07/08/2018 - Unexpected encounters

Two days ago, our journey took us from the tranquil town of 'Stratford' to the largest city in the region. However, the weather forecast for the coming days was bleak. Constant rain and strong winds were the unpleasant prognosis. What now? We were determined to stay in 'New Plymouth' until we could embark on further hikes at 'Mount Taranaki'. So, we looked for solutions to spend the rainy days not only in the library, museums, or in the car.

For this reason, we set out to explore an exciting coastal area, located 70km north of New Plymouth, a day later. But before starting our journey, we visited the local beach. A fine, black sandy beach stretched all along the coast. But where there was once blue sky, the first rain front soon moved over us - so quickly back to the car and off we went!
We drove north on State Highway 3, passing an outstanding viewpoint. We turned into an inconspicuous, small side street. Occasionally, individual family houses were built on both sides. If one followed this road to the end, they might be surprised by a magnificent view. And indeed, we could hardly believe our eyes. Mt Taranaki appeared unexpectedly on the distant horizon! Surrounded by a veil of clouds, the white volcanic summit soared high. Magnificent, a picture made for a poster - the bright blue sky, the snow-white peak, the fluffy clouds, and the deep blue sea. We took pictures from every angle: zooming in on Mt Taranaki; Sam heading straight toward the mountain; the volcano seen through the rear window... :)
Afterwards, we headed to our overnight location. A bit confused that some signs prohibited camping and our search for a local who could have informed us was unsuccessful, we parked the car on the sodden grass. We felt a little uneasy.

Nevertheless, we enjoyed a peaceful night characterized by absolute darkness. The nearest lamppost was (not only feel) ten kilometers away!
This morning, we woke up with the sunrise. After a hearty cereal, we brushed our teeth and started a hike. It began right at the 'campsite' and led to a beach section with famous rock formations. However, access was only possible at low tide, requiring good timing. This morning, the timing wasn't 100% perfect. Although a narrow path had already been largely exposed near the rocky coast, the tide hadn't receded completely in two spots. We were forced to take off our shoes and wade ankle-deep through the cold sea. Shortly after, we reached the wide, black sandy beach and put our shoes back on. On-site, we discovered the first large, standalone rocks. Our curiosity was piqued. We searched for smaller caves and other special features. And indeed - at one point, there was an opportunity to enter the rocks. But through the entire way?! Slowly and cautiously, we sneaked into the cave and discovered another narrow passage. We used it and actually emerged at the other end of the rock! (Probably, the passages are only possible at low tide.)
Subsequently, we further explored the area and soon recognized the 'Three Sisters'. Formed by tides and rare earthquakes, three individual pillars stand in a row on the beach.
On the way back to the car, we once again passed under arches of rock. In doing so, we discovered another special rock formation. The 'Elephant Rock', which, according to later research, should no longer exist due to an earthquake in 2016, stood right in front of us. Whether it was still there or not, with a little imagination, we could still see it on the beach, west of 'Tongaporutu'. ;)
The ebb tide had reached its peak by now, allowing us to reach the parking lot with dry feet. Afterwards, we drove back towards New Plymouth, making a stop at the 'White Cliffs'. Due to lambing season, a planned hiking trail was closed to protect the animals. As a result, we only visited a section of the beach at the foot of the white cliffs and walked past several smaller waterfalls and a large waterfall. Back at the car, we continued on to 'Urenui'. Here, we came across a sausage stand by the roadside. Bratwurst in New Zealand? It is only available from the German expat, Patrick. The chef and former owner of three restaurants in Hamburg found his happiness here. He escaped the stressful daily life and now lives in New Zealand after a one-year trip around the world. He founded a small company as a means of support, producing and selling high-quality organic sausages. We enjoyed two of his creations, which don't contain any binders, preservatives, or flavor enhancers. Meanwhile, a longer conversation developed about New Zealanders, the appreciation of food, and what makes life precious.
Luckily, he still had sausages in stock, so our dinner for tonight was secured. His unique sausage creation with lavender, thyme, and diced tomatoes was a wonderful conclusion to an eventful, long day.