We've had a long drive across to Taranaki today, for which there wasn't really a direct route. We decided to give "The Forgotten World Highway" a miss for a less windy and wild route by going up north towards Te Kuiti and round the coast to New Plymouth. On Tom Hill's advice (Phil's good mate from Oxford who grew up there), we are staying just down the road at Oakura Beach campsite. Another lovely plot with a seaview!

We stopped on the way at the Whitecliffs Walkway for a picnic with a view. Only problem being that having been forced to drive a little way down the boat ramp to park and let another big land rover come past, we almost never got back up again! After some wheel spin, hole digging and major revving, we finally managed to reverse out on the fourth or fifth attempt, thanks to Phil's expert driving skills! Phew!

This evening we were lucky enough to be invited to the Hills residence for a drink with Tom's legendary parents - Jo and Murray - and his younger sister Megan. They have a lovely place near the centre of New Plymouth where we were treated to wine, nibbles and some excellent inside knowledge and advice for the remainder of our trip.

Jo and Murray also very kindly took us to Pukekura Park to see the wonderful TSB Festival of Lights. There were hundreds of multcoloured lights all around the park with projections on fountains, huge jelly fish along the stream, lanterns strewn across the bridge, a loud snoring giant up in the trees and a UV area, just to mention a few highlights! There were quite a few people wandering around and sitting listening to great live music at the two outdoor stages. All this is completely free and happens every year, amazing!

We were also taken to Poet's Bridge at the end of the Coastal Walkway to get a great photo looking through the bridge to Mount Taranaki - the snowcapped volcano that towers over the region at 2518m. We are planning on climbing this beast tomorrow, only if the conditions are right. The alarm's set for 6.30am, let's hope!