Last Week in New Zealand

From the town of Keri Keri we meandered our way up the Kerikeri Penninsula to see the end of the Bay of Islands in the sunshine, and it was beautiful. We stopped at a little harbor, walked around, and soaked up the colors. The land is picturesque, filled with high-end ranches and houses overlooking the bays, and it did inspire David and me to think about possibly sailing Sidewinder to New Zealand sometime. 


We then took off for the Northlands on Hwy 10, checking out the wilder, more awesome areas north along the coast heading up to the very end, Cape Reinga. With a tip from a local farmer at the store, we headed for Matai Bay and had an afternoon cocktail at the wonderful beach cove. We stayed in Whatowhiwhi that night and headed back south given the gray weather. We stopped for the infamous fish and chips at a lovely historic whaling town of Mangonui, wandered through their Easter Sunday market, and then continued south back to the Bay of Islands and the once capital of NZ, Russell. In the rain, we wandered the town, took in the museum the next morning and headed along the coast down to the Maori village of Mokau. 


The scenic drive was obscured by the rain, but it was still awesome, and once we arrived, we were rewarded by actually finding Connie's* parents at the marae, community center. What wonderful people they are, and how lucky we were to find them!!! We had a fantastic visit with them and learned so much more about the Maori culture. They are both really active in teaching the language, keeping the culture alive, and helping their community function as a viable support system for everyone in their tribe. Again, David and I feel so fortunate. 

Taking "5" after a hard days of driving...

View of Bay of Islands

More Bay of Islands

Connies parents, neice and some bum we picked up on the right.

That's smiley on the right with Connies very cool parents and neice.

We will drive from Whangarei today, after we visit with Brian, Steve, and Derusha, sv Clara Catherine and Scream,  and find our way to our last Top 10 Holiday Resort in Orewe, close to Auckland; we have a bit of organizing to do before we must deliver the van back to ESCAPE, Thursday morning, 10AM.  What a great adventure we have been on. Love to all! 


*Connie is married to Suzi's ex-husband's older sister's friend. Get it? - the Blogmistress