Touring Art Deco town rebuilt in 3 years after 1931 quake.  Viewing launch of waka canoes.

David had thought he had seen it all on yesterday’s morning hike but once again, New Zealand astounds him. Today’s weather is hazy in the far, far distance but crystal clear with almost turquoise sky and a layer of puffy clouds, white on top and gray on the bottom, between the Dawson’s porch and the mountain range on the horizon. So, David’s climbing to what he thought — yesterday — was Te Mata peak to see the lake in the distance. But today, when he gets to the peak he was on yesterday, he realizes that he is on the lowest of three peaks and that lake in the distance … the Pacific Ocean …. Amazing what a clear day can reveal.