After my quick stop in Taupo, I continued my way towards the coast. I stopped briefly in Whakatane to charge my devices in the library and found a very secluded campsite with a very adventurous road leading up to it.
But my car handled it without complaints and I now know that the four wheel drive is definitely working.
After a quiet night, there weren’t many people at the campground due to the road, I made my way east and passed through numerous Maori villages.The east coast of the North Island is only sparsely populated and I didn’t meet that many cars on my way.
That changed when I got to the East Cape. Since it is the most accesible place to see the first sunrise in the world, there are a lot of tourists, especially on New Years.
But seeing the sunrise, made definitely up for it.
It started out with the horizon lighting up in a vibrant orange and it was a spectacular sight together with the clouds.
Soon after, the colors concentrated in one spot and then you could finally see the sun.
The whole place erupted in cheers and everyone was happy to greet the New Year at such a special place.
I also wish everyone of you a happy New Year. May all your wishes come true and have an awesome 2017.
I, for my part, drove towards Wellington soon after, with a quick stop in Napier and Palmerston North right now.
A blog post about Wellington is following of course.
Until then,
Cheers!
Max Abbe 