Passing by Patea

Leaving the beach behind, we headed off towards  Patea, racing one of the many “milk trains” heading towards Fontera Milk Treatment Plant in Hawera.  The train won that competition, as it raced away in the distance.

Chilled containers full of milk

Patea is famous for the concrete Maori war canoe in the centre of town. 

 

Patea – and the famous war canoe

A sculpture of whale bones tells the story of Tutunui, the whale who was the pet of the chief Tinirau.  Kae loves the taste of cooked whale meat and kills him, cooking his flesh in an oven.  The chief finds out about this terrible happening and puts Kae to death. 

Garden of Tutunui at Patea