A final taste of Paradise

Day 59.  From Russell it was with heavy hearts we drove the Tutukara coast drive each road leading us closer to our eventual Auckland end.

Along the way a lookout down to Elliot Bay….

and unexpected drone practice.

And then by chance on the way to what was to be our next stop – Whangaruru – we turned off for an elevenses stop, down a straight gravel track to Bland Bay and our unexpected last spot of paradise.

Luckily this beautiful curved bay did not emulate its name ‘Bland by name’ was definitely not ‘Bland by nature!

Our intention was to make a brew and move on. However, just us two, the lone pony  in the adjacent field, a stunning beach, clear turquoise seas, crashing waves over rocky outcrops, staying put for a last freedom camp was an easy decision to make!

We spent our time revelling in the solitude, strolling up and down the beach, reading, looking back through some of the thousands of images captured over the last eight weeks, sad, knowing we would in all probability not return to this most beautiful country.

Beautiful sunset finished the day, our perfect little camp in paradise….