We explored many places off the beaten track - and some tracks were pretty basic |
But others were quite beautiful and restful - good for the soul. |
Even in the odd shower, there was beauty to be seen |
Waterfalls were tucked away in all sorts of remote places |
The trees had been there quite a while |
Even growing out of solid rock - one would wonder how they survived. |
Roadside pools reflecting the surrounding shrubbery |
Or the manmade structures - which were remarkably in good order considering the negligible population |
The wildlife were tolerant of humans, since they would see so few, and kept an eye on us. |
Some areas had masses of gorse. Pretty, but awfully illegal |
Stayed on a variety of Motels. This one at Tolaga Bay was VERY informal - neat !! |
Decided not to stay at this one - dining room below standard ......... |
As you can guess, have always been fascinated by old abandoned houses |
And another one |
Not only were the houses old - this was part of the Tolaga Bay jetty |
BUT - it looked MUCH better at 5 a.m. in the morning. |
This 660 metre long jetty, the longest in New Zealand, is being restored, which is a great effort for a town of only 600 people. |
Other jetties around the Cape were not so well preserved, but great for photographers !! |
Tiny settlements dotted around the Cape reached by narrow twisting roads through interminable hills, but each one with miles of stunning beaches |
Summer, yet not a soul in sight. Imagine this in Hong Kong !!!! |
Total solitude. Brilliant. |