ICY EMBRACE
New Zealand Listener|May 14, 2022
A dip in Wilkies Pools in Taranaki helps ELLEN COMBER reconcile her mixed emotions about the region.
ELLEN COMBER
ICY EMBRACE

Wilkies Pools: the natural plunge pools were formed by the scouring action of water-borne sand and gravel.

The relationship changed with a Boxing Day baptism. We hiked on the slopes of Taranaki Mounga* - if walking 20 minutes along a first-class track qualifies as hiking - through verdant forest, thick with opportunistic kāmahi trees and the damp, shady scent of mosses and liverworts.

Stepping out from a world of green, we were met by a swing bridge over Kapuni Stream and from its unsteady centre, the mountain's shy snow-capped peak was visible through fast-moving summer clouds. Water tumbled down the steep gully, traversing boulders and alpine vegetation to momentarily rest in smooth volcanic rock pools before gravity beckoned and it flowed away.

Formed by the scouring action of water-borne sand and gravel, Wilkies Pools are natural plunge pools on the slopes of Mt Taranaki, named after the Wilkies brothers, locals who farmed in the area. They are a popular summer attraction and we watched the morning's visitors congregate on rocks and tentatively touch their toes to watery vessels, shrieking at the brisk temperature and debating whether to swim. Following my companion's warning that full-body immersion was not for the faint-hearted, we left the safety of the bridge and scrambled up the gully to find a quieter area for a dip.

Bu hikaye New Zealand Listener dergisinin May 14, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye New Zealand Listener dergisinin May 14, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

NEW ZEALAND LISTENER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
First-world problem
New Zealand Listener

First-world problem

Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.

time-read
3 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Applying intelligence to AI
New Zealand Listener

Applying intelligence to AI

I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Nazism rears its head
New Zealand Listener

Nazism rears its head

Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Staying ahead of the game
New Zealand Listener

Staying ahead of the game

Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?

time-read
4 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Grasping the nettle
New Zealand Listener

Grasping the nettle

Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.

time-read
3 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Hangry? Eat breakfast
New Zealand Listener

Hangry? Eat breakfast

People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.

time-read
3 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Chemical reaction
New Zealand Listener

Chemical reaction

Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Me and my guitar
New Zealand Listener

Me and my guitar

Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 9, 2024
Time is on my side
New Zealand Listener

Time is on my side

Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?

time-read
7 dak  |
September 9, 2024
The kids are not alright
New Zealand Listener

The kids are not alright

Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 9, 2024