We stopped in Rotorua for a night before the 95-km drive on unsealed roads to the start of our 4-day hike around Lake Waikaramoana.
We took a water taxi to the start of the tramp and enjoyed amazing views across the wilderness on a beautiful sunny day. The first day involved the 4 hr climb of Panekiri bluff with our backpacks full...needless to say we were pretty hot by the time we got to the hut at the top, but the views were all worth it!
Panekiri Bluff peering out of the mist
Panekiri Hut
Our diet for the 4 days consisted of the following: porridge for breakfast, crackers, salami and cheese for lunch, followed by 'Backcountry' freeze-dried evening meals...obviously supplemented with museli bars, giant jelly beans and Kendal mint cake (thanks Hannah and Dave!).
Day 2 was shorter, but even hotter! Thanfully we descended to the shore of the lake and were able to have a refreshing dip just outside the hut!
We were up early on day 3 (New Year's Eve) as we wanted to take the side trip from the track to see the Korokoro waterfall. It was well worth the extra walk!
We carried a small bottle of port with us and managed to save it until New Year's Eve. After drinking this and the long day of walking, we were in bed by 9.30pm fast asleep....we must be getting old!
Cheers! Happy New Year
Waiharuru Hut
Luxury Accommodation for New Year's Eve
The final day of the hike took us along the lake shore, across swing bridges to the water taxi pick-up point.
It was a fantastic walk and great to be so far away from the real world. Having said that, we were seriously in need of some fresh food and a hot shower by the end of it! A 2-hour drive took us to Gisborne on the East Coast, where we relaxed on the beaches and in the vineyards for a few days.
Gisborne's riverside location
Sculptures
Coffee on a sofa outside
Beautiful beaches
Grapes on Vines
Visits to vineyards
We drove the Pacific Coast Highway over several days on our way back to Auckland, stopping at Tolaga Bay to see Captain Cooks cove and the longest wharf in NZ (at 660m!)...
...the East Cape lighthouse...
...Hicks Bay for the night...
...and many beautiful beaches on our way.
We had a dip in the sea at Mt Maunganui before staying our final night in Tauranga.
We made it back to Auckland just in time to harvest veg from the garden and iron a few shirts for work today! Back to work - boo!
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