Such a beautiful day! We hiked north on the Waipu Coastal Walkway.

A welcome bench to rest.

Expansive views towards the Hen & Chicks Islands and the tiny dot of Sail Rock on the right.

Our destination, Waipu Cove. The tide was out so we could jump across the creek and walk to the restaurant, park and bathrooms. If the tide was in, we would have to wade up to our thighs!

We marvel at the huge Pohutuwaka trees that grow horizontally, clinging to the rocks.

A hike down into the Waipu Gorge to find Piroa Falls, a short car drive away from Sam’s house.

A very short hike to the falls, but this is as close as you can get to the falls, the steep gorge walls and slippery, muddy terrain impedes any further progress.

But thanks to the drone we can get a great view!

A leisurely drive across land to the sea. A nice view of the dairy cow paddocks in the hills above the estuary of the Arapaoa River where the boats anchor near the tiny resort town of Pahi.

Hiking down the stairs on the Waipu Coastal Walkway, destination is Ding Bay, about 45 minutes south.

The views between rocks and jungle trees are fantastic. It looks tropical, but there was a cool breeze blowing. It IS winter we have to keep telling ourselves!

We made it to Ding Bay, but the tide is in.

On the return hike we had great views of Sail Rock in the distance, looking like a huge ship sailing in. We also spotted a canoe with two hulls, being rigorously rowed by 4 athletes. Maybe they are training for a competition?

Surfing in winter!

We visited the Mangawhai Tavern, established pre-1862. The current building was built in 1890.

The rock formations in this area have been carved through limestone by the abundant water. This looks like a frog face profile to me!

The entrance to the cave is slippery and the rains have flooded the floor so we didn’t venture very far in.