21-28th Nov. Northland. Happy leaving Auckland city for the open spaces, Travelled up to Whangarei stopping off at Goat Island Marine Reserve took a glass bottom boat ride out around the Island Mark or I never wanted to get wet today weather bit cold & cloudy, Continued north along the coast road some tarmac roads others were gravel and very slow arriving at Whangarei for some diving at Poor Knights. Lovely dives but just like the UK 7ml Semi's loads of weight and 17c water temp, blowing around force 5-6 HOWEVER Brilliant dives beautiful topography and loads of life, 15-20mtrs Viz. Stayed here couple of nights then moved onto Bay of Islands, very touristy area after having it so quiet, visited the Maori treaty house where 36 Maori chiefs signed to say they were happy to be part of the Commonwealth, well it's good to understand some history!! From here we travelled up to 90 mile beach WOW!! this was awesome place white sand and rolling waves as far as you can see, protected sand dunes good to see they are looking after their environment. and banning 4x4 loonies... Now returning South and hopefuilly find some good weather stopping at Mirandi Coromandel Area The camp site has hot springs constant 38c and we are laying in them at 22:00hrs watching the stars think we have gone to heavan, Moving on to Kauaeranga Valley for some tramping did that alright started on moderate grading and then went on to the serious stuff vertical climbs swing bridges over the rivers tree roots bigger than me. took us 1.5hrs to get to the top to see an old disused wooden rafter dam, mmh well worth the climb. (still hurting 3 days later) enough of Coromandel weather we are moving onto Whitianga for some coastal walks taking in Cooks beach, Haihei and the hot water beach, bought our shovel and off to search for a spring mmh NO chance got the wrong tides and nobody is finding HOT water TODAY. We are now at Maunganui which is a fitness city everyone in the town runs or walks the mountain Mark and I sit outside our LUVBUS and watch all these crazy people. Yeah we did it as well !!! We are meeting so many different people from all different walk of life and countries, never a quiet evening with no one to talk to. we have had 2 nice sunny days here walking, swimming and lazing around now time to move on.. Taking some amazing photo's with our fantastice new camera thanks guys!!