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Te Urewera National Park


Te Urewera National Park
Photo Information
Copyright: Janice Dunn (Janice) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-04-02
Categories: Rain Forest, Trees
Camera: Canon EOS 30d, Canon 70-300mm DO IS USM
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/50 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): New Zealand Native Fauna and Flora (2), Seascapes; Sea Views; Coastal Views [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-04-11 7:25
Viewed: 1625
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park

We stayed overnight on Lake Waikaremoana, and I rose early to go and take some photos. The sun had just appeared over the hill when I took this photo. My heart really warmed up when I saw the sun shining on the trees on the other side of the water.

Te Urewera National Park is the third largest in New Zealand extending over some 225,000ha and is the largest untouched native forest area remaining in the North Island.
Few places in New Zealand have such a wide botanical variation as is found in Te Urewera National Park. I have heard that there are at least 400 of NZ’s native plants growing in this place. It ranges from luxuriant kohekohe forest in the lowland to mountain beech on the mountain tops.

The lakes and rivers of Te Urewera National Park contain some of the finest waters for trout in New Zealand. Trout were first introduced here in 1896 when brown and rainbow trout were released at Onepoto. Because of easy access most anglers are attracted to the lakes but for those who prefer the solitude of more remote areas many Urewera rivers provide excellent fishing.

From pre-European days the Urewera area has been the home of the Tuhoe who learned to live in harmony with the dense native forest and the harsh conditions. Because of the environment and its isolation this area became a stronghold of the Tuhoe who guarded it fiercely and have been able to retain their separate identity longer than most other tribes.

The plants you can see on this side of the water are:

PHORMIUM COOKIANUM - MOUNTAIN FLAX OR MAORI NAME: WHARARIKI
It is a small plant with thin leaves that are arching rather than erect.

CORTADERIA TOETOE - MAORI and COMMON NAME: TOETOE
Toetoe is New Zealand's largest native grass. You can also see it growing on the water’s edge on the other side of the lake.

I hope you enjoy this picture. In NZ we do have a lot of native bush areas, and there are many even where I live, even growing over the road and along the cliff of our local beaches. But here in the Te Urewera National Park I was so thrilled to see, mile after mile, so many ferns and trees and shrubs and rivers, and waterfalls. I hope over the next few weeks I will be to be able to share a little of some of the beauty I encountered last week with you.
deblink, wallhalla15, Debz, magiqa has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Janice,
This is some lovely scenery you have captured. The seed heads on the plants in the foreground look great. I will be looking forward to seeing some of your future posting of this area, it sounds lovely.
Cheers,
Debbie

Hi!
What a pretty place! Great POV looking past the tall grasses towards the pretty water and the forest behind. Great shot. TFS
Donna:o)

Hello Janice,
this is fisherman´s paradies. I think I must go fishing in your homeland. But first I must looking for a sponsor.;-)
Very nice landscape, good sharpness. details and composition. Thank you for posting my friend.
Gr.
Heinz

  • Great 
  • fiyo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 987 W: 5 N: 2762] (10618)
  • [2007-04-11 17:19]

Hello Janice,
Very nice landscape
Lovely detail and colours,nice composition.
Nice work,very well done.

  • Great 
  • Debz Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 516 W: 0 N: 846] (3307)
  • [2007-04-12 9:51]

This lake looks like a very pretty interesting place. You have taken a very nice view, there must be a great deal of wildlife both on the lake and in the woods. Nice clear shot, great colour range and all very sharp, the plants are fab.
tfs
debz

Hi Janice,
it seems that there is lots more to see in NZ than Auckland, which is the only place I have seen, so far. Your pictures inspires me to visit NZ again! Beautiful view! (Spring has come to Sweden now, believe it or not!)

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