We have a very late start and decide to explore Omapere. We have to climb over two styles and walk across a field and we arrive at another stunning beach. I made a mess of getting over the first style as I failed to notice the top step so straddling the wire was tricky- lucky for me I have long legs- anyone else would have been sliced ham. The noise from the waves and the shingle is tremendous and sounds like distant thunder. Theres a chap sitting in the brea...

Today we travelled. And travelled. Drove and drove. Windy bends, a bit of rain, drive and drive. We went for 15km through a forest of 180 degree bends- we felt sorry for the 3 campervanners we saw- they were not smiling. Not a straight bit of road and very few lay bys. We have ended up at a retreat- very apt because it is in Northlands, west of North island and miles from anywhere. The lady who owns it was here when we arrived but has now left for 4 days. On ...