Last walk of the year was Cooks Cove named after Captain James Cook, an English sailor and explorer who visited the Tolaga Bay area in 1769. Passing through gentle hills where sheep graze freely reminds me of the Kennedy's Bush Track in Christchurch. Wind was so strong near the coast I had trouble keeping my eyes open and couldn't take any decent photos with...
The next morning we went over to check out the other free campsite at Oraka Reserve which was quite busy too. View was less dramatic than Opoutama Beach. Had a look around Mahia Beach and some Maori art exhibition in town before moving on to Gisborne for lunch. Oraka Reserve Mahia Beach Holiday Park Didn't know there was a walk up the Mokotahi...
A rest day after four days of exertion. Treated ourselves to the Morere hot springs ($14 pp) to soak away our fatigue and body aches. Went for a dip in all the hot pools of varying temperatures and there is a cold swimming pool as well if it's too hot. Showered at Morere before leaving as the next campsite does not have any...
Last year we spent Christmas in Tongariro National Park. This year we did our fourth Great Walk at Lake Waikaremoana. Only managed to book the hut and campsites 3-4 days in advance and the earliest we could start was on Christmas Day. Set off on the first day at 9.45am. It was quite a tough climb up with heavy packs. D1 Onepoto to...
