Cape Egmont And North

We wanted to see some of the black (volcanic sand) beaches of the middle west coast and so drove out to the coastal highway at Cape Egmont and from there north.

It is said to be a big-time surfing area, but we
saw little in the waves; I wanted to dress the
part, but alas the shirt was a couple sizes too
large

Great New Zealand Xmas Tree, with just a bit of red left

The whole area here, down from Mt. Taranaki, features
these interesting hillocks; they look like grown-over dunes,
but are rock underneath

Cape Egmont lighthouse

Cape Egmont

We drove on, stopping at an interesting young redwood
grove, but then proceeded on to Okahura, whose broad
black sand beach...well, gray...was alluring

The campground tent sites were right on the beach; we
camped, then took a long walk on the beach; and enjoyed
the pounding of the surf as night fell

Thus

And thus, next morning

From near New Plymouth, looking back to Okahura and
our beach