March 23, 2024

Gisborne to Te Kaha

We wake up to a gorgeous day and continue our way along the Pacific coastline. We stop a little outside of Gisborne and just sit in the car and observe the surfers. They patiently wait for the right wave and then they try to ride it to the fullest. 

Our first stop is at the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf. The Peninsula around the Raukumara Range was not easily accessible.

In the early 1900 the longest wharf was built in TolagaBay from which all kinds of goods such as produce, sheep, wool, beef, etc. were shipped before roads were built. 

Our next stop was at the Cafe 35 in Tokomaru Bay. We had a delicious cappuccino and one of their famous pies. I have a Paua pie (abalone clam) and Peter has a pork belly. 

All day long we see partially washed out streets. Still today one and a 1/2 years after the cyclone Gabriel hit the area, we can still see its destruction. 

We find a nice spot in the Te Kaha Reserve where we spend the night on the beach.