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Published: November 17th 2023
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On Monday morning our accommodation included breakfast so having had our fill we set off about 9. We were heading for Napier, well known for its Art Deco architecture. We drove east across a mountain range. All along the top of the peaks there was a large wind farm, the sails turning majestically in the strong breeze. The sides of the valleys were heavily wooded with many plantations of pine trees. We saw a number of logging trucks, fully loaded, passing by in the other direction.
We arrived at Ahuriri, a seaside suburb of Napier, where we were booked into the Navigate Seaside Hotel. We parked by the beach and walked along the shore. It was a sunny day and many families were enjoying the beach. We walked along the Main street. It was lined with shops and many cafes. In the end we decided to return to the bar on the beach for lunch. This place was packed as it had a great view over the bay. We had a couple of share dishes which were very tasty.
After lunch we checked into the hotel. A very large, comfortable room looking out to the sea.We then drove around the Esplanade
to the main town area. An earthquake devastated the city in early 1930s and it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style. They have kept and maintained most of the old buildings and there are some beautiful facades here. We wandered along the Main street, taking many photos. Stopped at a Whitcouls bookshop for a browse and then at a great second hand bookshop where Fletcher found some excellent athletics books. The shop owner was excellent, very friendly and informative. Around the corner were more great buildings, including the local theatre. We stopped at a cafe for a glass of wine and a rest.Then it was a browse of the Art Deco store in the council chambers then back to the beast and a drive back to the hotel.
We ventured out again about 6pm in search of sustenance and found Sri Thai, an obviously popular local restaurant which was very full but had room for us. Lovely Thai food with great service. A good finish to the day.
The next morning we were on the road by 8-30. This was to be our longest drive up to Hamilton. It was a cool but sunny day and we drove
along State Highway 2 towards Taupo. We had many stops along the way due to roadworks. Again there was great scenery, without wooded mountains and bright yellow broom lining the hillsides. We arrived into Taupo about 11am and decided to stop for brunch. After we parked the Ute we walked to the Lake. It is still beautiful with a wide expanse of blue water and many water sports going on. We sat outside at a local Cafe and had some lunch. Though it was a bit windy it was lovely sitting in the sun.
We were on the road again about 12-10 and we arrived into Hamilton about 2-15.
We were greeted enthusiastically by Debbie who had been waiting for us. Oscar was also waiting us and with a couple of woofs we were accepted into the household. The rest of the afternoon was settling in and much conversation. Criss came home after training and Debbie cooked us a lovely lamb dinner. Much conviviality and catching up over a wine or two.
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