Around New Zealand: Opotiki round the East Cape to Wellington

Opotiki round the East Cape to Wellington

Friday 1^st February 2013 (until Sunday 10^th February)

Day of trip = 34 (to 43)

Kms driven so far = 4184

Woohoo now we are racing down the country! We start our adventure around the very isolated East coast in Tirohanga – a beach just outside of Opotiki. Awesome campsite, past its best but is definitely the cheapest ($15 for both of us/night!), hot showers and prime access to a beautiful stretch of rugged beach. Small mouse and maybe a rat showed its face though…kept Haden occupied trying to outwit it (guess who won?).

Pretty epic drive around the East Cape, we stop at the lighthouse for lunch at the most easterly point of mainland NZ – that’s the most Northern and Eastern corners done, two to go! We get full sun and hot temps to enjoy it too.

We stay further round the coast at Anaura Bay, it’s a beautiful spot, but the campsite (an old converted school) is run down and expensive ($18pp/night). More beaching here! The east coast is pretty sparsely populated, just a few small communities dotted around, mostly Maraes. Good atmosphere though and we didn’t feel unsafe at any time. Next time we will have to explore inland more.

Our first real day of rain hits just after we pack up the tent (excellent timing!) and we pass through Gisborne quickly on to more familiar territory. We spend a couple nights with Lisa’s brother Paul in Napier – few wine tastings go down easily at picturesque Elephant Hill and stunning Craggy Range. Good quality time babysitting Lisa’s niece Lucia!

We spend our last few days in the north island in Wellywood – Lisa interviews for a job (plan B) and we get to hang out with Haden’s sister Rowella and son Tiaki. Lots of fun eating burgers on the beach, and Wellington keeps the sun pouring down, tempting us to stay…!

Next stop…South Island!!!

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