Leaving sunny Napier behind us, Nigel took us north up through the hills to briefly show us the historical Maori battlegrounds at Opepe. It was here where the battling tribes came to a fierce climax of the highest proportion. This battle site that saw many casualties is still today a sacred place where tribes visit annually to this day.
Nigel later explained to us that graves in NZ cemeteries always face the nearest body of water whether it be an ocean, lake river or pond. According to Maori legend this is to welcome a spiritual protector in the afterlife who has the body of an eel and the head of a bird.
Unfortunately, the rest of the day was a bit of a waste of our time to be honest. The northbound itinerary had us shuttle bus passengers in and out of popular stops like Taupo and Rotorua (where we have already spent considerable time), finally arriving in Mount Maunganui late in the afternoon ...
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