Thursday 28 January

The ex-cyclone was now making itself felt with rain overnight and a wet grey morning to greet us. A pity as we were driving the East Cape which promised to be a very scenic route. We could have simply cut across country to where we were headed, but this route is part of the Pacific Coastal Route which we joined at the start just after Auckland and will finish when we reach Napier.

Despite the rain we could appreciate the wonderful views up and down the coast as well as around us as we approached our accommodation for the night in Hicks Bay. The rest of the route we will take as far as Gisborne tomorrow. Fingers crossed the weather improves overnight.

Raukokore Church, built in 1894

View from our accommodation at Hicks Bay

The clouds cleared in the evening

We were treated to a beautiful sunset

Friday 29 January

No luck with the weather, but here we were so we pressed on regardless. Our plan to visit East Cape Lighthouse still went ahead. The rain had abated, but it was still very cloudy and low cloud around the hills and coastal cliffs kept the views hidden.

Coming in to Te Araoa, the closest town to the road out to the lighthouse, we were glad we had stayed at Hicks Bay where the motel was adequate, if antiquated.

We took the (mostly) gravel road out to East Cape hoping the weather would hold so we could take the walk up to the lighthouse. The drive itself was something to challenge the most confident driver. At least the dust was non existent because of the rain!

We were glad of our walking boots because although the 700 steps up to the lighthouse are well formed, because of the recent rain, it could have been slippery. Sadly, all we can say is we made the lighthouse, but did not see much else. The cloud was still hanging low. What a pity. The views would be amazing.

All in all, despite the gorgeous views being turned into misty vistas, we did enjoy the experience of taking this remote route. The countryside is beautiful even away from the coast. This land has been uplifted and folded over millennia. It is easy to understand how Peter Jackson envisaged his Tolkein landscape.

Once back on the coast after winding our way through some hilly forest areas, we arrived at Tolaga Bay to view the longest wharf in New Zealand. It is wonderful to see how a local community can pull together to save some heritage. The wharf was in danger of collapse, but has now been restored and is a popular tourist attraction.

We arrived in Gisborne mid afternoon to stay for one night.