Hokianga Part 3

We eventually arrived in pretty, historic Rawene on the water's edge in time for a very late lunch at the Boatshed Cafe which has a lovely atmosphere, being old and comfortable with interesting things on the walls. The whole tiny village has a nice little feel about it although we noticed that most things, including the cafe, are for sale. I had forgotten that the Hokianga Hospital sits just on the outskirts as does the golf course which we were hoping to play on but although the sign on the gate said "Course Open" the double padlocked chain prevented us from doing so! Yet another very difficult place to turn the bus with all the slushy ditches! We were going to stay at the Rawene motor camp but decided to head on to Opononi which was a good decision as we have since found that the Rawene Camp is closed for the month and once you drive up the hill to it to find this out you have got yourself into another spot where it's almost impossible to turn!!

Hokianga flounder for lunch at the Boatshed

On our way to Opononi, famous for the resident dolphin "Opo" who delighted locals and tourists alike by playing with them in the water here around 1955-1956, we drove to Koutu to see the "giant boulders" on the beach, walking through slush and mud to get to them. If you have seen the Moeraki Boulders in the South Island you would be sadly disappointed.

T (in sumo pose) & "boulder"

We have stopped for the 2 nights at the Opononi Holiday Camp which would come out about bottom on our list of places to stay in winter as there is no winter rate and at $35 a night with our discount it is expensive for the site we have and the substandard facilities. Because of the rain the owner says the grass is too soft to park on so they have put the 4 vehicles staying next to 2 unoccupied caravans on the hard stand about one metre apart - illegal we are told by the other disgruntled travellers as we are apparently meant to have 4 metres between us. No room for awnings or chairs that's for sure although it means we have all been able to meet easily and have a good chat! We are the only ones staying for 2 nights and that's only because it looks like good fishing from the harbours edge. Len is out there right now so I will go and investigate soon. The forecast is for showers and it looks like they are approaching - consequently I have one eye on the washing!

Trevally for tea!