Day 37 - Journey from Gisborne to Napier

In the morning, we first drive to Beach Makorori and walk along it. The weather is good and we have a Flat White at Coffee Zephyr, which was recommended to us by the staff of our accommodation. After that, we walk along Oneroa Beach in Gisborne and explore Gisborne. We continue to the beach of Nūhaka with a view of the Rocket Lab Launch Complex, but we don't see anything indicating rockets, just a beautiful beach with dark sand, lots of driftwood, and blue, clear water. On the way to Napier, we pass Waikōpiro Lake. In the evening, we finally arrive in Napier and are welcomed by the friendly owners and other travelers at the hostel. We have a beer with the group and eventually join them for a visit to a bar. In the bar, a David Bowie cover band is playing and the atmosphere is lively. The New Zealanders are interested and we strike up conversations with some of the bar visitors. Two New Zealanders tell Dennis a story about a man who keeps his toilet brush under his pillow, while the owner of the hostel tells me the story of Napier and even shares his life story, including relatives who served in World War I and how devastating the earthquake on February 3, 1931 was in Napier. Exactly 92 years ago. He recommends that we visit the museum in Napier the next day, which includes an exhibition on the Hawke's Bay Earthquake.