Far North - Tapotupotu Bay via Karikari Peninsula to Paihia
Day 9
Monday 7th January 2013
Few days to catch up on here!
We only spent a couple of nights up at Tapotupotu Bay, and cheerfully head on to the Karikari peninsula. Looks like a long way on the map, but its actually a short drive and very scenic. The major attraction on the peninsula is Maitai Bay...absolutely amazing spot with a cheap DOC campsite too, however, at the moment this is full, and we are also 6 days post shower...so we settle for the top 10 campsite at Whatuwhiwhi.
Flash facilities, but we are charged $31pp/night for the square bit of land we pitch our tent on!!!
Spend a good 3 days here, mostly reading and relaxing, its a short drive to Matai beach and Whatuwhiwhi is pretty nice itself.
Thursday we continue south to Paihia. Stop for lunch at Taupo Bay on the way...another cool spot, could easily stay here too, but too many places to see! Spend a couple nights at the more moderately priced Waitangi Holiday Camp ($22/pp/night) in Paihia. Facilities are fine and spacious campsite (no competition for the showers yay). Active day! We hire kayaks and explore to the Haruru Falls then to Motumaire island, we have a packed lunch and enjoy a wee beach all to ourselves. Also have a look around Waitangi and imagine ourselves back in 1840 during the Treaty signing. Beautiful land with shady trees (one Pohutakawa planted by Queen Elizabeth the 2nd when she was 27yo!). Worth a visit.
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