My first impressions of Hastings were that it is very flat and very hot. It was 31C when I arrived on January 2nd and 32C yesterday. I managed an early morning walk to Cornwall Park, which is about 1K from where I’m staying with Christine, an old school and University friend. It is a pretty tree lined park with a Japanese garden at one end and some nice flower beds. There is also a little lake with a fountain and many, many ducks and a few geese.
After a 5K walk I was back at Christine’s. It was already so hot that we decided to conserve our energy for the next day. Consequently we spent most of the day catching up on our lives during the past 30 years since we last met.
The next day I returned to Cornwall Park and increased my walk to 7.5K. I knew I was being taken sightseeing by Colin, a friend of Christines later in the morning so wanted to keep my walking up. On the walk this time I came across a woman carrying a bucket, which was clearly food for the ducks as they were all waddling after her.
Colin arrived late morning and we set off on a drive through Havelock North. This area looks pretty affluent with lots of tree lined streets. The Jacaranda originally from South America, but now popular in many countries, were currently flowering and make a beautiful sight.
Colin drove us to a church, which is now deconsecrated and is used as an art shop and restaurant. The owner is from Zimbabwe and you can see the African designs hanging on the walls.
Next to the restaurant there is an ice cream shop followed by a Lolly Shop. I have never known anywhere else compare with the sweets you can buy in New Zealand. This shop was a child’s paradise and one for a rather “old child”. I bought three old favourites: Chocolate Fish, which have marshmallow inside; Pineapple Chunks, chocolate coated pineapple flavoured sweets; and what were once called “Jaffas”, but now have to be called “Orange Chocolate Balls”.
After this delightful interlude Colin drove us around various Life Style Properties on the outskirts of Havelock North. At one place with a sizeable pond I saw Plovers, Pukekos and a Grey Heron.
The area around Havelock North, in addition to vineyards, grows apples and olives. We passed a number of orchards and olive groves.
Colin then drove us up a steep hill, Te Mata Peak, which narrows as you reach the summit. From the top you have spectacular views around Hawke’s Bay, looking down on the Heretunga Plain. There is also a trig point with a map pointing out various features such as the mountain ranges of which there are a number.
As we were returning to our car, I spotted a little bird that looked a bit unusual. I now know it is the New Zealand Pipit, which is endemic to New Zealand. (thank you Barry Christiansen)
Colin was quite keen to see a ship he had sailed on last year leave the Port of Napier so we set off for there. On the way Colin asked if I’d like a cup of coffee. As my answer was the affirmative we pulled into a rather unusual coffee bar. It is basically a shack by a river on the Red Bridge Winery with a Portaloo at the back. It does, however, make the most beautiful coffee.
From there Colin drove us up Bluff Hill from where we had an excellent view of the Port of Napier. We watched as the pilot boat went out and the tugs manoeuvred themselves into position ready for the departure of the Regal Princess
It was a very varied and informative day about an area of New Zealand, which I have never visited before.