (📷2&3). It is possible, however, to scramble down into their basin. There’s a freedom camp not 1km from the farm (Four Mile Bush Reserve).

We had planned to continue our return north via Hawke Bay, East Cape and the Bay of Plenty. With SH2 between Gisborne and Whakatāne already closed due to slips (campers were airlifted out) and red rain warnings for East Cape with its vulnerable coastal road, we took the same escape route as three years prior. With the Ruahine Range now on our starboard flank, we stopped for lunch at Stormy Point Lookout—overlooking one of the best-preserved sequences of river terraces in the world:

Our change of plan was prudent, as weather-related disasters unfolded along our intended route. Thus, we wrapped up our North Island tour early. Although we were fine, heavy rains caused problems that for some people go well beyond damage to the road network. It wouldn’t have felt right to tour into areas recently/ still affected by the storms, and we’d had our own (comparatively minor) issues with water. First, a leaking roof caused by a negligent reversing camera installation, and then an internal water leak. These things do happen in vans, but the fun had gone out of our tour, and we needed workshop time.

More adventures will follow: we’ll soon be trying out a 4WD camper in Australia. Meantime, our thoughts go out to those dealing with damage to their homes—or worse.

#2026 #auckland #camperVan #coromandel #hiking #manawatu #motorhome #nature #newZealand #nomad #northland #roadTrip #rv #travel #vanLife #waikato #wairarapa #wellington

It’s nice revisiting a place & not having to do/ re-do the “main thing” that the masses have come for; we eschewed Cathedral Cove at Hahei. The #Coromandel settlement’s long beach is a fine specimen, deservedly popular on a summer’s day (📷1). We followed the beach to its end at Wigmore Stream. The lookout at Hereheretaura Pā on Te Pare Point Historic Reserve, set upon high cliffs at the southern end of the beach, is only 20min from the end of Pa Rd (or wade the stream from the beach). The track itself affords elevated views over the length of Hahei Beach (📷2). From the lookout/ pā terraces on the point there are commanding views NE beyond Mahurangi | Goat Island to the Mercury Islands, & SE to the Alderman Islands (📷3). You can also see up the coast to the vicinity of Cathedral Cove, marked by associated water taxi, kayak & other seagoing traffic (📷4).

🇳🇿#newZealand #nz #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

It’s nice revisiting a place & not having to do/ re-do the “main thing” that the masses have come for; we eschewed Cathedral Cove at Hahei. The #Coromandel settlement’s long beach is a fine specimen, deservedly popular on a summer’s day (📷1). We followed the beach to its end at Wigmore Stream. The lookout at Hereheretaura Pā on Te Pare Point Historic Reserve, set upon high cliffs at the southern end of the beach, is only 20min from the end of Pa Rd (or wade the stream from the beach). The track itself affords elevated views over the length of Hahei Beach (📷2). From the lookout/ pā terraces on the point there are commanding views NE beyond Mahurangi | Goat Island to the Mercury Islands, & SE to the Alderman Islands (📷3). You can also see up the coast to the vicinity of Cathedral Cove, marked by associated water taxi, kayak & other seagoing traffic (📷4).

🇳🇿#newZealand #nz #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

It’s nice revisiting a place & not having to do/ re-do the “main thing” that the masses have come for; we eschewed Cathedral Cove at Hahei. The #Coromandel settlement’s long beach is a fine specimen, deservedly popular on a summer’s day (📷1). We followed the beach to its end at Wigmore Stream. The lookout at Hereheretaura Pā on Te Pare Point Historic Reserve, set upon high cliffs at the southern end of the beach, is only 20min from the end of Pa Rd (or wade the stream from the beach). The track itself affords elevated views over the length of Hahei Beach (📷2). From the lookout/ pā terraces on the point there are commanding views NE beyond Mahurangi | Goat Island to the Mercury Islands, & SE to the Alderman Islands (📷3). You can also see up the coast to the vicinity of Cathedral Cove, marked by associated water taxi, kayak & other seagoing traffic (📷4).

🇳🇿#newZealand #nz #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

It’s nice revisiting a place & not having to do/ re-do the “main thing” that the masses have come for; we eschewed Cathedral Cove at Hahei. The #Coromandel settlement’s long beach is a fine specimen, deservedly popular on a summer’s day (📷1). We followed the beach to its end at Wigmore Stream. The lookout at Hereheretaura Pā on Te Pare Point Historic Reserve, set upon high cliffs at the southern end of the beach, is only 20min from the end of Pa Rd (or wade the stream from the beach). The track itself affords elevated views over the length of Hahei Beach (📷2). From the lookout/ pā terraces on the point there are commanding views NE beyond Mahurangi | Goat Island to the Mercury Islands, & SE to the Alderman Islands (📷3). You can also see up the coast to the vicinity of Cathedral Cove, marked by associated water taxi, kayak & other seagoing traffic (📷4).

🇳🇿#newZealand #nz #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

Called at Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve in the Firth of Thames, where intertidal mudflats attract Artic migrants in summer e.g. kuaka | bar-tailed godwit, seen here airborne together with NZ migrant tōrea | South Island pied oystercatcher (📷1). Another NZ migrant, this taranui | caspian tern had a catch in its beak (📷2); also saw year round residents e.g. tūturiwhatu | northern NZ dotterel & poaka | pied stilt. Drove on to Thames hoping for a bottle of colour-changing Awildian gin, but The Tasting Room were on summer break. Located on the gravel road over the #Coromandel Range linking Tapu to Coroglen, Rapaura Watergardens were created in the early 1960s by a German family; they offer a 2km trail through manicured pond-side planting & regenerating native bush with cascades (📷3). A short drive east on the same road is a 175m DOC track to a ~1,200 year old “Square Kauri”, although the squarish trunk of this forest giant is hard to appreciate in a 2D photo (📷4); the viewing platform also looks out to Maumaupaki | Camels Back at 822m.

🇳🇿#newZealand #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

Called at Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve in the Firth of Thames, where intertidal mudflats attract Artic migrants in summer e.g. kuaka | bar-tailed godwit, seen here airborne together with NZ migrant tōrea | South Island pied oystercatcher (📷1). Another NZ migrant, this taranui | caspian tern had a catch in its beak (📷2); also saw year round residents e.g. tūturiwhatu | northern NZ dotterel & poaka | pied stilt. Drove on to Thames hoping for a bottle of colour-changing Awildian gin, but The Tasting Room were on summer break. Located on the gravel road over the #Coromandel Range linking Tapu to Coroglen, Rapaura Watergardens were created in the early 1960s by a German family; they offer a 2km trail through manicured pond-side planting & regenerating native bush with cascades (📷3). A short drive east on the same road is a 175m DOC track to a ~1,200 year old “Square Kauri”, although the squarish trunk of this forest giant is hard to appreciate in a 2D photo (📷4); the viewing platform also looks out to Maumaupaki | Camels Back at 822m.

🇳🇿#newZealand #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

Called at Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve in the Firth of Thames, where intertidal mudflats attract Artic migrants in summer e.g. kuaka | bar-tailed godwit, seen here airborne together with NZ migrant tōrea | South Island pied oystercatcher (📷1). Another NZ migrant, this taranui | caspian tern had a catch in its beak (📷2); also saw year round residents e.g. tūturiwhatu | northern NZ dotterel & poaka | pied stilt. Drove on to Thames hoping for a bottle of colour-changing Awildian gin, but The Tasting Room were on summer break. Located on the gravel road over the #Coromandel Range linking Tapu to Coroglen, Rapaura Watergardens were created in the early 1960s by a German family; they offer a 2km trail through manicured pond-side planting & regenerating native bush with cascades (📷3). A short drive east on the same road is a 175m DOC track to a ~1,200 year old “Square Kauri”, although the squarish trunk of this forest giant is hard to appreciate in a 2D photo (📷4); the viewing platform also looks out to Maumaupaki | Camels Back at 822m.

🇳🇿#newZealand #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

Called at Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve in the Firth of Thames, where intertidal mudflats attract Artic migrants in summer e.g. kuaka | bar-tailed godwit, seen here airborne together with NZ migrant tōrea | South Island pied oystercatcher (📷1). Another NZ migrant, this taranui | caspian tern had a catch in its beak (📷2); also saw year round residents e.g. tūturiwhatu | northern NZ dotterel & poaka | pied stilt. Drove on to Thames hoping for a bottle of colour-changing Awildian gin, but The Tasting Room were on summer break. Located on the gravel road over the #Coromandel Range linking Tapu to Coroglen, Rapaura Watergardens were created in the early 1960s by a German family; they offer a 2km trail through manicured pond-side planting & regenerating native bush with cascades (📷3). A short drive east on the same road is a 175m DOC track to a ~1,200 year old “Square Kauri”, although the squarish trunk of this forest giant is hard to appreciate in a 2D photo (📷4); the viewing platform also looks out to Maumaupaki | Camels Back at 822m.

🇳🇿#newZealand #waikato 🚀#travel 🚐 #camperVan #nomad #roadTrip #vanLife

Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield in Thames #Coromandel #AotearoaNZ. Sir Keith was born in Thames in 1892. Statue and replica Hurricane installed for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
#AvGeek #Aviation

This good girl was having a great time on Buffalo Beach, Whitianga, #Coromandel #AotearoaNZ this morning. Hasn't figured out that all of the water tastes funny however.

Great views from the Eyefull Tower Driving Creek #Coromandel #AotearoaNZ

From my morning walk in #Coromandel #AotearoaNZ . Three tekoteko and WW1/WW2 Memorial in front of the local offices.

Lodge Rainforest River Retreat 🌱

The Lodge offers a unique bed and breakfast business and lifestyle set in 15 acres of stunning native rainforest in the Tourist Hotspot of the #Coromandel Peninsula. 🌳

The #Lodge is a one of a kind B&B popular with both international and domestic tourists. 😊

Rooms: 5
Living space: 200m²
Plot: 60.000m²
#Waikato #NewZealand 🇳🇿
1.600.000 €

https://www.bluehomes.com/PNZ0023/en/Lodge-Rainforest-River-Retreat/expose.html

#wildlife #rainforest #b&b #travel #hotel

Whitianga orca encounter: Swimmers 3m from ‘massive’ dorsal fin.

Being camera-shy, Aull said they turned to avoid being filmed – only to be confronted with a “huge…
#NewsBeep #News #Wildlife #3M #Adventure #coromandel #dorsal #encounter #fin #from #joined #massive #Morning #orca #residents #Science #Special #swim #swimmers #their #three #treated #UK #UnitedKingdom #were #when #whitianga
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/66293/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/343779/ Whitianga orca encounter: Swimmers 3m from ‘massive’ dorsal fin. #3m #Adventure #coromandel #dorsal #encounter #fin #from #joined #massive #morning #orca #residents #Science #special #swim #swimmers #their #three #treated #UK #UnitedKingdom #were #when #whitianga #wildlife

https://www.europesays.com/uk/255649/ Deadly yellow-bellied sea snake washes up on Whangamatā beach, Coromandel #after #alive #away #Beach #been #coromandel #deadly #from #have #holidaymakers #on #sand #Science #sea #snake #spot #stay #UK #UnitedKingdom #up #urged #washed #washes #whangamat #wildlife #yellowbellied

Coromandel Peninsula’s Devcich Farm shines a light on Dalmatian pioneers https://www.diningandcooking.com/2072819/coromandel-peninsulas-devcich-farm-shines-a-light-on-dalmatian-pioneers/ #coromandel #dalmatian #devcich #farm #light #NewZealand #NewZealandWine #on #peninsulas #Pioneers #round #Sally #shines #Wine #WineFromNewZealand #WineOfNewZealand

🟡 Map South India & Sri Lanka Ceylon 1720 Dutch Latin⁣
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#18thCentury, #Canara, #Ceylon, #Coromandel, #Dutch, #IndianOcean, #Kanara, #Karnataka, #Konkan, #Latin, #Madura, #Malabar, #Maps, #Ships, #SouthIndia, #SriLanka⁣
⁣
Vintage ◦ Classic ◦ Historical | Art ◦ Design ◦ Inspiration | Restored ◦ Enhanced ◦ Remixed⁣
⁣
Prints, T-Shirts, Stickers, & More by @rocketshipretro via RedBubble → https://bigplanetprints.com/go/K9dUPx

🟡 Map South India & Sri Lanka Ceylon 1720 Dutch Latin⁣
⁣
#18thCentury, #Canara, #Ceylon, #Coromandel, #Dutch, #IndianOcean, #Kanara, #Karnataka, #Konkan, #Latin, #Madura, #Malabar, #Maps, #Ships, #SouthIndia, #SriLanka⁣
⁣
Vintage ◦ Classic ◦ Historical | Art ◦ Design ◦ Inspiration | Restored ◦ Enhanced ◦ Remixed⁣
⁣
Prints, T-Shirts, Stickers, & More by @rocketshipretro via RedBubble → https://bigplanetprints.com/go/K9dUPx

🟡 Map South India & Sri Lanka Ceylon 1720 Dutch Latin⁣
⁣
#18thCentury, #Canara, #Ceylon, #Coromandel, #Dutch, #IndianOcean, #Kanara, #Karnataka, #Konkan, #Latin, #Madura, #Malabar, #Maps, #Ships, #SouthIndia, #SriLanka⁣
⁣
Vintage ◦ Classic ◦ Historical | Art ◦ Design ◦ Inspiration | Restored ◦ Enhanced ◦ Remixed⁣
⁣
Prints, T-Shirts, Stickers, & More by @rocketshipretro via RedBubble → https://bigplanetprints.com/go/K9dUPx

#NewZealand takes care of their nature very seriously. #Coromandel #Neuseeland #Backpacking #Roadtrip

How you want it to be. How it’s used to be. #CathedralCove #Coromandel #NewZealand #Neuseeland #Backpacking #Roadtrip

#Bloomscrolling #Coromandel #Cafes #Tuesdayfun #love #photography #flowers #Bougainvillea

A severe thunderstorm watch has been added to #Auckland, #GreatBarrierIsland, and #Coromandel - starting from 5 am and running into late Friday evening.

There’s a moderate risk of big rain of 25-40mm/hr, which is enough to cause flash flooding, as well as compounding existing damage due to the already sodden ground.

No changes to the other weather warnings or watches in place

A 9pm update from @metservice brings us updated weather warnings, with Orange Heavy Rain Warnings in place for #Coromandel, #Gisborne, and #HawkesBay overnight and into Friday.

This is on top of our already sodden ground, so if you’re concerned at all please prepare your go-bag and prepare to head out.

Heavy rain watches remain in place for #Auckland, #Waikato, #BayOfPlenty, and #Wairarapa - check metservice for specifics

https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

The weather in the north of New Zealand's north island is mad and dangerous.
Stay at home.
#Auckland #Kaipara #Hobsonville #Laingholm #Coromandel #Henderson and all the rest.

A detailed look at CHANEL's Coromandel pure parfum or extrait from the elite Exclusifs line as well as how it compares to the original Coromandel EDT and to the subsequent EDP:
https://kafkaesqueblog.com/2022/11/24/chanel-coromandel-parfum-les-exclusifs/

Notes: different types of citruses, jasmine, chocolate-y patchouli, sweet myrrh or opoponax incense, frankincense incense resin, orris, different types of amber, vanilla, woody notes, and tonka.

#Chanel #FragranceReview #Coromandel #Perfume #PerfumeReview #Fragrance #scent

A detailed look at CHANEL's Coromandel pure parfum or extrait from the elite Exclusifs line as well as how it compares to the original Coromandel EDT and to the subsequent EDP:
https://kafkaesqueblog.com/2022/11/24/chanel-coromandel-parfum-les-exclusifs/

Notes: different types of citruses, jasmine, chocolate-y patchouli, sweet myrrh or opoponax incense, frankincense incense resin, orris, different types of amber, vanilla, woody notes, and tonka.

#Chanel #FragranceReview #Coromandel #Perfume #PerfumeReview #Fragrance #scent

A detailed look at CHANEL's Coromandel pure parfum or extrait from the elite Exclusifs line as well as how it compares to the original Coromandel EDT and to the subsequent EDP:
https://kafkaesqueblog.com/2022/11/24/chanel-coromandel-parfum-les-exclusifs/

Notes: different types of citruses, jasmine, chocolate-y patchouli, sweet myrrh or opoponax incense, frankincense incense resin, orris, different types of amber, vanilla, woody notes, and tonka.

#Chanel #FragranceReview #Coromandel #Perfume #PerfumeReview #Fragrance #scent