Along the way, we saw Mt Taranaki (taken through car window)
The sea is just beside the residential area.
Though it was a clear, sunny day, it actually felt very chilly with the cold wind, so we had to have our (thick) coats on. It's quite strange to be standing under the sun and yet feel cold!
We thought we'd have a picnic snack/lunch under the shade of the tree, but that proved too cold, so we sat on a bench that had no shelter from the sun, which turned out to be more comfortable.
We had our lovely apple crumble pie (only from Woolworth's @ Otorohanga) and yummy Kettle Chips - both on special offer (about NZ$5 and NZ$2.50 respectively). Our friends had home-made sausage sandwiches wrapped with Subway paper from the previous night's dinner.
While checking out the motels in the area, we met Woody the tuxedo cat that live in a lovely seaview motel, which unfortunately had no vacancy.
Woody was a little shy at first and went to hide. It took the three of us (hotel receptionist, the SO and me) to coax him out to meet us. We got to sayang him a bit. :)
Along the way, the others went to check out a bicycle shop, while I saw this bunch of seagulls waiting for scraps from an old couple.
It didn't hurt to have a little fruit wine-tasting as we continued to look for suitable accomodation.
Sentry Hill has very good feijoa wine, but it was the unique green ginger wine that won the SO and the other woman over, so we bought a bottle to share. The ginger wine has a lovely bouquet and gives a quiet, little explosive sensation as it flows down the throat...that's my best way of describing it.
(I'm not a wine drinker, but during the later part of the trip, we got to try other feijoa/fruit wines, which didn't come close to that of Sentry Hill's in terms of bouquet, taste, texture and colour).
The poser at the wine counter
Back to accom-hunting!
The YMCA didn't have accomodation facilities, but the lady receptionist/manager there was absolutely helpful in suggesting places for us to stay. One of those places she'd recommended was Sunflower (backpackers) Lodge.
Looks a little bohemian, and with a very homely atmosphere....
...plus a sun deck / balcony that looks out to the sea, and a huge kitchen well-stocked with utensils (and even an electric rice cooker) and 3 large fridges. We met friendly manager Sue and Annie, whom I thought wouldn't look out of place in the bohemian era.
Soon, it was time to roam the streets and check out dinner - at the popular Sun World (新世界） Chinese restaurant - which had a reasonable buffet and fantastic roast pork, according to the men. I wouldn't know coz I didn't try it.
It was very windy and chilly as we walked back to the lodge after dinner. Still, it wasn't as bad as the next day's weather - rain!
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