Wellington Anniversary Day long weekend was spent in Hawkes Bay. Tried our luck at Pourerere Beach and was relieved there was a vacant tent site as someone didn't show up. There were quite a number of caravans that look like they have been there since Christmas or living there semi-permanently. Despite the busy crowd, we had a quiet and pleasant stay by the beach.





Here comes the boogie board again


That's how strong the wind was


After some silly surfing, we went back to our tent and prepared dinner.




The next day, we packed up and went to the farmers market. In the afternoon we visited the Otatara Pa, between Napier and Hastings. In the past, tribal clashes were common and Maori settlements would build defensive structures and fences to help safeguard their land.


Wooden palisades



Carved wooden posts such as this can be seen around the site. They were erected in memorial to the ancestors who lived here.


This pa site occupies a strategic location with expansive views. Attackers can easily be spotted from here I reckon.



Heading back down to the carpark


Windmill in Dannevirke


When passing through Pahiatua, the playground is probably the highlight of this small town.