It was where my mum grew up, where Grandma still lived, but most importantly it was Uncle David's farm. It was a long trip and perhaps part of Kokonga's magic to me was the other-worldliness of the place, given the tortuous journey to get there. The view of lake after lake and the mountain ranges is simply spectacular. I love how the lakes look so inviting each day and am often mesmerised by their colour - bright, bright, blue. Just down the road, going south you have Lake Ohau with Lake Benmore to the east - both bigger than Lake Ruataniwha.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 11, 2016 16:03 UTC