Roadtrip Day 4: Paihia

On our fourth day on the road, we wanted to drive to Paihia. Lee, our former Wwoof host, had raved about how beautiful it is there, so we decided not to miss out on this place. So we left the beloved campsite at Tapotupotu Bay and headed south. We made a stop again at the Whangarei Falls to recreate lost photos.

Arriving in Paihia, we first had a pizza at 'Pizza Hut', which actually only cost FIVE dollars and was really delicious (and filling!). Then we went to the beach, where we climbed onto some secluded stones and simply enjoyed the view of the many little islands and the sea in bright sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures. At some point, we spotted a seabird that looked pretty much like a penguin from afar, but upon closer inspection we were somewhat disappointed to find that it probably wasn't one.

After this time out by the sea, we went into town and got some groceries because our supply of toast bread and the like had to be replenished. We also didn't want to risk having to get by with as little water as on the second day at the beach and therefore took two large water containers with us. Then we drove on to Waipu to a campsite and found out that it also had a kitchen. That's why we went shopping again because our plan was to cook noodles, once with tomato sauce for me and once with brown sauce for Jana. We were motivated and prepared salad, noodles, and the instant sauces. Unfortunately, the kitchen was very limited, there were only four working hot plates and about twenty hungry campers, so we had to wait forever for our supposedly simple meal (or for a free hot plate). Finally, around half past eight, our meal was ready, but contrary to the saying 'what takes long is finally good', it tasted really bad. Seriously, I don't think I've ever eaten such disgusting noodles (okay, yes, in Taipei, but that doesn't count because everything there was disgusting) and I don't understand why such sauces are even produced.

A little bit depressed, we went to sleep a little later, hoping for better food the next day.

Jasmin