Really only stopped at Whakatane as we were too tired to go any further. The largest town on the Eastern Bay of Plenty and situated on a rivermouth but it's neighbouring town has a picturesque stretch of beach and at last not black sand. Not sure why the bay was named but by all acounts because of its magnificent stretches of coastline.

We now have a claim to fame because the NZ Prime Minister stayed in the same motel as us but the night before. She was attending a wool and fibre exhibition in the area and according to the owners is a very down to earth lady. She must be as can't imagine Gordon Brown staying at the local Travel Lodge!!

It seems that the Prime Minister was not the first VIP to come to the area as Toi, a Maori chief landed here in his Waka (canoe) in AD800 and set up what is claimed to be Aotearoa's first settlement. Then with the Tozer's arriving it certainly has seen its share of important people.

From Whakatane you can view White Island - home to NZ's most active volcano. We would have liked to take a trip there but unfortunately we have to move on as only 5 days left in NZ. Scarey the home coming is getting nearer.

Jen and Ray