The Estuary at Little Waihi

This is the second road in Little Waihi...
 

It winds its way past some houses...

 
Then round to the estuary...

 
It's a fascinating area as the tide comes and goes.
A good place for flounders and herrings.
I haven't put my net out, there is too much weed in the water.

 
This looks an idyllic place... And it is...
But all the land in Little Waihi is Maori Leasehold land.
All the waterfront properties, the leases are not being renewed
so that is creating a real predicament for many people who
have had their homes here for lots of years and
enjoy the unique lifestyle.



The road dwindles into a track round to the end of this little
peninsular... I have wandered round here a few times...

Just to contemplate and enjoy the view.
 

I am coming back here tomorrow at high tide with my rod and some pipis for bait.
I'm told this is a great spot for catching good size herrings
which are delicious smoked.
 

Looking across the estuary to Pukehina. You can wade across at low
tide. It's 25km  by road.

 
And the end of the camping ground which is  like a finger surrounded
on all sides by the estuary.

Little Waihi... Over The Hill From Maketu

This is where I am currently parked. It's amazing where I get to
and who I meet. This garden belongs to a couple I met recently
who invited me to come and park... I'm still there!

My bus seems to dominate and take up a lot of room...
But I did squeeze in... And have been welcomed into this
community at Little Waihi in the Western  Bay of Plenty.
 

To get here drive over the hill from Maketu... Which is to
the left at the end of this road. When you get here this is the
main street, the other one is a dirt road and goes round the estuary.
One in the other direction goes to the Bledisloe Holiday Park.
There is about 50 houses here and 150 permanent residents.

 

The village is tucked down under these hills and cliffs which
makes it a sheltered sun trap. It's not good
for Internet access though.

 These are some of the gardens...


And houses...


That make up...

This unique community. It's like stepping back 50 years
in time to the basic and simple and... So friendly.