A little bit of NZ

[dougman1]

Lake Whakamerino Lodge, an excellent choice to stay. Former dam workers accomodation, now run by the local Maori trust. A cooked dinner, and cooked breakfast, kinda heavenly really!





A snore pit, fit for a King! Old school but very comfy accomodation!



Early morning on the lake.



We needed fuel, the closest was at lake Waikerimoana about 20 kms away.



The views made up for the fact that our incredible wealth, had in fact been diminished completely at that last fuel stop.



It's wild, raw and spectacular.



So peaceful in the lee of the Harbour

[dougman1]

And you leave one spectacular place, and guess what. There's more!

Riding the Ridge Line!



You can imagine this corner, a rally car drivers dream. Thankfully we didn't encounter any!



A quick regroup to contemplate the awesome gravel roads.



Every valley has a river running through it.



And the road was blocked. Road works! Nah bro, just go up that way, it's awesome. And it was!



Taking us to the main road into Napier. Interesting Whare eh? Thats where you'd store your Kai.

[dougman1]

We then checked out Napier, NZ's Art Deco capital. Just a quick ride through so no pics. Then on to Te Mata Peak, just out of Hastings.



With the Te Mata Peak Winery on the valley floor.



We had a pleasant time chatting to the locals and admiring the views.



There was even a hang glider launch ramp, for those that were eager to get to the winery for lunch!



We pressed on for the township of Waipawa. Stopping for a pint at the Patangata Tavern. A very cosy spot too I might add.



Then on to our digs at Waipawa.



The sun sets in Waipawa as we ready for dinner.

[dougman1]

Now Waipawa isn't the liveliest town. We just made it to the Takeaways before they closed at 7 pm. Nice evening for a stroll though!



Next morning we found a coffee shop that was open. Man these places smell of cooking fat. Luckily, we choose to sit outside.



Then we were off to the beach. Blackhead Beach to be precise.




Country lanes to mesmerise you as you drive to the beach.



An unscheduled stop, while Daisy and her mates were being relocated to greener pastures.

[asphalt]

Pretty nice.... Doug!
Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for more pics