We woke to a beautiful view of Long Bay this morning – and breakfasted on the deck to make the most of it. Then a quick pack up and on the road heading southwards. More amazing countryside (hills, coves, bays, rivers, fields…yawn) as we hugged the coast – the road was literally on the coast – back to Thames. A completely different town when bathed in sunlight.
We cut across to the east coast again and made for Karangahake Gorge, midway between Paeroa (of L&P fame) and Waihi. Some gorgeous gorge walks to choose from. We went for the Windows walk – along an old railway track which was built to shuttle ore from the mines in the area. So called because there are windows cut into the rocky hillside inside which the mining-now-walking track runs.
Legs stretched, and it was back to the car and on through Tauranga to Whakatane. We’re here for 3 nights. It’s a great base for the Bay of Plenty area and maybe a trip to White Island…
The Obligatory Blog 