I was determined to watch the sun rise in the paradise which we had found and at 645 I headed out onto the pristine white sand, only to be greeted by the wall of cloud. This squashed all hope of a postcard sunrise but did make for a much less sweaty run along the shore. On my return a local fisherman pointed out the sacred burial caves of his forefathers high above him on the volcanic peak, a clear reminder of just how sacred this region is to the Maoris. The o...

The first night in the camper was an experience enough in itself, without having to battle with bloody mosquitos, however it was suitably atmospheric watching the sun come up between the headrests whilst trying to unstick myself from the partially deflated air bed. Bob and I enjoyed an envigorating early morning jog along the seafront returning to find Mark brandishing a huge grin and a paper detailing England's cricketing woes. He also announced his intentions...