NAPIER

 MONDAY, 21st Ocotber.

It was 4 degrees at 6a.m., a bit too chilly for us but the temperature had soared to 11 degrees by the time we left Gisborne at 9.05a.m for a day of driving.  There were few opportunities to pull off the road in order to see better some of the views we, or should I say I as Mike was driving, could occasionally glimpse through the trees so many of today's photos were taken from the car.

We stopped for a break by the river in Wairoa, took a couple of photos

then crossed the river and called at Osler's Bakery where we purchased a pie and pasty and as the cafe was closed due to a staff shortage, drove to nearby Coronation Square where we sat on a park bench in the sunshine to eat them while admiring the roses in the garden.

 The rather interesting St Andrews Methodist Church was situated opposite the square 

and after we'd taken its photo, we headed back to the road by the river, which we followed to the river mouth, finding it very interesting with the amount of timber being washed down river and on to the shore.  

A little further along the road we came to the Wairoa Beach only we couldn't actually see a beach because of the debris

Whakamahi Lagoon

On the road again, there were occasional glimpses of scenic views

and from one 'pull off' we were able to see a view through the trees

but the 'pull off' was not enticing, a picnic table had been wrecked, there was rubbish strewn everywhere and the road in had also been wrecked so we didn't linger

More scenes from a moving car

Mohaka Viaduct - highest rail viaduct in Australasia

Railway Bridge

Lake Titura

Throughout the day, we encountered at least 6 roadwork stoppages/go slows, the most in one day so far 

"We'll be comin' round the mountain"

Just before reaching Napier, we called in at Berry Tasty

where Mike had a mixed berry fruit ice cream, I had a coffee.

After checking in to our accommodation, we drove to a supermarket and bought a few supplies, then drove up to the Bluff Hill Lookout which boasts wonderful views and gorgeous gardens.

That was our day, a very satisfying if tiring day.  We're here for two nights so will go exploring tomorrow, lbut we like what we've seen so far.