Day 85/86 Tauanga - Waihi Beach

Well probably the last day of cycling, because it was Saturday we assumed that there was not going to be too much traffic on the roads. Travelled about 47k on the SH2 and then travelled on a back (loop road) to Waihi Beach, rolling hills but we have booked a Top 10 Holiday Park cabin, pretty basic but the beds comfortable been established since 1960 like a Pontins site. Still in the Bay of Plenty with views of the ocean and forest.

Day 86 Waihi Beach

Stayed at Waihi Beach again today, Keith took the beach walk and I decided to walk around the bay via the hill tops over to Orokawa Bay, lovely views. Been watching reports about the ash over UK and it's beginning to look as though we might have trouble leaving NZ . . . oh dear!

Day 87 Waihi Beach - Auckland

Got the Intercity Bus today from Waihi Beach into Auckland passing through Thames, a huge mining town many years ago. Got into town pretty early and found our BBH, nice place very large house in fact three of them, all wood construction with lovely verandahs. Auckland as you can image is very cosmopolitan with every man and his dog!! It's spread out over miles and there is a harbour but you don't feel the need to spend much time here. Still bad news (?) about our flight home, keep checking the Singapore website but they are advising people to stay away from the airports.

Day 88 Auckland

Thanks Dave and Lin for your message, so pleased that you decided to go by car you have to think on your feet sometimes. Sounds a lovely place, hope you enjoy yourselves. Yes Mr. Happy looks as though we might well miss the election this time and maybe the next!!

First port of call, the Travel Agents and then onto Singapore Airlines. It's completely out of their hands . . . we might be able to get a flight to Singapore as there has been some talk of the second part of the journey going into Barcelona . . . but it's only talk! We have to get onto the website early for confirmation that the flight has been cancelled and then back to Singapore Airlines for them to re-schedule us again for another date and then we might as well go back up country to Coromandel or else just stay in Auckland. It's a real problem for everyone. Apparently Singapore Airlines will not fly to Singapore unless there is a connecting flight to a European Airport that is operating and at present that is not the case.

Day 89 Auckland to Coromandel

Keith on the Singapore website this morning @ 5.30 to look at their latest bulletin as we are supposed to be flying out at 12.05 pm. Then told @ 8 am by the BBH owner that the flight was on, but we have our doubts. Packed up and went down to SA which didn't open until 10 am . . . would you believe it! It was all getting a bit tight as the Airport is 1 hour away from Auckland. They then informed us that no planes would be leaving until at least the next 24 hours so we took ourselves to the Bus Station and purchased two tickets to Coromandel.We have left contact details but it looks like we could be one of the last to leave.

Day 90 Coromandel

Had a ride out today around the bays but Keith's chain broke on one of the steep hills and he couldn't get his foot out of the toe clip quick enough so down he went . . . bit of blood but he's OK. Fixed the chain and then after a few hundred yards it broke again along with the link extractor. We managed to find a bloke who hired out equipment, lawn mowers, chainsaws, bikes and between them they managed to fix the chain, but really he needs a new one . . . no cycle shops in Coromandel. Tried to get in touch with SA to no avail.

Day 91 Coromandel

We appear to be playing at musical rooms here we keep changing where they can fit us in. People arriving who are like us "stranded in flight" but the scenery and location are just fine. There is a small scenic railway and we will probably be going on that today, and just saunter around town. We have received confirmation from the SA that they have all our details and will contact us when seats are available, so Lee and Huong don't get the Tea ready for our return. . . might be a while!! Sorry but we cannot upload photos because this I Site do not have the technology will have to wait until we get to Auckland again.