Exploring the Kaipara part two

Next stop, the next day, Ruawai, where the Wairoa River meets the Kaipara Harbour. We walked a bit along the stopbank then had coffee and explored the town.

Next stop Tokatoka, a volcanic plug shaped like a perfect cone. There were 360 degree views from the summit.

This is the 'smile!' pic...

...this is me climbing up the very steep last bit with the bus down on the road.

Tokatoka in the background after we were safely back down and on the road to Dargaville.

Had lunch in Dargaville and a walk around before heading back home.

 

Exploring the Kaipara part one

We had a couple of hot sunny days free this week so headed south from Whangarei and turned onto SH12 at Brynderwyn. Our first stop was Maungaturoto where we checked out a second hand shop and had a coffee.

Then it was on to Paparoa where we walked  to the pa site on the Paparoa Walkway....

...photographer in the flax bush :-)

After our walk we had a nice lunch at the Thirsty Tui pub...

Then we turned down a peninsula and drove down to Tinopai at it's tip. We'd never been here before. It's a beautiful spot with the campground right on the waterfront.

We wandered along the beach. The pohutukawa was in full bloom. A very pretty spot.