We Picked up the car from Avis. We had an 8 seater automatic Hyundai. Set off north through Auckland though we very quickly come to beautiful countryside. Prehistoric trees, extinct volcanoes and lush farmland. We soon hit the Ocean road and we stopped off at Orewa. Quiet little town on the ocean for coffee. Off again travelling northward. A lunch stop in Warkworth. A one street town with few options for food eventually we bought some cooked chicken and tomatoes and ate this in car. Continuing north we came to Whangarei another town on the coast where we had a drink and a walk along the river where large yachts were moored. Finally we arrived at Paihia where we were staying. Our room was 20 yards from the beach with a little private patio so you could walk down to the beach and paddle in the Pacific Ocean. A truly magnificent setting. Blue skies and sea and many islands which we planned to visit tomorrow.