Karekare to Tauranga via Northland

Still writing this in the middle of nowhere surrounded by silence and bird noises. Carol and Janice would love it here! The only drawback is a hair raising 3 km stretch of track that has 180 deg bends, no side fencing and locals that drive as if they know the road. This tree seems to have been like this for some time. Only 3 metre clearance. Keeps the unwanted at bay! One day we were heading home and a truck was too large for the gap. Apparently it had to be towed out backwards!!!! It was scary enough going forwards.

Lynn has taken Doris2 for a spin down to the beach. We have bought a Rav 4 Sport 2007 with 51,000 km on the clock. We have a three-year warranty and AA membership so feeling confident in tomorrow’s move. It has all worked brilliantly so far as I saw the car on the internet when we were in Hong Kong. I had located another one in New Lynn, a suburb of Auckland, and contacted this other dealer and asked if they could move it from Penrose to their New Lynn branch so we could compare. This second one was a bit more expensive but as cash buyers got 2,000 dollars knocked off. We spent a bit more on Sat Nav, radio, CD, Bluetooth and reverse camera so we have an all singing all dancing version of Doris1 who hopefully is doing Jane and Benjamin a good turn back in Ashford. Yesterday we returned the hire car to Central Auckland. Hitched an Uber ride to the station……... caught a train back to New Lynn where our dealer picked us up and took us to the “Rego” Centre for our number plates and registration of the car. Then a very nervous drive home in the most expensive car I have ever owned!!!!!

Final day at Karekare, which has been a lovely place to stay. Garth our host has been there if needed  and was good to share his tranquil place..

For those of you planning a trip, this is very useful.

https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/time-and-distance-calculator/

 Our journey up to Pukenui was a stunning drive. The road north is a series of climbs and descents with beautiful views. This is State Highway 1. The main road North on a Monday at 11.00am.At one point I said “ New Zealand is endlessly beautiful!” A few pictures will give the flavour of the trip.  Stopped at Whangarei for lunch in a fab little café. Stopped at Harrison Cape Runners to pay for our trip on Wednesday  and arrived at Shell cottage six and a half hours after leaving Karekare. 

Day one took Doris2 for a bit of excitement and found a beautiful bay at the lovely end of a gravel road. We have named the Sat Nav Tanya as it is an American voice saying New Zealand roads and towns. A tad bizarre. 

However, she has got us to the right places, so we will have to get used to her.

Day 2

 The Cape Reigna trip and ninety-mile beach. Great Day Out! Travelled all 70 km on the beach. Stopped for sand surfing…… No this wasn’t Lynn!

Beautiful picnic spot and then Cape Reigna where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.

Travelling back on route one, passing our cottage in Pukenui.  

Coach driver/guide was full of info so feel we know a bit more about this area than before. Avocados will be the number one industry in five years time. They are being planted all over Northland.

Travelled South to Haruru. Greeted by our host, Diane, who is lovely. Her garden is full of plants, trees and flowers. She brought us some of her produce to try. Fresh strawberries and Tangelos which were so juicy Lynn had to eat hers over the sink! They are a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit. Gorgeous!

Travelled into Paihia when we arrived to book boat trip, recommended by someone on the bus to Cape Reigna. It is Labour Day weekend, so it could get quite busy for the Bank Holiday. Today is the Thunder Trike Tour and tomorrow the boat trip. Tough life eh?

OMG………. “Never been as terrified in my life!” says LYNN!!!!!! What an hours ride. Did 0 to 80 Kph in 2 secs!!!! Thought we were going to take off but OMG what a ride. Mark was excellent and looked after us really well.

 For the geeks! Built in Christchurch New Zealand at a cost of $125,000 by James D Trikes and powered by a 5.7L Chevrolet Edelbrock motor. Their low centre of gravity gives incredible grip at high speed and round corners. Just as well Lynn says!

Day 2 in Bay of Islands. Gorgeous 3 hour trip out on the water to Russell and the Hole in the Rock. 

Day 3. Waitangi for coffee at place where Treaty was signed. Then to Opua to catch car ferry to New Zealand's first capital, Okiato now renamed Russell.

 Such a quaint, sweet place with incredibly old buildings. Had reputation for being a wild place when it first started with whaling boats, drinking and prostitution! No sign of any of that today!!!! Fabulous place which was busy for Labour Day weekend. Lovely weather too at 22 degrees and full sun. Reminded us of Nantucket.

Final day leaving the amazing Bay of Islands and travelling down the west coast through Omapore and the Kauri Forest where Lynn's uncle George had a batch and where we stayed in 1994. It is still gob smacking gorgeous.

 Travelled to Auckland and stayed at Mission Bay. The place was heaving and full of Tongans who were celebrating their rugby loss to Australia well into the night. Ate Mexican on the sea front people watching on Labour Day.

Arrived at our converted barn early afternoon and unpacked our bags after 21 days and  8 different places to sleep. Now the work begins to find somewhere you guys can stay in the future.

Next blog will be less exciting!