This weekend we left the rainstorms of the Waikato and followed the sun over to Hawke's Bay on the east coast, about 4 hours drive from here; this was our first visit to the area.
We enjoyed the art deco architecture of Hastings and Nelson, (rebuilt in the thirties after the earthquake),
did some walking on the peaks, in the bush and on the beach, indulged in Sunday lunch at a winery,
shopped at the local farmers' market,
found a beach to ourselves, despite it being a public holiday,
and on the way back followed a track into the hills for the ultimate picnic spot in a river valley.
And driving through Taupo were offered the perfect view over the lake to the mountains of Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu
I have decided to take time out from writing posts for a while, but hope to add photos regularly on flickr. Anyone wanting to know how we are, just email, and I'll reply