Ngawha Hot Pools

Leaving Awanui we drove past Taipa to Cable Bay, where we walked along the beach. There were sandy areas and rock pools.

Back in Kaeo we returned to the Mad Hatter cafe...

...then had a fossick in the antique/second hand/book shop.

I would need a lot of time here, which we didn't have, so will have to revisit another time.

Final stop on our tiki tour - Ngawha Hot Springs. This pool complex has been upgraded since our last visit a few years ago.

There were many small pools of differing temperature. Traditionally, as well as relaxing, the pools were known to have healing properties. The water in some pools was black, in others green. Temperatures were from 30-40 degrees.

 

Day Three - Cambridge to Mokau

Blue skies returned for day three of our trip. First stop, Otorohanga...

...where we visited the Kiwi House and Native Bird Park. As well as birds there were lizards, skinks and tuatara (if you could spot them).

There were plenty of birds too...

Beside the Kiwi House was a carved gateway into a reserve with small lakes, which we explored before hitting the road again.

The scenery was very dramatic, especially through the Awakino Gorge. I snapped a few photos through the windscreen.

We parked overnight where the Gorge met the coast at Mokau, and explored the beach

Mount Taranaki hazy in the distance - the next day's destination.

 

Waihi and Waihi Beach

We walked around the edge of the Martha open cast mine in Waihi...

The dot on the skyline is the Cornish Pumphouse from the far side of the big hole.

The pumphouse.

The little town has a great cafe and interesting sculptures relating to the town's history.

Allister found a friend. From rocks to phones.

The old Rob Roy pub.

In the afternoon we walked from Waihi Beach, through clifftop bush to Orokawa Bay.

Then it was back to the waterfront cafe for cocktails and dinner.