After months and months of red and brown landscapes it was great to see some GREEN again! The countryside north of Auckland is very similar to the UK.

Auckland is by far the biggest city in NZ with a population of 1.2 million. The centre itself isn't much to write home about and in my opinion the city and surrounding area are best viewed from up high, namely from, One Tree Hill and Mt Eden.

Our plan was to head north all the way up to Cape Reinga - NZ's most northern point.

First stop was the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where in 1840 the treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Btitish and the Maoris.

Next up was Paihia. This is a great place to go on a boat cruise and see dolphins. We weren't disappointed. Watching them swim alongside and in front of the boat is one of the best things I've ever seen.

After Paihia was Keri Keri which is home (excude the pun) of the oldest stone and wooden buildings in NZ.

Continuing northwards we stopped in Whangaroa and climbed St. Pauls Rock. The views from the top of the harbour and countryside were spectacular.

At long last we reached Cape Reinga and another lighthouse. We admired the views for 5-10 mins before heading all the way back down again. We stopped at Te Paki for the enormous sand dunes (no more sandboarding for me) and also at Muriwai Beach which has black sand!