Rebecca Lorens

Most of the locations in my books are based on places in New Zealand I have visited throughout my life. I recently had an opportunity to revisit the place I used as inspiration for the location of Raith’s house in “Between Heaven and Hell”.

Lake Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake) was formed approximately 10,000 years ago by a land slide. I first visited this location when I was 10 years old on a school camp. The lake has a well maintained walking track that takes you all the way around the circumference, with several spots to rest and take in the beautiful scenery. I remember this walk in particular because of the lush New Zealand native forest and the abundant native bird song that follows you as you slowly meander your way under the plentiful towering native trees. Along the walk there are several sandy beaches where you can stop, rest and even swim on a hot day.

I recently had an opportunity to revisit this majestic lake and I wasn’t disappointed. It still invoked the same sense of seclusion. When the waters are calm, the surface is sleek and has a deep green hue like greenstone rocks that can be found in New Zealand. Unfortunately on the day I was there the wind was billowing down from the volcanic plateau, whipping across the lake and creating waves that disturbed the still green waters that give the lake its name. The picture is taken at Long Beach which is at the half way point of the walking track.

Because Lake Rotopounamu makes you feel secluded from the world around you, with no-one but the birds to keep you company, I felt it was the perfect location for a brooding demon hunter that just wanted to be alone.

Here are some links to the more common birdsong that can be found. The Tui is a black bird with a white tuft on its throat and can be found pretty much anywhere in New Zealand. It is one of the birds Sera hears when Raith is getting her to meditate. Listen from about 20secs in.

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