Guess what, I can see the sea!

Am now up in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, just arrived to a hostel full of colourful fish and a lighthouse in the kitchen!

Spent the past few dys in Auckland, visited Devonport and climbed am inactive volcano (but just a little one!) with amazing views all around. Have aquainted myself with some of the now rare birds of NZ, took a ferry to TiriTiri Matangi island, about 1 3/4 hours from Auckland and saw all sorts of birds -the Kia was there but is quite common and very noisy, no kiwis spotted as they come out at night. Saw some green parakets and Stitch and Bell birds, they are all fairly drab but the Saddleback was quite handsome with, surprisingly, a big copper coloured saddle on its back!

Auckland museum was interesting with lots of Moari history and carvings- have a look at the scary photos when I work out how to add them! They seem to like tongue sticking out and big angry eyes....

Food highlights so far include a delicious Red Snapper from a chippie, grilled with lemon, butter, pepper and herbs, and today a heavenly cake, all delicious and gooey- cherry, chocolate and walnut, it was quite mindboggling!

Tomorrow I'm off sandbording on 90 mile beach- its not actually 90 miles but its still very long.

Right, off to the beach now for a quick dip in the sea!