In the morning we start out and hit the coast at Opunake.
This coast is meant to be a haven for surf and surfers. It is still cold, windy and so we travel round the coast without really stopping other than to look at the rough powerful sea and to think it probably is not a day for surfers to be out.
Incidentally, the road round the coast shadows Taanaki and the whole day it is obscured by cloud so we never really do see it.

On reaching New Plymouth we stop for some lunch and watch the local cadet force show a display of atrocious marching. In my day they would not have been allowed out in public. Quite why they have not been drilled is beyond me but it is amusing to watch.

One building that looks like it is a fronted by crazy mirrors is interesting but the rest of the town is uninspiring and sadly doesn’t live up top expectation.

We initially plan to stay in the local holiday park as we need electricity but deside there is nothing to keep is there. This is the beauty of being tortoises carrying our shell on our back. We just move on and head north out of town. Round the coast we stop at a holiday park just past the three sisters rocks near Awakino.

When we arrive the first excitement is actually booking in. The campsite is mostly permanent caravans and is being minded by two of it’s older residents while the owners are away. They get into quite a tizz as I don’t think they have ever had to actually book someone in before.

The site is like a slightly run down caravan park that sits on the sea and we are not talking bay but roaring 40s Tasman sea.

The electrics are a bit ropey with salt ingress and it is the second socket that actually seems willing to give us any.
So we walk the very short hop to the beach where there is a sun trap and strategically located bench to enjoy it.

So Maggie you said, “I want to be by the beach.’ Well you got your wish.

The sea is rolling in and is loud, very loud. Soon we are joined by a juicy lucy which contains to Germans. They go for a walk on the beach so it gives me a chance to take some more photos.

When one decides to venture into the water there is no excuse for me not to join her.

Together we get thrown about by the water.

There is no fighting the surge as the waves crash ashore and I feel this is what it must be like to be in a Tsunami. Even in shallow water the sheer volume just pushes you off your feet and when the wave retreats it takes you with it.
I think we both get the feeling that this is a little unwise and when she withdraws from the mele I feel it prudent to do so also.
As she says, “It is good, I think a little dangerous, don’t you think.’
As night approaches we both grab our cameras as the sun sinks down and creates another stunning sunset over the sea.

All night we cannot get away from the incessant noise and roar of the sea. I think I couldn’t live here as you simply would never have any quiet and your life would be overshadowed by the roar. It is beautiful for a night but I am happy in the morning to move on.

So move on we do and continue heading north.