I am eating gritty sand, have sand in my eyes and have strange partings in my hair. Yes I have just visited 90 mile beach. I now realise that it is infact 119km long and probably got its name due to the wind speed. It was spectactular and deserted and had I been a surfer in a wet suit with breathing equipment and body armour it would have been THE place to be. I got a bit worried about the size of the waves in the distance but by the time they reached my feet ...

We got on a dolphin hunting boat (pixels only), then travel to Russel which has deeper water for the sailing boat. All is looking good, there are clouds and light winds, so no stress. We wait on the Russel harbour for our ride, from the brochure a twin hull cat. Alongside comes a huge racing boat, it's so famous that the "lion" trip is the only description necessary in the boating world. We are not of that world. The skipper gleefully explains he is steering...

The boat helmsman A really special highlight day- today we sailed! We got on a proper Racing yaught with sails and the works at Russell. It reqired 22 crew to race it and 8 crew to sail the seas- there were 2 staff and 4 passengers- WE WERE THE CREW! Steve immediately volunteered me to climb the ladder to the crows nest- still not forgiven for pushing him forward to do the Haka. Luckily there was no ladder or crows nest. But it was all hands on deck- so af...

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 ...