This post features images taken by Nigel when we visited Horseshoe Bend near Millers Flat in Central Otago, New Zealand. He got some really nice captures. There was so much more than just the historic bridge. Taken 31 Dec 2019.
Native flowers. I think this may be manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) rather than kanuka (Kunzea ericoides).
Click on the photo to enlarge.
While we were exploring along the bank of the Clutha River I looked up and spotted a nest (outside of the frame I’m holding the branch down). I can’t say for sure what kind of nest it is but my guess would be a fantail nest. I think it’s about the right size for them and they nest near water. Click on the photo to enlarge.
Texture, light and shadow.
Broom. Weed plant but it has its own beauty. Cytisus scoparius.
I cropped the next image from the above one, it’s really gorgeous when enlarged.
Click on the photo to enlarge.
Huge rock with interesting colour and plant growth. Click on the photo to enlarge.
Text by Liz, photos by Nigel; Exploring Colour (2019)
Exploring Colour 
Interesting little bit of twisted vine (?) with the nest.
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At the time we didn’t taken any notice of it but we think its a little bit of rope.
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Lovely nest.
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Yes it is!
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Beauty all around there, Liz. I especially like the shape and texture of the nest you spotted and that Broom weed plant looks interesting—sorry it is a pest plant.
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I was surprised how pretty the pods are on weedy old broom!
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We have broom in the garden here but it doesn’t produce seed pods as prolifically. (Mind you, ours has to have a ‘haircut’ after flowering – the wind can blow it over otherwise!)
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Broom is a real pest plant here – great swathes of yellow all over the countryside.
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There’s a plant here called gorse or whins (Ulex europaeus) which looks somewhat similar and has yellow flowers too – but it’s extremely prickly. It grows wild (especially in the north of Scotland) but doesn’t get too invasive.
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Gorse is also everywhere here but more prevalent where I grew up in Northland where it’s much hotter. The pods would be constantly popping in the summer heat and I remember that along with the racket from cicadas.
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