21 January 2012

Behind Naseby

Behind Naseby is a wonderful 4WD route through the Oteake Conservation Park in the South Island hill country.  It takes you up the Manuherikia valley through open country, over the Little Omarama Saddle and brings you out at the southern end of the McKenzie Country.  On a fine day the views are extensive - the whole experience uplifting.  In dubious weather you could get stuck with your 4WD so go prepared!


Manuherikia Valley
Reclining Hills

Behind Naseby

In the valley are prickly places
A Prickly Place
         of thorn or sword
         briar, matagouri, speargrass,
         and of poets

of rabbits and hares
old stone walls
abandoned chimneys
and water races.

And soft above
where tussock bends
deferring to the breeze:
in the lay of the land

ridges, whole ranges
layered, laid back
reclining to the sky
a landscape to inhale.

Aoraki Mt Cook from Little Omarama Saddle

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