Viewing the Blue and Green Lakes.

GISBORNE. 6 NOVEMBER 2024.

Lake Tikitapu is opposite the campsite and we learn that there is a 5.5 km walk around it. We decide to do that after checking out. It’s undulating but nothing to concern us from Marsden. Halfway round, there is an observation point where two lakes can be seen. The Blue one is the one we’re walking around but the Green one is on private Maorí land. The sign tells us that the Blue Lake is 13,500 years old but the Green one is it’s younger sibling, only 13,300! How do they know to that level of accuracy?

The Green Lake is the top photo, the Blue the bottom.

Our feet ache by now so we drive into Rotorua. In Kuirau Park there are several hot springs which boast temperatures of 100C. We avoid those and soak our feet in the water captured for the public. It’s still very hot.

The journey to Gisbourne takes over 4 hours through a very steep valley. There are numerous roadworks which hinder our progress. We’re ready for coffee at Opotiki but the owner of the first cafe announces that the shop is closing. Fortunately, there is one close by which sells delicious apple pie and cream.

Our route bypasses Gisborne and we arrive at the motel in the middle of nowhere. There is a photo of when it was opened in 1961 and we don’t think they have changed the decor since. Still it’s very comfortable and has a large kitchen where we cook dinner. We play table tennis and pool in the games room. There are 20 beds in 8 rooms but we have the place to ourselves.