From Keri Keri, we decided to drive around the scenic route to Russell, instead of taking the ferry across. We thought that it would be rather expensive and the drive wouldn't take us too long. How wrong we were! The ferry would have taken about 20 mins + short drive. Our route was approx 80km over mountains (again!) and took about 2 hrs! It was very pretty though!Russell was a beautiful place. The weather was hot and sunny and we stayed 4 nights in a really nice...

After Rotorua, we drove around the Coromandel peninsula. Disappointed with the east side as too much logging but west side very pretty. More rain overnight but OK this am. Drove right up to Kaitaia, booked a trip to Cape Reinga, the most northerly point on N island for next day. Went to Ahipora to a beautiful beach for tea and a long walk before bed. Coach tour to Cape Reinga next day. Drove north along 90 mile beach, saw buried car in the quicksand as above ...

Hello againit has stopped raining now. We drove to Huka falls, craters of the moon (hot springs and mud) then to arratiatia falls, which are released from a lake every2hrs for 1/2 hr, an amazing sight, as it produced massive falls with a lot of noise. Then we went to Rotorua and stayed for 3 nights. Next am, we went on a very interesting tour , didnt get picked up on time and nearly froze to death (12C). The tour comprised tour around the maori village, hangi (lu...

Arrived in the ferry queue to find van not booked onto ferry, only us as walking passengers! Afer a 1/2 hr wait, it was sorted thank goodness. We stepped onto the 'most beautiful ferry ride in the world' in the rain and mist and were unable to see anything! Saw a school of dolphins but no albatross as promised, Very disappointing. Drove into Wellington, free park and Te papa museum very interesting. Saw the Giant squid and lots of maori exhibitions. Long drive i...

hello again Continued north to Nelson and then stopped at Kaiteriteri beach for coffee. It was very popular as it was a public holiday to commemorate the treaty of Waitangi, made between the mauori people and the british government in 1840. The sea was a beautiful turquoise and golden sands. On to Pohara beach for the night in camp ground on the beach. Spent the afternoon sunbathing and reading, very relaxing and got a bit sunburnt! Up early and onto 4WD tour o...