Stonehenge (no not that one!)

A long trip up into the hills to visit a new(ish!) Stonehenge known as Stonehenge Aotearoa. It has been built on the same scale as the one in England but is not a replica of it. It has been built for its precise location on the earth incorporating ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Celtic technology. Indus Valley astronomy and Polynesian navigation. They specialize in Maori starlore. It has to be perfectly aligned with the Summer and Winter Soltices, when the day is either the shortest or longest of the year, as well as the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes when the day and night are of equal length.



It was an amazing experience standing in the centre of the circle listening to our guide. We could gradually hear the echo of his voice become louder and louder. even though he was actually quite quietly spoken. He certainly didn't need a microphone the stones were doing that job perfectly well. Apparently it has become a very popular venue for musicians and singers because of this natural phenomena.

It seems that our star signs are actually dependent on the year we were born so I have now officially become a Leo rather than a Virgo. Always knew there was something strange about me!

The drive to and from Wellington was very winding in order to climb the very steep terrain. On the way back we could see the clouds descending into the valleys. We started to descend just as the clouds were beginning to really close in which would have made driving even more difficult than the winding roads offered anyway.

 

   

        

Comments

  1. Meg15 June 2025 at 12:05

    At least the new Stonehenge in New Zealand has good providence unlike the English one. You are making lots of memories

    ReplyDelete
  2. JULIA23 June 2025 at 02:31

    That’s all amazing. I knew nothing about that Stonehenge.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I made it!

 Hi everyone This is my first post so hopefully it will reach all my family and friends. I have finally made it to Brisbane having survived the long flight and enjoyed my first 2 days with the family. I booked the 'Meet and Assist' at the airport  which proved invaluable. I would have meant several long walks but instead was treated to a ride on a buggy. Flight staff amazing at looking after me. I would thoroughly recommend Singapore Airlines for caring staff. I arrived in Brisbane just before 7am and 'hit the ground running'. First a detour to see an electricity box which controls the traffic lights. Josie had a winning design for decorating one and she and friends had spent the last 2 weekends painting it. It should remain for about 8 years before the next winners get the chance to paint their designs. Quick introduction to new cats and dog before a visit to one of Richard's colleague's house where I shall be staying for the next 3 weeks while she is in Scotla...
Read more

First days in Brisbane

Image
               It was an absolutely beautiful sunrise as we flew into Brisbane airport at 7am on 5th May House sitting for Richard's boss at present so quiet mornings while the family prepare and leave for work and school each day.  Electricity boxes control the traffic lights at junctions and are repainted by local members of the public roughly every 8 years. People are invited to submit designs and then the best are chosen. This year Josie's design was one of those chosen and the final coat of UV varnish was put on the day I arrived. She had been helped by sev eral friends over the past 2 weekends to complete the painting.           Tuesday night Steel Band practice. Josie on a stool to reach the bass drums and Elliot in navy top with green trim on tenor drums. Sounded brilliant.                                       ...
Read more

goodbye to straddie

Image
This week has disappeared so quickly and now it is time to leave Straddie for Brisbane. The final day is spent with a visit to the dunes on Frenchman's beach. This time I make it to the bottom of the 290+ steps and after a final wander along the beach I make it back up to the top with relative ease (that doesn't mean to say I didn't have a couple of short stops to take yet more pictures). Richard and the children had gone on to the top of the big dune for a final run down to Cylinder beach. We met back at the house to pack the car.                                    Frenchman's beach.                  There was the final goodbye to the gentleman living opposite and his dog, Turbo. Turbo and Dusty had enjoyed playing together all week. A quick visit to Amity Point for Richard and the children to jump off the jetty for the final time. D...
Read more