Returning the camper van went surprisingly smooth, the whole ordeal flowed along like we were in a custard river! After an employee gave the van a swift once over to check for scratches, we were refunded for a new kettle purchase and Chelsea was presented with a bag of chocolates (Lindor, Ferrero Rocher and Milktray) as an apology for the appalling customer service we received in their Christchurch branch (never use Apollo Car Rentals). There was also a letter ex...

Waipu is a teensy dot at the Eastern coast of the Northland, about an ninety minute drive from Auckland. It has the hugely popular campsite Uretiti (you're-a-titi) which of course sounds fantastic and has an equally fantastic price. The site fits neatly along the beach in a free-for-all style where you can just park where there's space. The place is swarming with laughing children and colossal family camper vans which creates a sort of comfortable atmosphere, si...

Romantic Russel, a short ferry ride away from Paihia Wharf where you are jinked across the chaotic harbour by a capable captain. The whole place has a very French Polynesian feel about it, its white, slated window shutters and mellow, teal painted buildings create a very neat and welcoming appearance. On the dark sand of the quay, over the top of my book I noticed how wondrously white my toe nails looked against my tanned flesh - I've practically become a Maori....

Jealously watching wake boarders zipping along the water with a cold Diet Coke in my hand was blissful as the sun was on the rise to my right and making the water sing! Already the Wharf has come to life with eager beavers being herded onto ferries for exciting day excursions. As for ourselves, we were keenly awaiting our ferry to Urupukapuka, a mouthful to say but apparently a fantastic spot for snorkelling and bronzing. For a $70 fee we will be there for six h...

Before leaving Whangarei we decided to head to the Falls that they have there. All in all it was a pleasant stroll around a loop that encompassed the falls and took roughly twenty minutes to complete - not a bad way to digest your toast and coffee. When we got a Paihia, cwtched into the East, central coast of the Northland, we were greeted by spectacular views of the sea that had a vast network of over 144 islands lying on its surface like sleeping giants. Our ...