New Zealand must be the cleanest country on earth. We have not seen litter anywhere, even in town centres or beaches. There is an obsession about importing pests into the country and I think this has resulted in people always taking their rubbish home with them. Last night was the cleanest camp site we have stayed at. Himatangi on the west coast. It was so windy that our van shook all night. The owner was up at 7am polishing the sinks before we used them. I dis...

Up early this morning to walk the Tongariro Alpine crossing. This is a crossing from one side of the National park to the other side climbing to 6 thousand feet. As we drove to the start the high winds were blowing our van off the road. We passed the Sir Edmund Hilary climbing centre as we made our way to the start. We had not arranged return transport from the other end so were only able to walk half way and the retrace our steps. We set off with rucksacks c...

We spent last night in Cambridge, which is just South of Hamilton. Each night we have spent so far in a camper site. These accommodate a combination of static mobile homes, caravans, camper vans and tents. Yachties would classify them as a marina on land. The toilets and showers are of a variable standard and of course it depends on your other campers. Maybe we should publish a guide? It is the end of the summer school holidays but this site along with some othe...

Set off to visit a tree museum on the Kauri coast. Our gps took us on a dirt track for 10 miles which would have been more suitable for a 4x4. The museum is a memorial to the huge kauri trees which are the second largest after sequoia trees. They have mostly been felled now. The wood is a wonderful golden colour and grows very straight,making perfect masts and spectacular furniture.

Up early for a day sailing on Lion. She is a 60 foot winner of Sidney to Hobart and second in original Whitbread round the world race, skippered by Peter Blake. Sunny all day with a force 3/4 all day for a great sail. We all got a chance to helm and work the 5 man grinders. Stopped for a swim and snorkel at lunch time. Bay of Islands named by Captain Cook. We spent the evening at Waipu on a lovely sandy bay, the perfect ending to a great day.