Day Six, Headed Home

As we were leaving Whakatane, we stopped at Toi's Pa. When the Maori settled in this area, their leader, the great chieftain Toi, established his stronghold on the highest point overlooking the entire area. This is a very important site in the Maori culture.

Off in the distance is White Island. If you look closely, you can make out the steam and smoke rising above the island. This is New Zealand's most recently active volcano.

As we drove north towards Auckland, we came upon the little town of Waihi. Turns out this is the heart of the New Zealand gold industry.

The Martha Mine is amazingly large.

The old pump house was moved rather than see it destroyed.

As we left town, we saw this restored train station which supports a tourist train that runs from here to Waihi. The restaurant was a fun place to have lunch and finish the trip!