We awoke this morning to the most clear and sunny skies we had experienced in such a long time, it was a beautiful morning! We hopped out of bed with great enthusiasm and by 9:30am we were well on our way along the scenic Pacific Highway heading south.
We passed through the Poverty Bay Flats and started climbing up into the hills, skirting the coast and getting stunning views back over the Wherowhero Estuary. We could see back towards the striking peninsula (Young Nick’s Head), named after the Surgeon’s boy on Cook’s Endeavour, young Nicholas Young.
Once into the thick forestry plantations that make up this area we arrived at our first stop of the day, Morere Hot Springs.
A small scenic reserve with a selection of hot pools that are fed by sea water warmed on a volcanic plate deep underground. We walked up through native rainforest to the furthest pools, the Nikau Plunge Pools, 3 small pools at varying temperatures. We opted for the 34 degree pool, and sat listening to the sound of the nearby stream, it was very relaxing!
After an hour we decided to continue our journey, and after a petrol stop in the small Maori town of Wairoa we completed the remainder of our journey, arriving at Napier in the late afternoon.
We checked in to the Affordable Westshore Holiday Park, and sat reading in the van, enjoying the last hours of sun…before the rain moved in!
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