What a find!
We are so glad we made the effort to visit this region. Mahia is so beautiful and there is a calmness there. Everyone slows down to smell the flowers and surf and just pause awhile to drink in the view of the landscapes. Wow. This is the home of the Rongomaiwahine Iwi and it was good to learn the history from a descendant George who we met. What a great story teller he is, too. Thank you George and wife Rebecca for taking the time to ’talk story’ with us.
We stayed at the Oraka Freedom campsite which has toilet cleaned daily and rubbish collected as well. We took care of our own power and Grey water. There was some bad weather forecast so we prepared for it.
IRB CHAMPIONSHIPS
However, on the weekend the weather came right and the Surf Lifesaving IRB Championships were held at Mahia beach as all the Gisborne beaches were cluttered with large logs and driftwood from an earlier storm. We had TIME to watch this well organised event featuring teams from all over New Zealand.
Mahia Surf
If you surf, then there are many options of beach breaks, but the best waves we saw were at the North end against the rocky shore as the waves wrap around the point.
However, check out this link to the best surf info site for more informative information:
ROCKET LAB
While we did not get to visit this facility as it is off limits, we did hear the stories and how it and other projects will help this community. Watch this space as I have heard some welcome news about another project being planned at the moment-mum’s the word though at this stage.
The shot of the Rocket Lab below was taken in 2017 by G. Alexsey.
2 Comments
Rod
Hey Pete still loving it like yous are, Oraka Campground- my parents first bach was just up from there on the lower corner before going up that hill. Previous uncles and grand parents baches were on the main side. I expect you are usually writing some time in arrears. Maybe you could add some dates then suggestions could be made, just to supplement your brilliant research. Mine was going to be the inland road from Morere to Opoutame- some great views over whole Mahia Peninsula. You did the main road cause I can see Robyn at Blacks. Hope you got your surfboard out. Also incredulous how you got that picture from above Portland Is looking back to RocketLab but I see someone else got credit. Keep up up the great work.
Lois
Another great read Pete, and amazing pics. How lucky for an ex surfer to be on the spot for the surf championships you would have felt very lucky to be “Johnny on the spot” can’t wait to join you both .