We then took off for the Northlands on Hwy 10, checking out the wilder, more awesome areas north along the coast heading up to the very end, Cape Reinga. With a tip from a local farmer at the store, we headed for Matai Bay and had an afternoon cocktail at the wonderful beach cove. We stayed in Whatowhiwhi that night and headed back south given the gray weather. We stopped for the infamous fish and chips at a lovely historic whaling town of Mangonui, wandered through their Easter Sunday market, and then continued south back to the Bay of Islands and the once capital of NZ, Russell. In the rain, we wandered the town, took in the museum the next morning and headed along the coast down to the Maori village of Mokau.
The scenic drive was obscured by the rain, but it was still awesome, and once we arrived, we were rewarded by actually finding Connie's* parents at the marae, community center. What wonderful people they are, and how lucky we were to find them!!! We had a fantastic visit with them and learned so much more about the Maori culture. They are both really active in teaching the language, keeping the culture alive, and helping their community function as a viable support system for everyone in their tribe. Again, David and I feel so fortunate.
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| Taking "5" after a hard days of driving... |
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| View of Bay of Islands |
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| More Bay of Islands |
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| Connies parents, neice and some bum we picked up on the right. |
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| That's smiley on the right with Connies very cool parents and neice. |
*Connie is married to Suzi's ex-husband's older sister's friend. Get it? - the Blogmistress
1 comment:
I love your blog and especially the photo's of mum and dad and my niece Elliot. Thank you so much for visiting them. I only wish I was there too! Connie
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