Seeing the local sights

A happy band of campers queued up in the afternoon to take in the sights on our bus trip, an optional extra for the rally. The trip took us down town and we saw how all the rich people live in their sea front apartments and posh houses.  Real estate is a booming in this region.  The port is kept  busy with the many cruise ships which come calling.  The bus then took us into the hills and we arrived at Minden Lookout.

  Our bus

Although it was a short climb to the top of the lookout, we were all puffing in the clammy conditions.  The views were a little hazy, as we looked out over farmland one way,  and across to the port and Mount Maunganui in the distance.
 

We climbed back into the bus and commented that the seats were certainly not made for our ample proportions!  Through lush green farmland, and a short trip along the state highway, and we turned into our next destination of McLaren Falls.  What a delightful place this is.  There are many places to camp along the river and the views are very pretty.

The falls themselves always attract people who like to clamber all over the large rocks.  The water flow is much reduced at the current time as it is drawn off for the local power scheme.

Playing on the rocks at McLaren Falls

Back on the bus again, and we drove over the toll road. This is only one of two toll roads that operate in New Zealand.  Then it was a short drive back to the rally site.  It was a most enjoyable afternoon of sight seeing.