Come with me on an autumnal wander through Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand. John and I visited for the first time six months ago.
The forced revision of our original road trip itinerary meant we had time for a follow-up visit. Back in the spring the colours were green: lime green, spring green, new green. Now, it’s all about the reds and the yellows.
I wandered along the paths clicking as enthusiastically as I did in November. Sometimes I got exactly the same shot – almost. Click here to check out my spring visit.
From near the old homestead
Autumn view of the Fibonacci Spiral
Surrounded by all those trees in splendid autumn colours, the temptation was too much for me. Yes, I had to try. To paraphrase our illustrious countryman, Sir Edmund Hilary, he who conquered Mt Everest: Nothing ventured, Nothing won. Although, when I began my mission I didn’t fully comprehend the challenges involved. I wandered from tree to tree, camera in hand, ready to catch The Shot.
Only one, that’s all I asked. Enveloped by the branches of this maple I waited and I waited. A gust of wind was all I needed. That, and very quick reflexes, and knowing how to set the shutter to rapid fire …or something …
Enveloped in gold
This particular leaf is still sitting on the tree – I’m sure of it. Stubborn thing!!
Come on, fall!
Douglas Cook, the original owner of Eastwoodhill and the owner of the original inspiration for the landscaping, designed this spot with poetry readings in mind. Back in the spring, sheep were sleeping here. Now it’s the resting place for leaves. Thousands of them. Leaves that fell, one by one, from the surrounding trees. Hundreds of which fluttered to the ground while I tried for the perfect shot. And, each one eluded me and my camera.
Poet’s corner
Turns out a single leaf fluttering to the ground is as impossible to catch as this little fellow in flight. He was happy enough to pose but not once did I get a shot of him in the air.
Piwakawaka, or fantail, following us along the track.
It was a short walk to the tops. One hour round trip – the brochure said. But, just like our first visit, it took twice as long. The problem wasn’t a lack of fitness; it was all that time spent waiting for the perfect leaf fall, or hoping to catch our friendly fantail in flight, and wishing the sun would come out. It threatened rain all afternoon.
View from the tops
Near the tops we came across Burma Road. Now that’s a coincidence! It so happens Myanmar is in our sights.
Burma road – really?
Amongst the trees the early camellias, winter’s consolation, were coming in to flower.
An early camellia
Eastoodhill is approximately thirty minutes drive from Gisborne. The arboretum is open every day. There are a range of walks varying between an hour to four hours in length, depending on fitness and how many photos you take. Oh, and whether you become obsessed with attempting the impossible!
The entrance fee is $15:00 discounted to $12.00 for people over 65.
For more international walks check out Jo’s Monday walks.
Jill's Scene 
Oh what stunning pics and those hills, so evocative of childhood.
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Too bad there are no sheep in these photos, Claire, then you really would be transported back to a Kiwi childhood!
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So beautiful Jill! How fun to see your autumn as we delight in our spring.
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Today, Sue, we’re having our first real taste of winter. It’s cold and raining steadily. But up till now the autumn has been glorious. Enjoy spring!!
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My favourite season. I so miss the changing autumn leaves here in the Gold Coast. Last autumn I revelled in them in Canberra and I tried getting a video of falling leaves, but no luck. These photos are so sharp and the colours glorious it must be right at the right time to visit.
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Thanks Pauline. We did get to the arboretum at the right time, I think. And luckily the rain stayed away!
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What a lovely post, fantastic photos, words and images in my mind. I could just see you waiting, and waiting for that leaf 🙂
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And wait and wait I did, Claudette! Leaves might look like they drift to the ground slowly but it’s a classic case of appearances being misleading! Trying to snap them in mid flight showed me just how quickly they fall.
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Lovely. Wish I could visit. Such beauty and my dad said the people were very friendly when he visited.
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Hello Eileen,
New Zealanders are friendly, and East Capers especially so. When did your Dad visit?
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Such beautiful rolling landscapes and lovely colours. I know that feeling well, waiting for the leaves to drop, spinning around to the ground. Good luck!
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Hi Jude, Luck is definitely what’s needed!!
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What beautiful scenery and colours, Jill. Please give a big hello to my favourite season in your part of the world. She surly is the prettiest of the four season sisters.
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Autumn is a favourite of mine, too, Hugh. Although I love the promise that springs brings!
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Gorgeous photos and what a beautiful location!
Your description was enticing and I could totally relate to the time you spent waiting for the leaf to fall. Funny.
Cheers!
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Hello Lucile, Pommepal over at https://pommepal.wordpress.com/2015/05/10/the-day-i-met-a-fellow-blogger-jill/ coined the phrase photography tragic – on this particular walk I totally owned it!!
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Hello Jill, thanks for sharing this. What a beautiful and deserved expression of gratitude. You and your husband were gray and generous hosts.
And I loved the ‘photography tragic’ phrase.
Thanks!
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I love these photos Jill although it’s funny seeing signs of autumn.
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Thanks Dan, And I’m glad that spring has finally emerged in your part of the world!
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Great pictures. Makes you wanna get up and visit ☺
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Cool – that’s the idea 🙂
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It worked 😊
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What a great wander!
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Thanks Sue, I thought it was beautiful back in the spring. But now I think it’s even more dramatic in the autumn.
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Gorgeous photos. I’d never heard of Eastwoodhill. Somewhere to add to the itinerary when we finally head down that way!
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Hi Su, It’s a must visit when you next get to Gisborne. Well worth it but allow plenty of time and remember to take afternoon tea. They don’t have a cafe.
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What a treat to be able to visit Eastwoodhill. Maybe you didn’t get the exact photos you wanted but the ones above are all gorgeous.
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Thanks so much, Gallivanta. I had fun getting them which is the main thing.
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Made me smile, Jill! I’ve done the same with much worse results. I had to delay coming here till I’d published my walk this morning, but you might know when You read it that I spent a long time on the beach trying to capture ‘swirling sand’. Another mission impossible (for me, at least 🙂 ) Thank you very much for the lovely walk and the link.
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Your photo captures the movement of the sand beautifully, Jo. I can see the wind in it!
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love that place
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Me too! Based on two visits, there’s always something new to see.
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