New Zealand - the 2024 Tour - week 3 - Matakohe to Whanganui - 10th February to 17th February
Heading South Opononi After a lovely stay in Ranjiputa it was time to start our journey Southwards to Matakohe. Travelling days are not our favourite but there was lots to see on the route down. The East is not the most prosperous part of New Zealand. We had a pleasant coffee stop in Kohukohe as we waited for the Ferry to Ramene. We stopped for picnic lunch at Opononi. It looked like a popular family holiday spot. and then drove through the National Park Kauri Forest on a long and winding road. The oldest Kauri tree in the Park is a bit of a celebrity. You have to dip your shoes in disinfectant before taking a track to view it. Not a pleasant experience in sandals! Matakohe used to be the centre of the logging trade but the local Kauri Forest has long since headed for the Sawmill.We had a nice little hut for our overnight at Matakohe. The elderly site owner was planning to sell up and move to the West, cant blame her. It was a long drive to the 4 Square to buy dinner. I eventually set