No option but to come back through Auckland to get from Omapere to Whitianga. No stopping this time.

Travelling today from Auckland to Russell. At breakfast a dental crown came off one of my teeth. Hmm. First my watch, now my teeth,... what next? Decided to wait until I get back to UK to get the crown refitted. Hope I manage not to lose it in the next 5 weeks! Picked up our hire car. Delighted to find that it was brand new and exactly the type that we had booked: a Toyota RAV 4. Just right to take the four of us and all our luggage in comfort. Then found out ...

Took a ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a nature reserve and a particularly special sanctuary for native NZ birds. The trip included a guided walk during which we learnt how to recognise the appearance and the birdsong of the various species of birds on the island. We both saw and were able to take photos of these exotic creatures. An amazing experience.

Chris and Gill arrived late last night after their 23 hour flight from the UK. As arranged, we met up with them at breakfast and sorted out our plans for the next few days. Took the ferry to Waiheke Island and spent the day there in glorious sunshine. The trip started with a guided tour of some the many beauty spots on the island and included a coffee break at "Charley Farley's" cafe, right next to a long and exquisitely beautiful beach. We later had lunch at ye...

Took a ferry out to Rangitoto, a volcanic island that is now being managed as a nature reserve. Climbed to the summit, at 259m, and hugely rewarded with totally stunning, panoramic views around the Hauraki Gulf. Also walked around the rim of the, now extinct, volcano and through some lava caves. The forest that covers the island is home for several species of native birds; we could hear their unusual birdsong but, frustratingly, we only managed to catch fleeting ...