Whagamumu

Today we had an interesting tramp of about 12 kilometers round trip to Whangamumu Bay to have a look at a former Whaling Station located there, which dated back to 1844. The walk began across lush private farmland after which we followed a steep, rather serpentine track through thick bush to the Bay, which housed the remains of the Whale Processing Plant. The huge whales, harpooned by hand, were dragged up a ramp with the fatty layers under their skin minced, placed into one of several giant vats and then processed into oil by a large steam boiler, which is still there although in an extremely rusted condition. After our visit to the Bay we sought a quiet spot to have our lunch and chanced upon Whakapae Bay. With a background forest of tall fir trees, rolling hills in the distance and two or three yachts anchored inshore this secluded, crescent shaped bay was the ideal place to lunch. Afterwards we strolled along the stoney beach and found a dedicated path leading up a nearby hill. On reaching the summit we discovered a small Maori graveyard and respectfully strolled among the colourful graves. The heartfelt love and longing there by Maori families for their departed kin was palpable. It was a fitting and emotional end to our day.