Day 11 – On the road to Paihia

So another customary french breakfast this morning – croissants and coffee, prior to heading up State Highway 16 into Northland. I do ask myself the question though, why does New Zealand have ‘State Highways’ when it doesn’t have states? Anyway, we headed up through Helensville to Wellsford, which is a very scenic drive, albeit a but windy and up and down.

We stopped for coffee in Wellsford where we joined State Highway 1. Again, it’s quite hilly and windy by Australian standards. Another hour or so and we hit Whangerei and stopped for a spot of lunch. Another hour saw us in Paihia and after a couple of circuits we found our accomodation which was incidentally called ‘Beached As’. It didn’t look much from the outside but is is clean and tidy on the inside and seems to be recently renovated.

We settled in quickly before heading off for a walk. Paihia has a lot of charm as development seems to have been limited. It reminds me of Coolangatta on the Gold Coast when we first started going there in the 1970s. From Paihia it is a short walk to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British and the Maori which was the event that established New Zealand as a nation rather than disparate collection of colonies and tribes. The ground themselves are spectacular with both the English and Maori houses being restored and kept.

I found it quite a special experience to be in a place that means a lot to New Zealanders and while not being immediately attached, did find myself respecting what had happened here.

There is also the main grounds in front of the houses where the people have often gathered for commemorative occasions.

We walked back to the unit and had a few glasses of wine taking in the views which are spectacular. Unfortunately, a few camera shots do not do the actual views justice. 

This is a special place and I am glad we made the journey here. Deb has happy memories from here and it is good to finally be able to add to those. 

Then it was off to dinner for a magnificent seafood restaurant called ‘Only Seafood’ prior to retiring for a good sleep We’ve got a big day of exploring planned.

Until tomorrow!