12th Jan 2012

After our relaxing time in Fiji enjoying white sandy beaches, deep blue seas and not a care in the world we have now hit the road in New Zealand.

On arriving in Auckland airport we picked up 'Colin' the campervan and started our NZ adventure!Our first afternoon was spent driving into Auckland to see a bit of the city.We spotted the Sky Tower from a fair way off which guided us in.

Our first stop was a supermarket where we picked up our supplies, mainly cereal and beans for Anna, as well as some cheap simple meals to survive!After that was done we drove along the coast east of the city before venturing in.We planned not to stop as we wanted to go North.

Early that evening we headed North towards our first nights camping.We decided to drive to the Bay of Islands where we stopped in Russell.What a lovely sleepy town!We had to catch a car ferry to get there but it was worth it.Anna fancied a glass of wine but we were too exhausted so had an early night - not like us, not very rock 'n' roll.

After an evening exploring Russell and a rest in the van we started early driving North again to the very tip of NZ - Cape Reinga.It was a four hour drive, each way!With a stop off at the Karikari Peninsula to stretch our legs and walk on the beach we eventually reached the Cape or at least that's what the guide book said!All we could see was rain and fog!The weather was not the best that day and we worried that the trip might have been wasted, but the rain stopped and the clouds broke for us to enjoy the views and experience where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.

On our drive back we stopped to climb the giant sand dunes at the top of 90 mile beach.They were an effort to climb, we had to stop to catch our breath and then crab it sideways the rest of the way.Further down the coast we drove through the Aupouri Forest further down 90 mile beach for a walk and dip our feet before heading back to Russell.

A lot of driving so far but all worth the effort.After a second night in Russell we set off back South towards Auckland and our next destination, the Coromandel Region.Colin was already getting tired and thirsty!

Ciao for now!Look out for the next update! xxx