Here we are in a motel in Wairoa watching the Chase, front door and back door open, and the temperature in the very high twenties, if not higher. And very pleasant it is too.
The day started with a planned detour (as opposed to an unplanned-loop-back-to-Masterton-where-we-had-started-from-the-day-before) to Clifton, as close as we could get to Cape Kidnappers without taking a tour. It was all looking beautiful today, but with Haumoana houses so close to the sea, we could see why there were so many ‘Save our coastline’ notices posted everywhere.
From there it was back to Napier along the length of Marine Parade and on to Highway 2 and straight ahead to Wairoa, where we’ll spend a couple of nights. We had planned on stopping at the Tutira arboretum, only to find it opens Sunday only. Never mind, gives a reason to come back. We did stop nearby for a walk up to a small non-denominational church built in the fifties as a memorial to the 18 men from the district who died in World War II. The church itself is a modest brick building, but it has fantastic views over the lake.
The plan for tomorrow is to fit in trips to Mahia and Waikaremoana. The Wairoa area is noticeably greener than the previous districts we have passed through. Apparently, they had good rain in January, then a 30-day dry spell which was broken with some decent rain a couple of days ago. Our motel is by the Wairoa river, very comfortable, Vista Motels, gets our thumbs up.
Sculptures and pond at Craggy Range wines. We only used this as a turnaround point, after taking the wrong road and having to get directions from a most helpful and friendly man whose business was helping lifestyle block owners. And lost Wellingtonians.
Off Highway One 