The day started with a detour from Te Araroa to East Cape so we could walk the 800 steps up to the lighthouse, which we did. It got the heart rate pumping somewhat, but with lots of stops to take in the view (even when there wasn’t one), we both managed. And it was worth it. Great views all round and especially of East Island.
Back in Te Araroa, we stopped at a caravan coffee place for probably the best coffee of the trip so far. The woman who operated it had set it up in her front garden, a little subtropical microclimate in which grew frangipani, hibiscus, figs, bananas, avocados and probably more, all backed by a tall hedge of oleander. She makes her own jams from the produce, offers muffins and the like, and cooks hamburgers to order. It’s called Twilight, open summertime only. Check it out when you do your east coast road trip.
Finally, after lunch at the coffee cart, we set off for tonight’s destination, Opotiki. Once we got past the turn-off to Hicks Bay, scene of the sand-becalmed tourist last night, we felt we were truly on the road again, unknown territory for us. All a continuation of SH35, and close to the coast, or with views of the coast, for much of the way. We stopped at Waihau Bay for petrol and a glimpse of Cape Runaway, at Te Kaha for a cold drink and a hazy view of Whakaari/White Island, and then it was on to Opotiki, where we’ll stay for a couple of nights and catch up on some washing. And now it’s time to watch the Chase.
And a few shots from the road …
Off Highway One 