New Zealand on a Very Tight Budget Day 21
We took a leisurely drive to Napier. The countryside was mostly unremarkable until we got closer into Hawkes Bay when the flat lands between the hills were filled with vineyards and orchards for as far as the eye could see. The vines are heavily laden with grapes and some very specialist harvesting equipment was on the move.
Just before we reached Napier we found the Otatara Historic Reserve. This is meant to be one of the most important archeological sites in NZ but was completely un-signposted. Now in NZ they sign post everything so I can only assume they don't want you to go there! It was very interesting and spectacularly situated - a bit like British Camp at Malvern. There was one other car and two bikes in the car park when we got back from the 1 hour circular walk. We then drove into Napier briefly picking up some information before heading for what was described as a peaceful campsite in nearby Eskdale next to the Linden Estate Winery they hadn't been there when the bird scarers were going off then - it's like a war zone (but at least they stop when it gets dark.)
So far we have managed to stay ahead of the bad weather, although it was quite cool today 16 degrees. There will be no escaping it this weekend so tomorrow after we have been into Napier we have rented some accommodation at Lake Waikarimoana for a couple of nights to sit out the storm.