Drove from Waipu to Waitangi today, through the driving rain. Paihia, on the Bay of Islands and neihbouring Waitangi were both soaked and very quiet. Went to Waitangi National Reserve which is an area of land that was owned by the British and is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 by the cheifs of many Maori tribes and on behalf of the British government.The treaty was a peaceful agreement in which they would work together rather than against each other. It was interesting and seemed a far cry from Australia. There was a 35 metre Maori war canoe outside too, which was beautifully carved. We left there and drove west to the Kauri coast to Opononi. It was still chucking it down but the place was gorgeous. Huge sand dunes on the other side of the water fromour caravan park, which are used for sandsurfing in good weather. Went for a few drinks at the only place in this tiny village and got talking to some locals who were all Maoris who were lovely.