The North Island from the Road ~ Coastal Waikato to Taranaki ~ A Photo Journey
Jonathan Clark | FreeNZ
Greetings fellow Kiwis, welcome to the next instalment of the Great New Zealand Road Trip. This time, we are hugging the coastline (as much as possible) from Kawhia while chasing the sunset light to the iconic Cape Egmont Lighthouse.
When meandering in the car with no clear destination in mind other than the general direction of a migratory bird, it pays to pack a small tent on this route. Heading down from Kawhia to Awakino, hotels are slim pickings, but a seaside campground, $1 showers, and a hot chocolate nightcap are a great way to fall asleep in a cozy sleeping bag with the sound of ocean fizz drifting you off.
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Memorial Hall, Pirongia.
A few questions come to mind: Is the owner still alive and when was it last sailed? Kawhia Harbour. For those who love sailboat horror stories, check out the movie Dead Calm starring Sam Neil.
Ngtokakairi Island in the Kawhia Harbour.
Kawhia Regional Museum.
Old church on the hill, Kawhia.
Shellfish beds in the Kawhia Harbour.
Like the Coromandel Peninsula, Kawhia has its own Hot Water Beach. I didn't have much luck finding hot springs when I was there, but if you go at the right tide with a spade, you just might strike liquid gold. Kawhia.
Toetoe grass on Kawhia Beach looking towards Mount Karioi, a 2.4 million year old extinct volcano near Raglan.
Bushman’s hut off the Kawhia Harbour Road. Hauturu
Back in the day, this was a 5 star hunting lodge. Now it’s 4 star. Oparau.
The bike cemetery on the side of the road in Oparau.
A child of the 80’s would know this particular brand of 10 speed bike. Oparau.
Bridge crossing on the Kawhia Harbour Road. Ōwhiro
The Kawhia Harbour Road in Taharoa.
Abandoned barn and house, Taharoa.
Native forest at the Marokopa Falls.
Marokopa Falls.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge.
The coastal town of Marokopa.
A four legged old fashioned lawnmower, Marokopa.
Sheep, hives & an abandoned truck. Marokopa
Housebus, Marokopa.
Hoof & red shoe, Marokopa.
A ‘fixer upper’ bach that just needs a quick lick of paint. Marokopa.
Blue Bach. You get the feeling some strong winds might come ripping through this place. Marokopa.
Limestone rocks in Lord of the Rings country, Waitanguru.
Limestone rocks with afro style tree haircuts, Waitanguru.
World War 1 (The Great War) war memorial, Waitanguru.
Whitebait hut, Awakino.
Whitebait hut, Awakino.
Kitch campground chalets, Awakino.
Ochre house, Awakino.
Awakino Beach.
Wave break across the sand bar at Awakino.
Beach of driftwood, Mokau.
Beach of driftwood, Mokau.
The Three Sisters rock formations. Accessible by foot at low tide. High tide you have to swim or paddle there. Tongapōrutu.
The Three Sisters rock formations. Tongapōrutu.
Washed up cow at the Three Sisters rock formations. Tongapōrutu.
Whitebaiters. Tongapōrutu.
Stoney coastline around the circumference of Mt Taranaki / Mt Egmont. The stones have been painted into iconic existence through the work of kiwi artist Michael Smither.
New Plymouth.
The Clock Tower and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre. New Plymouth.
The Wind Wand, a sculpture by the late Len Lye. New Plymouth.
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth.
Pukekura Park Fernery and Display Houses. Great for a hot house visit on a cold dreary winters day. New Plymouth.
Pukekura Park water wheel. New Plymouth.
Pukeiti Botanical Gardens, New Plymouth.
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, New Plymouth.
View across Port Taranaki to Paritutu Rock. New Plymouth.
Mt Taranaki from Lake Mangamahoe. New Plymouth.
Swan life in Lake Mangamahoe, New Plymouth.
Volcanic-rich, fertile farming pastures surround Mt. Taranaki, creating the foundation for a thriving dairy and beef industry for the farmers.
Candy stick house, Pungarehu.
One of the many Nikau trees scattered randomly near the coastline amongst the fertile volcanic hills that surround the circumference of Mt Taranaki. Cape Egmont.
Cape Egmont Lighthouse. Best experienced at sunset with a glass of wine and a hot meal cooked on the portable gas cooker. One can never get enough of the deep blues, magenta and indigo that a calm atmosphere and sunset provide.
A note of appreciation
Thanks for taking the time to view this photography essay! Many more to come, both at home and abroad. We are a tiny team operating on a budget that makes a shoestring look 10km long, so any financial support provided by Kiwis is surely appreciated. You can help keep this going by donating through the portals below or signing up monthly for our Substack.
Spectacular photography. 👏Thanks for reminding me how spectacular that area is. Did that same roadie a few years ago. Need to do it again. 🙏
Superb photography. Well done Jonathan.