Kiora from the Bay of Islands!

We have had a fantastic time since leaving Auckland. We picked up our Campervan (initially named Tenipher after a Mauri sea dragon but now called Kiora, as its easier to remember!). The van is great fun. We drove around Auckland and up to Millionaires Mile, some fantastic houses up there! We then drove out of Auckland and over the harbour bridge and headed North. The plan was to get to the Bay of Islands that day but we got a little carried away and fell in love with a small (very small!) town called Waiwera . It was fantastic and we managed to park our van right next to the sea. Sara and Salt went straight to the sea to cool off, it has been so so hot here. So we spent the night and celebrated Sara's arrival with a nice meal and 'a few' bottles of wine there (don't panic mum!) and spent the following morning at the Thermal Pools (see pics!).Onto the Bay of Islands that afternoon via Whangarei Falls, Sheep World and a Glow Worm cave, which was unfortunately closed for the day! Arrived in Pahia early evening and treated ourselves to some fish and chips, no cod here though, snapper instead! It was lovely. Went to a Mauri Cultural night in the evening which was amazing. We were the youngest ones there by apx. 10 years but really, really enjoyed ourselves. Also met the most beautiful man in the world, can't remember his name (it was a long mauri one!) but he was sooo nice, as you will see from the pictures. Some red wine on the beach and then bed. Met some guys from Swindon called Joe and Matt then time for bed.Early start for Sara and Sez and we went on a Fast Boat trip all around the Bay of Islands. Really beautiful scenary and a great trip.We're heading up North West this afternoon to hit 90 mile beach. The weather is very, very hot so we're hoping to get a few nice hours on the beach.

Lots of love to you all,

Sara xxx