Voyage to Tairua

Monday in Pauanui

The title of this blog is a little joke – the “voyage” was a ferry ride of 10 minutes across the bay from Pauanui to the little tourist village of Tairua. We started the day rather early because daylight savings time ended in New Zealand this morning so we were wide awake before by 6 a.m. We needed to get tourist info from the tourist information center but it wasn’t open until 10:00. We knew there was a ferry but not the times and took a ride over there and no signs. So, we went back home and I figured out how to use the Espresso machine and made us some cappuccino – it turned out great! So then we did a little spin around Pauanui – that didn’t take long as it is only about 2 miles long by a mile wide – (just a guess). We finally got to visit with the very helpful lady at the info center who gave us lots of brochures and suggestions. We found out that the next ferry was leaving at 11:15 so we were on it heading for Tairua. It was pleasant, not exciting, and we walked the little Main St. – checked out the gallery and gift shops and had lunch – BLT pannini sandwiches which were excellent. Bacon, by the way, is quite different from what we are used to, but very good. Walked some more, sat on a bench by the shore and watched the seagulls. Headed home on the 3:00 ferry. The weather is absolutely the best! A little windy but blue skies and warm temperatures. Tomorrow will be more interesting – we’re going to head out in the car to explore the Coramandel Penninsula including the Hot Water Beach.