Last night at about 10ish we ventured out to the public loo. An incredible sight greeted us, the sky at night in all its majestical splender. Millions of stars and all we could say was wow. Then rustling heard in the bushes. The torch shone toward the noise and a pair of eyes peeked out from under the branches. Ah, now we knew what it was when it suddenly let out a cry, an unmistakable sound, the call of a female Kiwi! Check it out HERE A release program is in progress around these parts, in fact we missed the release of several Kiwis by a day. (Signs had been put up advertising the fact) These signs everywhere warning of Kiwis crossing.
This morning's weather wasn't brilliant again, gone were the lovely blue skies and turquoise waters of the Pacific. Instead a dull, mistily and overcast day lay before us.
We stopped after 15 minutes, suddenly the phone sprang into life, we had internet! Ocean Beach, as lovely as it was, was a black spot for phones and internet. For an hour I sat uploading photos to the blog, whilst Ian sorted out excursions for over the weekend. That hour made all the difference because the clouds lifted and blue skies appeared, showing just how beautiful this coastline was.
Today's plan was to head up toward Russell on what was described in the leaflet, as the 'secret coastal route.' It's like a subtropical route with roads leading off to coastal gems.
 |
| One big boulder ready to come down! |
 |
| Goat farm. |
My advice to anyone coming up this part of the Northland is do not pass it by, in both our opinions it was the most picturesque road so far and don't ignore the turn-offs, they bring you down to some fabulous bays.
HELENS BAY
 |
| Only a short section this time. |
OAKURA
As remote as this small place was, it even had a takeaway! Proper ice cream too, 8 different flavours, and you get two scopes to a cone. We had to try the hokey pokey. (butterscotch)
BLAND BAY
A DOC (Department of Conservation) site is 2 km further up the road. Wish we had stayed as you will see later but for now I must just warn anyone hoping to free camp that this is the last place to stop. Nothing at Russell or Paihia in fact the next place would be at Kawakawa.
Rejoining the road to Russell more stunning views and some fabulous old trees.
Not far past this scene and Ian stopped to see about tonight's camp. We were mortified that nothing showed up. We could have gone 40 km back to that DOC site, and we even looked at a paid site if that would be cheaper than using all that diesel to return to Bland Bay. Perseverance paid off though because the many apps he has on the phone. one showed a freedom camping ground at a car park at Kawakawa. It meant a ferry across from Okiato to Opua which unfortunately meant having to bypass Russell.
Finally arrived at Kawakawa, what a fabulous town. It has rails running along the high-street and a vintage train chugging its way along the centre. Steam loco was used in the past but her boiler has perished, so it’s vintage diesel now. Do you know? we might just go for a ride this weekend on that train.
And some of the sights seen on route.
 |
| Oops! |
 |
| Thought we were about to be charged! |
 |
| Walking dogs by car. |
And wildlife
No comments:
Post a Comment