On Thursday we visited the site where the Treaty between the British and Maori chiefs was signed in 1840, Waitangi. Very historical and interesting. We drove into Paitha and caught a ferry across to Russell. Yesterday we moved on. Pagoda Lodge was beautiful but we have all been attacked by mossies!,, We drove back down the top of Northernland to Auckland around the bay and up the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. We clocked a lot of miles but again scener...

So here it is the morning of the 10th. We have sat and had our breakfast on the patio. Still at Pagoda Lodge where we are staying for 4 nights. Very tranquil and beautiful. On Tuesday we spent the day in KeriKeri. Walked into town and then to the basin. All very beautiful. We saw the oldest building in New Zealand and visited the church the missionaries had built. Yesterday we drove to Cape Reinga - right to the north of North Island. I can't begin to describe ...

Well we have really started our trip now. Sunday we spent walking around Auckland and caught a ferry across to Devonport but we were all very weary after the long flight. And arriving at such an early time. The hotel was great and we were able to get in our rooms and shower. A lovely hotel. We were all in bed about 7.30 pm!!! The next morning we made use of the facilities. Swam in the pool and John used the gym. Break fast included at this hotel so we filled up...

We have landed in Auckland and now it is Sunday. So we are ahead of you all now. It is 7am so we are having a coffee before we move on into Auckland. It will be a long day. Yesterday we browsed the San Francisco shops before leaving. We pick up a car tomorrow and start our tour of the North Island. John sat away from us on the plane, he found himself with a women with very strong religious feelings and tried to convert him to the ways of the Dark Side but he r...

Last day in San Francisco. We have managed to visit most sights. We cycled over the Golden Gate Bridge, hung on to the side of a cable car, seen the seals on Pier 39, saw a pelican, made use of trolley buses, visited Swinging 60s area, walked through Golden Gate Park, saw Painted Lady Houses in Alamo Square. Walked for miles and miles, up and down some very steep hills. Found good places to eat. Heather gone down with a cold and bought a pair of Sketcher Boots t...