On to Whakatane

Before leaving for our next overnight stop we had an appointment with Cvana now called Awnings and Covers to get a bit of work done on our caravan awning.  “Leave it with us”, we were told, “and come back at 12.”  So that’s what we did, taking Gemma with us as we drove around doing a little sightseeing, and filling in time.  Arriving back, the work was almost completed, we now have brackets fitted for the rafters, and rain water collection connections fitted, in case we are camping somewhere and want to take advantage of heavy rainfall.

At the Cvana workshop

Hooking up the van again we soon got on our way.  If you have ever wondered where all the road cones end up, I think Tauranga has a rather good selection.  We passed this collection as we drove out of town.

Road cones everywhere

Arriving mid afternoon we arrived at Whakatane and made our way to “Comfort Zone 4” Pop (Park Over Property) not far from the airport.  Our friendly hostess Annette came out to meet us and directed us to the large paddock at the back of the property to make ourselves at home.  With only one other van here there is plenty of room.  We understand that the BOP Caravan Club often has a rally here.

Now at Whakatane

The next morning armed with a reasonably short shopping list we drove into the city of Whakatane.  The name Whakatane commemorates an incident occurring after the arrival of the Mataatua, was one of the great voyaging canoes by which  Polynesians migrated to New Zealand, according to Maori tradition.   The men had gone ashore and the canoe began to drift. As women did not paddle these canoes Wairaka, daughter of Toroa, captain of the canoe, declared “I will make myself a man”, and commenced to paddle, and with the help of the other women saved the canoe.  A statue of Wairaka stands on a rock in the harbour with Moutohora Island in the background.  This island is a pest-free oasis that is home to a number of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles .

Statue honouring Wairaka

Not far away is Muriwai’s Cave, one of the most sacred and historically important sites in the Whakatane region.  Born of chiefly descent, Muriwai was held in the highest regard and was renown for her wisdom and second sight.  It was her father’s wish that she occupied the cave.  The cave is dedicated to her memory.

Sacred cave of Muriwai

It has been rather cool, grey and cloudy here in Whakatane, so much so that our red generator has been out both days for a couple of hours to top up the batteries.  It is mid winter, after all, and at least the weather is not wet and windy.