Whatuwhiwhi

Yesterday we left Russell, traveled on the car ferry again, and headed for Whatuwhiwhi (pronounced Fatufifi). On the way we took a small detour to see the Horuru Falls.

Whatuwhiwhi reminds me of a small South Coast fishing village.  There is one garage, which doubles as a grocery store.

The beaches, however, are stunning.

Whatuwhiwhi Beach, across from the campsite.

Matai Beach 

We drove around exploring today, visiting Hakura Beach. On the way back we found a sign post to a church so went to investigate. We found the All Saints Church of Whatuwhiwhi in the rural farming area.

Closer to the campsite, we found Carrington Wine Estates which we had been told served very good cappuccino. We got there too late, however and they had just closed. We looked around however, at the vats...

..and the glorious view...

Instead we went to a take-away fish shop and bought cappuccino and one scoop of chips.

We intended to stay here for three days, but a number of things have influenced us to leave tomorrow and spend two nights, not one, at Wagener Campsite. We were told on arrival not to drink the water as for the first time, their borehole water had not passed the water purity test. Today we had a planned power outage (made us feel at home), but the main decider is that we have booked a tour to and of Cape Reinga (see map - furthest point north after ninety mile beach) on Friday, leaving 9.30 am and it will be easier all round if we get to the campsite from which it departs the day before rather than just in time for the tour....so tomorrow it is pack up and hit the road again.