23/04/2018 - Start of the off-season

After the break in Christchurch, we switched the "travel mode switch" back on. With a fully packed car, we went to the library one last time to upload a blog post.

In New Zealand, there are actually many facilities that provide free Wi-Fi. Without this offer, regular uploading of blog posts would hardly be possible. We are very grateful for this!

After visiting the library, we continued our journey to "Leithfield". Here we found an affordable campsite right by the sea. This represented to us that the off-season is beginning. Despite its great location, we shared the entire area with only three other long-term campers.
Upon arrival, we took out our camping chairs and made ourselves comfortable in the sun. Despite the cooler time of year, the sun still has enough strength to cause a sunburn. But we didn't let it come to that on this day. After about an hour, it disappeared behind the trees and we used the remaining daylight to visit the nearby beach. This was reached after a two-minute walk through the forest. On the other side of the forest, a rocky beach with rough seas appeared. There was not a soul in sight except for one quad biker.
Afterwards, we went to the unused kitchen to prepare dinner. With full bellies, we disappeared into the car and listened to the waves.

The next day greeted us with a beautiful sunrise. Armed with the camera, we went to the beach again. It feels like freedom to be able to take the time to observe it. The play of colors during the ascent is always a surprise.
Relaxed, we left the campsite around 10:00 a.m. and drove on towards "Hurinui Mouth". In this remote town, a longer coastal hike begins. When we reached the parking lot, we were surprised by an expansive stretch of coast and a fabulous color of the sea. At 1:00 p.m., we started the "Manuka Bay Track". We quickly realized that the trail is not used very often. In some places, it was barely recognizable, overgrown as it was. But over time, we made progress. It went up and down, several trees blocked the way, and in a few places, we almost got stuck in the mud. But the views that appeared in the meantime compensated for it. One part of the route was particularly bizarre. The hiking trail led through a small, abandoned cave where several old paddle boats were located. Somehow, the scenery reminded us of an old pirate hideout.
As the path gradually moved away from the coast, we wondered where it could still lead. After legally crossing a private property, there was still no destination in sight. So, after about an hour of walking, we simply turned back. On the way back, we passed a field with large hay bales scattered around. Since there was no farmer in sight, I quickly climbed onto one. ;)
Then we drove to a familiar place. Above "Gore Bay", there is the "Cathedral Gully". We had already visited the clay spires three months ago. However, it rained so heavily that day that we could hardly admire the natural spectacle. So, we were even happier to be able to admire them this time in sunshine and blue sky. The gorge looks simply impressive. From several viewpoints, we had a good view of the yellow spires. Unbelievable how long it must have taken nature to create them.
After this last sight, we drove past Gore Bay and arrived in "Cheviot" early in the evening. There we were warmly welcomed by the campsite owner.
The sleeping place was our cheapest so far at €6.50 per person. But despite the low price, there are many amenities offered here. In addition to unlimited internet, warm showers and kitchen facilities are included.
For us, the campground in Cheviot is a true insider tip.