21-22 November Mahia Peninsula (south of Gisborne)

After leaving Eastwoodhill Arboretum we set off  towards the Mahia Peninsula, bypassing Gisborne which we had seen before.  Some beautiful country initially, with grapevines in their lovely long rows, or lots of newly planted maize (or corn).  Everything looks green as they had heavy rain in recent months - more than Northland!   Then the terrain became more rugged & hilly & winding, some long hilly grades, and it began to rain,  but the car & caravan (and the driver)  all behaved beautifully.  Not a lot of traffic thankfully, & when there was, Stu moved over to let them pass being the courteous driver that he is.  We really climbed up very high with some amazing views.  Once we were over the hills the weather improved, though still overcast and drizzly.  We found the camping ground we were headed for (only one anyway), which was very old, very deserted  but clean and adequate.  It was just across the road from the beach, but due to the weather we thought we'd leave exploring till next day.  Managed a walk to the local store & decided to have local fish and chips for dinner (very nice too).  Fairly windy & drizzly overnight, but improving as the day went on, so we had a walk along the beach and a local reserve in the morning, then after lunch drove to walking track some distance around the peninsula, way up in the hills.  It was really pretty bush and not too easy, took about 2 hours.   Fantastic views over the peninsula and up the coast.  Had a quick drive around the other side of the peninsula to Mahia itself (blink & you miss it), but a very nice little spot just the same.  The overall impression was of NZ the way it used to be with lots of 'real kiwi baches' and a laid back lifestyle.  Possibly a nice getaway for Gisbornites at weekends and holidays?