![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231115_085753-1038x576.jpg "Napier")
Napier was also intended basically as a stopover between two must-dos on my route. However, this time I spent two nights in town, because I also wanted to see something of the city (and the surrounding area). Continue reading O Brother, Where Art Deco?
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-20231113_111729-1038x576.jpg "Lake Waikaremoana")
Sun at Lake Waikaremoana
As already mentioned, Te Urewera was a must do on route through the North Island. Unfortunately, the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle from February 2023 are still being felt. This also meant that I could not do all my planned hikes. Still, I still had two really nice, sunny days at Lake Waikaremoana. Continue reading Sun at Lake Waikaremoana
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231111_111918-1038x576.jpg "Poverty Bay from Te Kuri Farm Walkway")
Gray Gisborne
Gisborne was only intended as an overnight stop between two milestones of my route, the East Cape and Te Urewera. Nevertheless, I managed to squeeze in a short hike. Continue reading Gray Gisborne
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-20231109_111900-1038x576.jpg "East Cape")
In the Far East (of New Zealand)
I have reached the first of the milestones of my New Zealand route south of Auckland (around which the rest of the route was planned): the East Cape. Continue reading In the Far East (of New Zealand)
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231106_131127-1038x576.jpg "Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane")
Water in Whakatane
It also rained a bit in Whakatane. Apparently, that is the rule here for cities that start with “Wha”. However, there was much less rain than in Whangarei or in Whangamata. So, I could really appreciate the beauty of this part of the Bay of Plenty. Continue reading Water in Whakatane
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231105_100327-1038x576.jpg "Mount Maunganui from the summit")
At the heart of Bay of Plenty
Now I am starting my exploration of the Bay of Plenty, the large bay in the north-east of the North Island of New Zealand. My first stop was in Tauranga. However, I basically only slept there. All my activities have taken place elsewhere, in the surroundings of the city. Continue reading At the heart of Bay of Plenty
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231104_084700-1038x576.jpg "Whangamata Beach")
Water in Whangamata
I really hope this is not the start of a “Water” series. Unfortunately, also in Whangamata, the water was not only the attraction, but also sometimes also a bit of a killjoy (in the form of rain, of course). Continue reading Water in Whangamata
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231102_112801-1038x576.jpg "Karangahake Gorge")
Remnants of gold diggers
Today was dedicated to the gold diggers of Karangahake Gorge – or (more precisely) what they have left behind. Continue reading Remnants of gold diggers
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231101_101304-1038x576.jpg "Trounson Kauri Park")
Giants of the forest
After Hokianga Harbour, I explored the Kauri Coast. As the name suggests, this area boast some (very) large Kauri trees. Continue reading Giants of the forest
![[Picture]](https://bernies-journeys.at/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231031_111603-1038x576.jpg "Coast South of Hokianga Harbour")
Fog in Hokianga Harbour
Slowly, the rain is receding. However, it has been replaced by low-lying clouds. Still, I was able to explore Hokianga Harbour a bit. Continue reading Fog in Hokianga Harbour