30 November - 02 December - Hawkes Bay

Just a short drive from Napier to the Clive Ski Reserve, a free camping site beside the Clive River.  Lots to watch as the Boating club was just up the river, so all day there were wakas, kayaks, rowers, & fisherman passing by.  The object of staying here was to do some more of the biking trail we started in Napier, which goes right through to Hastings.  The afternoon of arrival we did a southern trail along the coast, then the next morning took an inland route.  It reminded us of cycling in Holland along the stopbanks there - very flat.  Not as interesting as we would have liked, but we enjoyed the views of all the big orchards & horticultural area - beautifully straight rows of trees like soldiers, & other crops whose rows followed the contour & shape of the paddock.  Quite photographic.  Cycled about 18 kms that afternoon, so felt we had done our exercise for the day.

Next morning we shifted to Te Awanga, a lovely little area no far away, but on the coast.  Another freebie at the Clifton Beach Reserve.  Lots of lovely fruit & vegies for sale - couldn't resist the cherries - Yum!  Strawberries were only $5 for 5 punnets which made us think of those good friends looking after ours back home & constantly telling us how good they were.  Nice beach walk in the afternoon & local fish & chips for dinner (very good).  Next morning we drove to Havelock North  which we found to be a gorgeous little town, very neat & pretty, lovely gardens.  Most of the shops were quite upmarket, especially the women's clothing, and by looking at the real estate windows, it was soon obvious that it was an expensive town to buy into.  We then drove to have a look at Hastings city which is also very nicely laid out.  Had a nice lunch there and browsed the shops.  Returned to the caravan & relaxed,  and J spent a lot of time trying to photograph seagulls in flight - almost impossible!  Good night, a few other vans on site, then next morning decided to go to Mata Peak.  A nice couple in Havelock North told us about it & highly recommended it except that it was a very winding, scary road with big drops down the side.   Although I was then tentative, I had to give it a try & what a wonderful view over the whole of Hawkes Bay.  When Stuart parked the car I thought we were going to make a quick return down the mountain as it felt like we were going to go straight over the edge.  Took lots of photos, then held my breath on the drive down.  Actually it wasn't too bad as long as you had a good driver.