The best laid plans.......

We didn't explore around Puwheke but carried on to see what The Coca-Cola Lake, Lake Rotopokaka, was all about and sure enough when the sun was shining on the water it looked just like Coca-Cola! The unique colour coming from leeched manuka tannins. Interesting!
We drove to the end of the road and discovered a freedom camping area, Tokerau Beach, that was truly like stepping back in time to when we were kids. Rustic, uneven ground right beside a great beach but those that were there all found a spot that suited them as did we. We absolutely loved our 2 nights here. David fished, chicken again for tea, chatted to friendly fishers about fishing and at one stage I thought we might be in the market for a drone. We really didn't want to leave but I had a long, long overdue hair appointment in Cable Bay so we upped sticks and got on the road to explore again. I can confirm that Taipa Bay, Little Cable Bay, Cable Bay and Coopers Beach all have gorgeous walkable beaches. The step count was up! We stayed at the Coopers Beach Bowling Club where we received the warmest of warm welcomes. The meals were good the banter was great and of course the AB's beat France. We walked Coopers Beach again, it's our favourite, and then walked the Rangikapiti loop track.
Mangonui still has very good Fish and Chips and we're happy we ordered them again. It's been around 16 years since we last had them!
Hihi, Taupo Bay, where we walked, Whangaroa Harbour, where David relived more memories of his wonderful time with Doug and Malcolm, and Tauranga Bay are all gorgeous too. We stayed 2 nights in Tauranga Bay, at the camp, as we waited for the wild weather to do it's thing. It rained heavily and blew wildly so I baked and we watched movies but did manage to walk the beach in a wee break between showers.
Today we drove over the headland via Mahinapua, Wainui Bay, Te Ngaere Bay to Matauri Bay, gorgeous, to find the Rainbow Warrior Memorial. It's at the top of a steep, 20min walk up the hill and impressed us despite the rain.
Tonight we're in Kerikeri and look forward to finding all the treasures here, over the next few days.Read more