On our third day we had planned to go from Thames to Whakatane. Since this was a travel day we left around nine after having breakfast.

Upon hitting the road we started the 3 hour trip whilst planning to have a short pitstop in Taurane halfway through.

The drive was nice and scenic and we did arrive relaxed in the busy port Taurane and encountered a big industrial port with huge container ships. Being kind of baffled by this we pulled over and got out the travel guide where we learnt that the actual area to visit was on the peninsula hidden behind the harbour.

So off we went through the cranes and containers. And lo and behold the industrial buildings changed to houses and appartments and a nice shopping street with bars and restaurants. On the backdrop that marked the end of the peninsula there was mount Maunganui

So we made a stroll down the shopping street, felt like mass tourists and were ready to leave. Luckily We just sat down for a quick bite and got to talking with a Dutch couple who had moved there about 30 years ago. They encouraged us not to leave immediately but to have a walk around the mount, saying it was really worth it.

We took them at their word and set off.

We are really thankfull for their advice and social behaviour.

This really is good advice when travelling around, talk to people, especially locals, they will share their local spots and highlights with you.

Dont talk and you will never be surprised

As you can see on the picture above there are two sides, the bay side with nice flat family beaches and the other ocean side the surfer scene.

We strolled along the bay promenade passing tsunami warning signs (weird what people get used to)

But we were going to the safe area anyway... up and around the mount. The peace that came over us was enourmous. Nature does make most thing look better. We took the hour long walk around the mount and then up the flank to ejoy the amazing views. This totally changed our opinion from the town. That and the awsome sets of waves that were rolling in like clockwork.

The lineup looked quite busy but did make me want to grab a board and join them.

Totally refreshed we filled up our empty water bottles (tap water here is very tasty) and set of direction Whakatane and our airbnb stay with Trish

More adventures in the next post, and I promise they are big and smelly....