The Seagulls woke us up early so we jumped out of bed and scrambled for the Mud Spa Beach nearby. What you do, is to go to the beach within a two hour window of low-tide (which was 9:30AM today, dig a hole in the sand, and the boiling water that comes up mixes with the cold ocean water (you adjust your hole to the temp you want) you lay in the hole and relax. We borrowed a shovel from the camp office, and off we went.
When we got to the beach I thought to call the Kayak company and see if they had any availability for today. It was predicted to rain this afternoon, so when he suggested we get to another beach in 10 minutes we thought the hell with the relaxation, and decided to take advantage of the calm seas and sunshine.
It was wonderful. Absolutely gorgeous. The guide told us how the islands were formed, and told how they were later claimed by Maori settlers, and later by Captain Cook for the Brits. We stopped at Cathedral Cove and took pictures of the huge rock that is said to be the most photographed object in New Zealand. We were served cookies and tea (or cappuccino) on the beach.
Met many nice people in our group, all from the UK, who also shared their experiences and gave advice. Such a mix of accents! Having trouble understanding the natives.
They speak so very fast, and the names of places are so long, and they sound alike.
Whakapapa, Mangahuia, Mangawhairo – and Wh is pronounced “ F” so I find it most useful to ask people to spell the names!
After our kayaking we wanted to beat the storm and get to the next spot to avoid the harrowing road which always says “slippery when wet”. Moved up our date to go to a lovely, SPACIOUS motel called Cambridge Mews with a hot tub and pamper ourselves during the rain.
Walked to the center of town for dinner and got back at 10:30. Just as we arrived to our room, the rain began…….
I went out to the camper to get out the darn vitamins (have to stay healthy) and managed to trip over the step of the camper in the dark and crash onto the cement curbing. Down I went! I laid there in the bushes for awhile in excruciating pain with the rain on my face. All for flipping vitamins. I can’t believe it!!
When we got to the beach I thought to call the Kayak company and see if they had any availability for today. It was predicted to rain this afternoon, so when he suggested we get to another beach in 10 minutes we thought the hell with the relaxation, and decided to take advantage of the calm seas and sunshine.
It was wonderful. Absolutely gorgeous. The guide told us how the islands were formed, and told how they were later claimed by Maori settlers, and later by Captain Cook for the Brits. We stopped at Cathedral Cove and took pictures of the huge rock that is said to be the most photographed object in New Zealand. We were served cookies and tea (or cappuccino) on the beach.
Met many nice people in our group, all from the UK, who also shared their experiences and gave advice. Such a mix of accents! Having trouble understanding the natives.
They speak so very fast, and the names of places are so long, and they sound alike.
Whakapapa, Mangahuia, Mangawhairo – and Wh is pronounced “ F” so I find it most useful to ask people to spell the names!
After our kayaking we wanted to beat the storm and get to the next spot to avoid the harrowing road which always says “slippery when wet”. Moved up our date to go to a lovely, SPACIOUS motel called Cambridge Mews with a hot tub and pamper ourselves during the rain.
Walked to the center of town for dinner and got back at 10:30. Just as we arrived to our room, the rain began…….
I went out to the camper to get out the darn vitamins (have to stay healthy) and managed to trip over the step of the camper in the dark and crash onto the cement curbing. Down I went! I laid there in the bushes for awhile in excruciating pain with the rain on my face. All for flipping vitamins. I can’t believe it!!
