Waipatiki Beach

09.10.08: We left Gisborne down south towards Napier, where the turn off West to the center of the island would take us to Lake Taupo. We knew we wouldn’t make it all the way there, so we decided to spend the night at a campsite called the Waipatiki Beach Farm Park, which was 35 kilometers north of Napier. Driving down, we went past the usual green rolling hills with sheep and cows. (Can I mention enough how many green rolling hills with sheep and cows we’ve been past?!?) But, also went through a forest where there were some pretty steep grades and sharp switchbacks. In fact, the biggest one had a name, Devil’s Elbow.

As usual, it started to get slightly wet, and I was wondering if it was such a great idea to camp so far out of civilization if it was going to be like that. Luckily, it started to clear up right after we checked in. I thought this place would be fun because it was not only a farm, but right on the beach. Although there were cows, horses and chicken right on the property, we didn’t do much with them. But, the beach ended up being this hidden gem in a cove that only had two other houses there besides the campground. Unfortunately, the waves weren’t rideable. But, Sean tried his hand at fishing another time, unfortunately with no luck. Still, we were in awe as we watched the sun set on this beach with not another single soul around.