Continuing north we cut off the main highway at Kaeo and follow the “million dollar road”, which fully lives up to it’s name for the views. We stop at Matauri Bay for a beach walk and a hike up to the Rainbow Warrior memorial. The Rainbow Warrior, a ship operated by Greenpeace, was sabotaged and sunk by French agents in Auckland harbor prior to sailing to continue protests over French nuclear testing in the Pacific. One crew was killed after a second explosion. Initially France denied involvement but later admitted their responsibility. This event became the catalyst for NZ to commit to remaining nuclear free. Eventually the Rainbow Warrior was re-floated and towed to the Cavelli Islands where it was scuttled and dedicated as a dive site in the marine reserve off the islands. The memorial below is on a point overlooking the Cavelli’s. A beautiful location and point of tribute.
Every turn of the road is spectacular both in views and passing by secluded coves and beaches. Late in the afternoon we stop at the Mahinepua Reserve for a hike that included 275 stairs! Every step worth the spectacular views. Our final brief stop was at Tauranga bay to watch the late sun and a lone surf caster, recalling our stay there in 1981. I’m struck not only by the abundance of beautiful beaches, but that each has public access, is clean, and those that come are simply there to enjoy what God created. Nothing but solitude, natural beauty, and time with friends and family.
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| Overlooking Matauri Bay |
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| Rainbow Warrior memorial |
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| What goes down must come up |
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| Tauranga Bay |
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