Dargaville, Kai Iwi Lakes and Baylays Beach via the larger automatic and quads....extreme!!

Back on the bus with the crazy bus driver, who now knows us well and thinks we're saddos. Bus smelt of b.o. and drunks, it was the land of livin dead. Went to Kauri museum in Matakohe, actually stayed on the bus long enough to experience the joys of ze magic bus. Was basically a tree museum dedicated to the mahussive Kauri tree but interesting non the less. Hopped back on bus and arrived at destination: Dargaville the land of the Kumera (sweet potato). The town itself is dead due to the fact it is a agricultural service area, consisting of large wide roads and crap shops. One good point to the town is the vast creamy-brown river running alongside it.

Arrived at youth hostel; Greenhouse Backpackers, which is an old converted school, very friendly and welcoming. The guy looking after it was a large friendly giggly laughing weeble, with no top teeth and his companion was a small dog called jack. Got talking to a Canadian guy called Eric that was living there and also a fellow traveller, he invited us to his fellow kumara planting friends 'fireworks display'. As it turned out it was a family display in the backgarden in the outback; the most disorganised and dangerous firework display ever seen. Made it to bed unscathed.

Day 2 ..lakes n beach

Pootled down to tourist info and hired, yet again another superb car, this time a large family car, the largest sam had feasted her eyes on. We then drove to the Kai Iwi lakes, they were absolutely amazing. The whitest sand you have ever seen gently sliping into deep turquoise waters. It was almost like a tropical island the wrong way round, inside out. We ventured into the crystal waters, which were refreshingly cool. By this time it was time for our next destination.

From here Sam took over the driving and got quite cocky. Set up camp at Baylys Beach Holiday Park. Baylys beach being the longest beach in New Zealand (approx 140km), we decided to take it all in at high speed to cover alot of ground. Yes folks we hired quad bikes, and

'I can say it is the best thing i've ever spent money on. There is nothing better than travelling at 80kmph (about 50mph), with just a helmet on and the wind rushing past you. The beach is so long you cant get any idea about how big and flat it is unless you see it like this.' Sam

We both sipped over the golden sands into the distance, stupidly risking the seas and our lives all for a quick thrill.he he. Driving through the shallow at full speed is not a good idea as we both found out after aquaplaining.After investagating wrecks and overtaking cars (they too can drive on the beach) we found our time had run out. We drove back and reluctantly handed the quads back. Its the best $60 spent so far and we both reccomend it. Off to have a bit of tea and a drink, whist watching the sun set over the Tasman Sea. Sweet As!