Wednesday 19th February
Today, after a visit into town, we headed north from Gisborne to cross the peninsula of Eastland.
After passing many vineyards we reached sheep country.

We were heading to Waioeka Gorge and drove through some dramatic scenery with steep wooded mountains guarding the river valley.

In the early evening we walked across the bridge to the other side of the river near our hotel and saw quite a few boats being paddled both up and down stream.

Tuesday 18th February
We watched the veteran cars set off on the next leg of their journey this morning. The owners were all out polishing before they set off and they were enthusiastic to chat about their vehicles.

This is the view from our room looking over Hicks Bay.

This bay is as far East as we travelled before heading south to Gisborne.

Our lunch stop today was another deserted beach at Tolaga Bay.

This is the view of the Vintage Railway from our present room. The river and harbour are just behind.

In the late afternoon we strolled along to the town beach where there was lots of activity in and on the water.

Later post today as no internet access yesterday.
Monday 17th February
After visiting the quayside at Whakatane this morning, we drove to the lookout that gave us stunning views of Moutohora Island.

From the other side we had a clear view of the town itself.

As we descended from the lookout we could see Ohope beach where we walked yesterday.

As we followed the coast road north, we met a herd of calves on the road being guided along by the farmer in his pick-up.

Further on we stopped to explore a salt marsh which had lots of information about why it is an important habitat for birds and plants.

Our lunch stop was a lovely inlet where we stayed for an hour enjoying the sunshine and the views.

The beaches in this area are deserted with lots of driftwood and we stopped by one that was accessible.

The route took us right by the coastline with some exceptional views.

Early in the evening we finally arrived at Hicks Bay and after dinner went for a stroll around the hotel site.

In one corner is a small, quiet grotto where we watched half a dozen fantail birds flitting from branch to branch.

Also staying here are the owners of the Ford Model T cars we passed on the road yesterday with 22 parked outside rooms.

Sunday 16th February
Today we set off for Whakatane on the coast. On the way we passed through the main area for growing kiwi fruit and here they grow them up strings attached to a central pole.

We passed through Kaituna River valley an area where native species can be seen at the edge of the extensive forest plantations.

We took a detour to see Okere Falls Scenic Reserve and saw the falls which were once used to produce hydro-electric power. The remains of the machinery can still be seen.

About a mile further along the trail through the forest we came to the Trout Pool Falls where some people were jumping in the deep pools below the falls.

Further upstream we came to Tutea's Falls. As we were watching the water pouring out from the narrow mouth, several canoes and rubber rafts popped out and over the falls.

We stopped for lunch at the head of Lake Rotoiti and drove down the side of it with forests all around us.

As we headed towards the Bay of Plenty we became part of a convoy of about 20 veteran cars on their way to East Cape Escape 2014.

Our final destination of Whakatane boasts one of the best beaches in New Zealand and so we spent the afternoon walking along it enjoying the warm water.

Saturday 15th February
Yesterday we picked up a copy of the local walking trails at the Visitor's Centre. Today we followed two of the trails and walked across town to the estuary which faces Mt. Maunganui, an extinct volcano.

The varied trails led us from the coast through the container port and back into town.

This huge stone is one of a pair that the early Maori settlers brought here in their boats to form a link with their homeland.

This is an original Waka (Maori boat) which is displayed near the modern Fishermen's Wharf.

These carved figures represent the Pleiades - Seven Sisters cluster of stars.

We spent most of the afternoon by the beach looking out across the Bay of Plenty.

Our last visit was to the ice cream shop we visited 5 years ago and we can confirm that the ice cream is just as good.

Friday 14th February
We started off this morning from Auckland heading towards Tauranga and passed through the Karanganake Gorge.

This was a gold mining area and the remains of the works are still evident.

The road is cut into the side of the gorge right above the river.

We followed a good path along the valley for a mile or so before turning and retracing our steps.

We sat down on the rocks and enjoyed the sunshine for half an hour.

Tuesday 11th February
Hong Kong airport is bright with displays to celebrate the Chinese New Year - the year of the horse. We had an excellent flight here with Cathay Pacific.