Karikari Peninsula

I have never ventured up the Karikari Peninsula but Chris once lived in Mangonui and knows the area well.   When she lived in the area she used to tell people she’d like to live at Rangiputa and everyone thought she was crazy.  In those days it was a not well maintained dirt road all the way, with about half a dozen little bachs at the beach.  It’s a different story these days, the road is well sealed and an easy (if not fast) drive.  There are still some humble little bachs but they are outnumbered by the more modern steel and glass structures of the well to do, especially on the hill overlooking the beach.  But it’s the original little houses that have most of the best spots along the foreshore.  

 (Bach, pronounced Batch,  is the name given in the North Island to small, often very modest beach houses. They are slowly but surely being replaced but much grander houses.  One theory is the word was originally short for bachelor pad, I guess from their small size.  An alternative theory for the origination of the word is that "bach" in Welsh means small, although the pronunciation is different.  One humorous definition of the original bach is "something you built yourself, on land you don't own, out of materials you borrowed or stole”.)

 We decided to book in for the night at the only motel.  It's the building with the long red roof above.  Owned by a lovely English couple who made us very welcome. 


 Matai Bay, on the Peninsula, seems untouched by the steel and glass brigade.


 I know the next beach was in a reserve and I think it was Pukete, but can’t really see the tiny print on the map.



 A lady in Awanui had told us we must visit Karikari Vineyard (for the best muffins ever) so as it was time for a cuppa we took her advise.  I think we should have tried the wine as neither my muffin nor coffee was worth the drive up the hill.  Although the view was: