12.1.2018: A manageable schedule for the day

My plans for today are really manageable, but the charm of Golden Bay is simply washed away by the ongoing rain. There isn't much choice if you can't go swimming or kayaking and the surroundings are engulfed by low-hanging clouds.

Although not on my list, I first drive to the Wainui Falls because waterfalls are always worth a visit. Highly praised, but actually only average beautiful, the Wainui Falls await the bathing or photography-loving visitors after a 2 km walk. And again, it's the sandflies that move me to leave after a short stay, but my DEET is running out and I didn't plan on buying new supplies for the last few weeks in the sandfly area.

Still in the car, I have my lunch and then head to 'The Grove Scenic Reserve' next. Along a 1 km circular path, you walk among palm trees and past some quirky rock formations. There's also a viewpoint overlooking Golden Bay. Perfect for families with young children or less fit adventurers.

I still have time for the Rawhiti Caves, which don't lose any of their beauty even in the rain, or the gaping abyss of Harwoods Hole, but I'll postpone my visit to the next rainy day - it can't be far, according to the weather forecast. Although it has stopped briefly in between, it has now started to rain heavily. I can't even muster the motivation to go to the cinema, although the admission price is really cheap and they even sell sweet popcorn (a real rarity in New Zealand!). Maybe I'll manage to dig up my motivation from under the bed tomorrow. Until then, I still have the blog...