East Cape and Coast Road Trip.

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A classic “ road trip”, beginning at Ohope Beach. Wonderful long beach,with a challenging golf course at the eastern end. It is a classic links course, with lots of thick rough, undulations and dog legs. Fortunately not too windy, but a very good test of golf!

We then drove through Opotiki, and followed the coastal road to our destination, Hicks Bay. We stopped for lunch at the picturesque Waihau Bay.

It was then back on the road and onwards to our accommodation at the Hicks Bay motel. The motel unit was “rustic”, but adequate. The motel had a restaurant attached, which was fortunate as there were not many dining options in the area.

A visit out to the East Cape lighthouse was compulsory, via Te Aroroa and a gravel road. The views were worth it.

Down to Tokomaru Bay, and golf at a deserted nearby Te Puia Springs golf course.For a country course, it was in excellent condition and very scenic.An overnight stay in the picturesque and tranquil Anaura Bay. Our accommodation here was superb. Great views over the bay, and an extensive breakfast the next morning.

Down to Tolaga Bay and the old wharf and Cooks Cove walk. Both well worth it. Interesting to think this was where Cook and party first set foot on New Zealand.

Two nights in Gisborne, staying near the river and town central, at the Senator Motor Inn. We played at the Poverty Bay golf club in Gisborne. This is a highly rated course, and it didn’t disappoint. After golf, it was lunchtime, so we headed to the Matawhero winery. A platter and local wine hit the spot. The afternoon was spent at the centrally located Waikanae Beach.

It appeared to be busy in Gisborne whilst we were there. A couple of restaurant attempts were unsuccessful as they were full. However, the first night we dined at the “Works” and the second at “Ussco”. Both very good and happy to recommend.

Onto Napier via Wairoa for lunch. Staying with old friend and pharmacy colleague Mayor Peter Robertson, his partner Deb and son Hammond. Wonderful hosts in sunny Hawkes Bay. Pete took us to his golf course, Maraenui for 9 holes. Good fun.

Next stop Martinborough, via Masterton and lunch with my Uncle And Aunt, Rick and Marion. Then on to our destination Martinborough a quaint little town, full of cafes, restaurants, women’s boutiques and wine shops. Formerly a small rural village, the grape has transformed it!

Golf was at the Martinborough golf club. An excellent course, and fairly deserted. Also top of the list when in Martinborough is wine tasting. With twenty something wineries, this is very easy! Purchases were made!

Cousin Wendy lives in nearby Greytown, so drove over to visit her and her classic old wooden bungalow. Over coffee and cheese scones, she proudly showed us her home, which she has renovated to a very high standard. With no previous experience, she has done an amazing job!

That afternoon, we headed out to Cape Palliser. Very scenic, with the lighthouse and a fur seal colony to explore. Then it was back to the Putangirua Pinnacles scenic reserve. We chose the walk which followed the dry stream bed. A gradual climb to begin, and then steeper at the end. A couple of hours return walk. Well worth it. It was then on to the Lake Ferry Hotel, for a well deserved cold beer!

There are plenty of dining options in Martinborough. We dined at the bistro in the Peppers Martinborough Hotel one evening. Excellent!

Big fans of Martinborough and the Wairarapa. We will be back!

Home via Masterton and another rellie catch-up. Overnight stay at the Hilton, Taupo. We were upgraded to a one bedroom apartment. Dined that evening in the Hilton restaurant. A great finish to a most enjoyable road trip!