Rugged Coast

Once again the Hyundai had to move us on, this time down the other side of Lake Wairarapa (via the supermarket to pick up some dinner), to Palliser Bay, the most southerly area in the North Island with views down to the Seaward Kaikouras on a good day.    On our way to Kawakawa Station, we drove around to the Cape Palliser lighthouse and Allyson and Alan gallantly climbed the 253 steps up to the freshly painted red and white lighthouse while Joan looked after the Hyundai!   There were loads of seals basking on the rocks and playing in the ocean and a most unusual sight was the row of old tractors in Ngawha township, used for pulling boats to the water and back up.

From there it was back over the hills to tackle the Rimutakas over to Wellington and while Allyson and Al flew home, Joan brought the Hyundai Santa Fe back to Auckland…and in a totally unprompted review says it was the most comfortable trip she’s ever had up the island and she was impressed with the economy!