Weathering The Tourist Drive

Inside the lodge with Hugh at Hinewai

Map of The Banks Peninsula and the Tourist Drive

We love having a weather forcast that lets us know how many layers we need for the day!

After a good night at the lodge at Hinewai, we bid a fond farewell to Hugh and headed off along the Tourist Drive of the Banks Peninsula. 

Enjoying the view despite the wind?

We got to experience a full range of weather from cold southerlies to warm sun as we took in sometimes hidden and sometimes brilliant views from the top of the crater rim out to the Pacific and interior bays.

Checking out the wakas (boats) at the Maori Museum

First stop Okains Bay to see the Maori and Colonial Museum with an impressive collection of Maori and Colonial artifacts.

Beach at Okains Bay

Then on to the Okains Bay beach where we had lunch out of the elements in a cave along the hills.
And, out into sun to explore a little of the bay before returning to the cars just in time for the next band of wind and rain.

Along the way we got to see beautiful hobbity-looking hills, sheep, cows and rainbows.

Just at the end of the Tourist Drive we took a short hike in some cold rain but protected by forest so we could see the giant Totara tree.  The Department of Conservation says, "This massive tree may be 2,000 years old and measures 8.5 m around its trunk."  And we thought the 600-year old Totara at Hinewai was big and old!

We then warmed up with a cuppa during our tea break back at the cafe at Little River before heading back to the Uni.

Fun Trip All!  - Dr. Hos and Meryl