Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Sunday 5th February

Gisborne to Rotorua

Left Gisborne and continued on State Highway 35 towards East Cape. Very windy road with steep gradients at times. Drizzle soon after leaving which meant that Chris had to drive even more carefully in potentially slippery conditions. Very picturesque scenery especially around Tokomaru Bay.

Early Start, Gisborne, Highway 35

Highway 35 near Tatapouri Point

Towards Tolaga Bay & Te Karaka Point

When we reached Araroa, the question of a trip to the lighthouse at East Cape was considered. I studied the map and concluded that a round trip of approximately 50Km on gravel road would take much longer than we had spare time. We agreed that a photo of the East Cape from Haupara Point would surffice.

Horoera Point near East Cape from Haupara Point

Drove past the gravel road to the East Cape and stopped at the Lookout on Haupara Point near Hicks Bay. Tried to walk through the thick bush to the summit, but the small path from the Lookout was very small and steep so it soon petered out.

Hicks Bay from Haupara Point

Continued along coast with occasional glimpses of White Island, an active volcano, then also Major Island and as we approached Whakatane, Motuhora Island was prominent on the skyline. More fantastic scenery on the west coast of East Cape. Road very twisted with steep gradients in many places, adding to the experience. Sometimes crossing river estuaries at about sea level and other times over mountain passes of a thousand feet (over 300 metres) or more.

White Island from near Te Kaha Point

Raukokora River near Papatea

Stopped for lunch on Wharekura Point and near Waiotahi Beach to watch fishermen and women shell fish fishing. Another stretch of the legs at Ohope Beach. Walked along the beach watching the wildlife. Spotted an Oyster Catcher sauntering along the beach on the edge of the tide. Also found a Tom Tom Pole washed up on the beach. Thinking about it at the time and since, it was probably a washed up tree trunk that the local artist has converted into a Tom Tom Pole.

Shell Fish Fishing near Waiotahi Beach

Greater Black Backed Gull on Ohope Beach

Oyster Catcher Sauntering on Ohope Beach

Sculptured Driftwood on Ohope Beach

Drove into Whakatane to see a fishing friend of Chris's, Rick Pollard. Unfortunately Rick and his fishing boat, Pursuit, were out fishing, so Chris missed seeing his old mate. We had a look around the other fishing boats, then continued on to Rotorua on Highway 30.

Fishing Boat in Whakatane Harbour

Passed the impressive Putauaki Hill from Highway 30. At first I thought it was Mount Tongariro near Taupo, then I realised the hill was much nearer and smaller. Passed several hot spring sites en route, we could smell the sulphur. Stopped for provisions as we entered Rotorua, then looked for the 'Top 10' caravan site, near Kuirau Park.

Pukeko in Kuirua Park, Rotoma

After refreshments we strolled around Kuirua Park and visited the thermal area. I was surprised how many hot springs there were and how varied they were.

Hot Spring in Kuirua Park, Rotoma

Hot Spring in Kuirua Park, Rotoma

Derek at Hot Spring Pool in Kuirua Park

Hot Spring in Kuirua Park, Rotoma

Hot Spring in Kuirua Park, Rotoma

Hot Spring in Kuirua Park, Rotoma

After our stroll around Kuirau Park we returned to the Caravan Park and changed for a dip in the Hot Mineral Pool. It was so good to relax and natter with the other occupants, we stayed until it was dark.

Hot Spring in Kuirua Park, Rotoma

22 degrees C, 80% Cloud

Drizzle am, Fine pm

Windy at times

10% Rain

Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Saturday 4th February

Wellington to Gisborne

Left Featherstone early and drove through Greytown, Masterton and Woodville to Dannyvirke for a cup of coffee. After refreshments we continued to Hastings and Napier. 

Carterton on Highway 2, near Masterton

Main Street, Pahiatua, near Woodville

Many villages and towns in this part of the country due to the flatness of the land. Some places very picturesque. All clean and tidy.

Coffee at Black Stump Cafe, Main Street, Dannyvirke

Highway 2 beach road approaching Napier

Entered Napier alongside the railway track and the factories, mostly building aggregates. Long line of mature trees as the City Centre is approached. Stopped to admire the Millennium Fountain near the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Continued into the centre of town for a quick tour, passing St John's Cathedral and the McLeans Park cricket & rugby ground before looking for a convenient parking place for lunch. Passed Bluff Hill by the Harbour and finally parking at Perfume Point.

St John's Cathedral, Browning Street, Napier

Central Napier

Kennedy Road, Central Napier

Millennium Fountain, Marine Parade, Napier

Gull at Perfume Point Recreation Reserve,
 East Pier, Napier

Flowers on Perfume Point Recreation Reserve,
 East Pier, Napier

After stretching legs by the Perfume Point, we continued up coast on Highway 2 towards Gisborne. Very steep gradients at times. Picturesque railway bridge and gorge at Mohaka River near Raupunga, about 30km before Wairoa.

Railway Bridge, near Raupunge, Hawke Bay

Road sign for Wharerata Forest Lookout didn't give us enough time to pull in, so Chris stopped bus shortly after the Lookout on the outside of a bend, where there was sufficient room to park. I walked back up the hill to take some photos of Young Nicks Head peninsular. Programmed the 'Top 10 Caravan Site' into the Satnav. When we reached Gisborne we booked in immediately.

Towards Gisborne from Whareraia Forest Lookout

Gladstone Road, Gisborne

After a wash and brush up, we wondered back into town for a meal and a pint. Found the Irish bar and enjoyed a Guinness while we watched the Rugby Sevens Final. England came third while New Zealand won the final. A most enjoyable evening.

Gladstone Road, Gisborne

20 degrees C, 80% Cloud

Drizzle am, Fine pm

10% Rain

Windy

Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Friday 3rd February

Westport to Wellington

Up early, quick breakfast, then on the road to catch the 6pm ferry to Wellington, North Island. Spectacular Gorge views on Highway 6 all morning, along the valley of River Buller. Stopped for coffee at Murchison Village. Promise of an internet connection, but no spare time to log on. Continued towards Picton Ferry with more wonderful views.

Buller Gorge near Westport

Electricity distribution very difficult with mountains all around. Spotted an electricity pylon on the top of a cliff high above the road.

Electricity Pylon on Mountain near Murchison

Waller Street, Murchison

Hodgsons, Fairfax Street, Murchison

The views as we travelled the New Zealand Highways were never disappointing. There was always something to see around the next bend. Crossing a range of mountains often meant a continuous bend either left or right. That is, never ending scenery.

Highway 6 after Murchison, near Howard Junction

Stopped at Hope Saddle Lookout. High mountains could be seen in all directions. Car park very busy, a very popular spot. A trig point is situation at the lookout high point. 

Impressive Mountains from Hope Saddle Lookout

Continued on Highway 6 to Nelson City, where we stopped to stretch our legs. Quick visit to Christ Church Cathedral, the immediate City Centre and on to Peace Grove Car Park just off Queen Elizabeth Drive, for refreshments and views across Nelson Haven.

Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson

Christ Church Cathedral, Stain Window

Peace Grove Car Park on Queen Elizabeth Drive, Nelson

Onwards towards Picton via the scenic route past Queen Charlotte Walkway. Stopped at Cullen Point Lookout to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Mahau Sound. Two hundred and seventy degree of wonderful views including a birds eye view of Havelock.

Mahau Sound from Cullen Point Lookout

Stopped on decent from lookout to minibus to investigate the source of the intense screeching sound. An insect similar to a grasshopper was found on an adjacent tree. Apparently is was rubbing its wings together to make the noise, against grass hoppers rubbing their legs together. We wondered why the scenic route was not sign posted to Picton. When we finally got to Picton we knew why. The route was one continuous bend, no not travenlling in circles but either left or right bends. In fact the road looked much shorter on the map, but could have been further when the bends were ironed out. Magic scenery however.

Mahau Sound from Cullen Point Lookout

 Insect at Cullen Point Lookout, Making Lots of Sound

Dinner at Picton waiting for the ferry to leave. Also a little shopping and a mobile top up as I queried the lack of mobile signal since Dunedin. I phoned the mobile company and was told that Two Degrees had an agreement with Vodaphone to use each others transmitters. When Vodaphone was enabled, walla, the phone signal was restored to normal. Walked down the main street looking for a public toilet. We spotted signs directing us, but we found two signs which pointed towards each other with no sighting of a toilet between the signs. As we searched we passed the most spectacular War Memorial ever seen. As we approached the memorial we found the toilets nearby. 
Boarded ship and headed straight for viewing deck to see the ship depart from Picton and sail past the islands along Queen Charlotte Sound. Most impressive, not to be missed. Only wished the sun had been shining. Retired to lounge for journey across Cook Strait, then returned to viewing deck as we approached Wellington Harbour. As the sunlight faded we drove from the ship towards Wellington City for a quick tour around the Capital City Centre. At first we couldn't understand why everyone were dressed up, then we realised the Rugby Sevens World Cup was being staged in Wellington. We enjoyed the occasion so much we kept driving around the city centre, past more and more of the sites, watching the fans enjoying themselves.

Picton, Bluebridge Ferry

Arapawa Island from Picton Ferry

Arapawa Island from Picton Ferry

East Head  of Arapawa Island from Picton Ferry

Eventually drove out of town to find a campsite. Took State Highway 2 past Upperhut and Rimutaka Range Mountains, where the twisty road was one long road works. Very hard to find a suitable campsite in the dark. We found a quiet picnic area when we reached Featherstone. I wondered if this Featherstone played Rugby Union or Rugby League. The insects didn't bother us, magic.

Wellington from Picton Ferry

22 degrees C, 80% Cloud

No Rain

Dull am , Fine pm