Escape from Murupara

Update 3

Today the plan was to drive from Ohiwa to Murapara, do some shopping and then drive to Aniwaniwa in Urewera National park to spend the night and then continue to Napier the following day.

We started of early and it did not take to long to get to Murapara. It didn't take long to get the hell out of there either! It is immediately obvious that Murapara is not the wealthiest place in NZ. It's therefore strange that petrol in Murapara is 20 cents per liter (!!!) more expensive then 50 km's down the road. But at least the guy at the petrol station ripped you of with a smile.

Next stop was the supermarket where a hooded maori sitting in front of the supermarket immediately had a go at me. I could not quite understand what he was saying but it was very obvious he did not like me at all. So we quickly did our shopping (again at twice the price from usual) and then left Murapara in a hurry.

Next was the rip through Urewera park and that was beautifull! A 100 km of unsealed roads through a very wild forrest! Meandering rivers, wild horses, derelic buildings it is quite the last frontier in NZ. Even though it was only about a 100 km's it took us the better part of the day. Fortunately the kids did REALLY well. When we got to Aniwaniwa I found the facilities at the local motor camp so poor we decided to drive a bit further. I don't mind basic as such, but with 2 little kids a bit of comfort is appreciated.

We finally ended up in Wairoa in a much more comfortable motel. All in all an ehhhh... interesting day. Lots of beautifull scenery, but a little bit too long a drive for the kids AND us. Fortunately it's only a 100 km's to Napier on the main highway tomorrow.