So despite the weather being perfect for a day trip to a volcano island – apparently the sea conditions not so good. Our plans to visit White Island were thwarted – but not to be put off we regrouped over an excellent breakfast at Peejays cafe. We had wandered into town via the River walk which was predictably lovely. The walk home was roundabout. This town is on a river mouth and against a cliff – and weirdly hard to navigate.
Our back up plan for the afternoon was another river walk – a loop along the Waioeka Gorge. Thwarted!
After an hours drive – through Ohope (again) to Opotiki and down into the northern reaches of the Te Urewere National Park, we arrived at the appointed car park. The countryside en route was stunning – and anticipation was high. We headed down to the historic Tauranga Bridge, the starting point for this walk, and found the bridge approach swathed in orange tape and danger signs!
It looked passable, but was high, and deserted, and an hour from anywhere, and the bridge did look ill-maintained from below so we opted not to risk it. A short play in the river bed and then it was back to Ohope (again).
We visited New Zealand’s most loved beach again, and meandered back over the headland via some lookouts we’d missed the first time. Stunning is the word of the day. Yesterday was lovely, but it is different on a brilliant sunny day.
So – it’s farewell to the coast for a while now – we have enjoyed our few days in Whakatane, despite its disappointments, and particularly enjoyed an amazing meal at Soulsa this evening.
The Obligatory Blog 