Followed the coast today with low clouds and showers, some strong winds. Good day to be in a car winding my way through twisted mountain roads, stopping at viewpoints for a quick look.
In better weather, Whitianga would have many things to do which would require a longer visit. I parked at one end of town and walked the streets during a break in the rain.
Drove to Hot Water Beach where the surf pounds in to make the beach unsafe except at low tide. But at low tide, the adventurous will dig down in the sand and create a hot water bath from two springs above the low water line. In the water, life guards will mark the only area safe for swimming. As the tide changes, the whole beach is soon closed to all including waders. The tide was incoming and the life guards were gone when I arrived yet people ignored the signs and walked out on the sand. The surf pounds in with a foam that resembles the wash machine rinse cycle.
The weather did not encourage me to drive much further and I was fortunate to find a lovely spot at Blue Water Motel in the very fine town of Tairua. See
http://www.bluewatermotel.co.nz/ I have a very comfortable studio room. I have been lucky finding great places.
I had steak and onions for dinner in a pub just a short walk away. There are some great viewpoints here so photos will be taken if the clouds lift.
Speaking of driving across Nova Scotia, I too remember coffee shops or restaurants being in seriously short supply. Glad you are getting to enjoy some of the sights and sounds of New Zealand.
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