Although not heavy, rain was pattering down on our van virtually all night...so no surprise to wake up to quite gloomy skies. Decided to get going straight after brekkie as we hoped to get down the western side of the peninsula, around past Auckland and up towards the Bay of Islands. Had to forego the local little train trip due time restraints and weather... Not sure how far we would get especially as our GPS was warning us of significant rock slides and delays. The Tourist Information hadn't opened so checked with the local police station and they were unaware of any road closures so we headed off. It was certainly a slow windy trip for most of the hour long section to Thames (yes, named by Captain Cook after the English River!) with much evidence of cliff face movement....but the views were exquisite to say the least! Oh my goodness - just breathtaking ....looking back towards Coromandel Town! Beautiful!
For the remainder of the day we adhered pretty closely to the main roads and motorways to try and make up some time...but Auckland was a tad horrendous to travel through - very slow leading up to the city. But, we managed to get over the Harbour Bridge and up through North Shore with no problems. Detoured slightly to check out the seaside town of Orewa (thinking we may stay here on the way back south) and Waiwera. Then it was full steam ahead north via Warkworth and Wellsford, not even detouring to Waipu. We continued on and had a short pleasant stop in Whangarei - at the town basin area. Lovely spot to grab an ice cream and wander the touristy Marina area.
Arrived in Paihia, Bay of islands, after 5.30pm and found a holiday park on the outskirts of this delightful seaside area. Drove back in to enjoy a cocktail at a water front bar as the sun was setting. After a wander around chose to have dinner at the Swordfish Club with its balcony overlooking the bay. Despite being very few patrons it proved to be a great choice - lovely meals in a perfect setting! Let's see what tomorrow brings!