Sunday 24 January

Mount Maunganui was our next stop. We knew our hosts preferred we arrive by around midday and this suited us just right. It was only a very short drive from Tairua. We were warmly greeted and found ourselves spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the communal lounge upstairs with a wonderful breeze coming straight off the ocean. The beach was just behind us over the roof of the property on the rear of the block. The surf was pounding. What better way to spend an afternoon after a busy day the day before.

We decided to opt for dinner at the local RSA club which was only a 15 minute walk.

View from the upstairs lounge area at our B&B

Monday 25 January

Today dawned bright and sunny and warm. We needed to get going if we were to conquer Mount Maunganui! After a great breakfast which would keep us going all day, we headed off. This is a busy holiday spot so we were very fortunate to score a parking bay in an unrestricted zone close to the path up the Mount.

We walked gently up the steep gravel path and had many stops. The climb is steep but there are lots of seats on the way and views to soak up. I’m glad I had my walking pole as the path was quite slippery. Two would have been even better! I found walking across the line of the path was much easier – not as steep – and it also increased my step count!! Bike riders and skiers will know what I mean. The slope is reduced by using this technique and it was nowhere near as tiring!

When we were back down again, we walked to the local shops to stock up on some fruit for the next day driving. Strangely there was no real supermarket in town, so Ian walked back to the car and picked me up. We had not realised how far away the town shops were from where we were parked. I was pretty tired having already walked about 8km!

Our hosts had made a suggestion for dinner which really turned out much better than what we had decided on. A super finish to a lovely stay.