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