English Literature – Travelogue ☆ New Zealand: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Natural and Cultural Masterpieces: # 6 ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ Travelogue – New Zealand: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Natural and Cultural Masterpieces: # 6 ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

The day began with a serene morning drive along the Thermal Explorer Highway from Taupō to Rotorua. The highway, aptly named, offers breathtaking vistas of geothermal activity and lush landscapes that beckon travellers to pause and admire their beauty. Before setting off, we indulged in a quick but delightful breakfast at the Cozy Corner Café in Taupō—a charming vegan café with gracious hosts. Ordering Indian vegetarian food in New Zealand can be a quirky experience, as the definition of “vegetarian” often includes eggs or fish sauce. However, the café’s understanding approach made the meal a delight.

The journey itself was an adventure, with mesmerising hotspots tempting us to stop and soak in the scenery. Rotorua awaited us with its unique charm, and at its heart lay the Redwoods Forest, or as the locals call it, Whakarewarewa Forest. This towering expanse of Californian Redwoods is simply otherworldly. The moment we stepped into the forest, a phrase came to mind: wah, kya re, wah re waah! A playful nod for Indian visitors, this phrase echoes the wonderment of seeing such grandiose trees in this faraway land. And doesn’t it remind one of New Zealand’s warm greeting, Kia Ora? Perhaps, in light-hearted banter, we might quip back, Kya hora?—a testament to the linguistic ties that make these two distant nations seem a little closer.

We opted for the Redwoods Treewalk, an enchanting experience that lets you wander amidst these majestic giants from an elevated perspective. It was here that Wordsworth’s lines sprang to mind:

“For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.”

Only this time, the daffodils were replaced by the serene redwoods, towering with timeless grace. The tranquillity of the forest filled our hearts with the bliss Wordsworth so beautifully captured.

Lunch was a vibrant affair at El Mexicano Zapata Cantina, where we were treated to some of the finest Mexican cuisine we had tasted during our New Zealand sojourn. The flavours were authentic, and the traditional Jarritos drink transported us straight to Mexico with its nostalgic charm.

Time slipped away quickly, and we made our way to Hamilton, eager to explore the famed Hamilton Gardens. This was not just a garden but a kaleidoscope of cultures and history brought to life through meticulous landscaping. Walking through the themed gardens felt like stepping into a dream—an immersion into worlds crafted with incredible artistry. It is no wonder the Hamilton Gardens are regarded as one of the country’s crown jewels.

As twilight descended, we rounded off the day with a hearty meal at Beeji Ka Dhaba, a haven for lovers of Indian cuisine. The oversized parathas, served with a generous dollop of white butter, were a culinary embrace that reminded us of home.

The journey back to Auckland was long, but our hearts were light with the memories of a day steeped in natural splendour and cultural discovery. From the towering redwoods of Rotorua to the enchanting gardens of Hamilton, New Zealand revealed itself as a land of wonders, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.

#redwoods #hamiltongardens #newzealand #redwoodstreewalk #rotorua

© Jagat Singh Bisht