The thing about camping is that you are up early - the sun heats the van up and the sound of other campers is easily discernible. So up early we were and showered and on our way by 1000. We decided to see if we could make it to the top, but weren't sure what the driving would be like as a lot of the roads over here are unsealed, gravel covered and very windy. We stopped by the side of the road for lunch, which comprised ham and salad (and the obligatory salad cream) in pita bread, before wending our merry way on up the no1 highway. When we reached Kaitaia we stopped at the information centre to book ourselves onto a tour for tomorrow - more on that later. As we were a bit ahead of schedule we stopped at the Houhora Tavern - the most northern pub - everywhere you looked it was the most northern this or the last that!! The last 21km up to Cape Reigna were unsealed and right by the cape there was a sign telling me that the no1 ended - pretty obvious really as the only way to go was over the cliff into the sea. Right on the tip of this Aupouni Peninsula is a light house, which overlooks the meeting of the South Pacific and the Tasman Sea. A truly spectacular spot, with amazing views out over both seas. By now it was about 1830, so we headed back down the no1 and took a detour off and dropped down to Tapotupotu Bay, where there was a basic campsite - these have toilets and cold water showers, no electricity, etc, oh and they're cheaper!! The bay was stunning and we felt like we had found a lit unspoilt bit of paradise and so opted to stay here the night. All was going swimmingly until the sun went down - mosquitoes like you would not believe. So into the van and then spent the next half an hour trying to kill the little blighters, to no avail. So, lots of repellent and then under the duvet despite the temperature and hoped to nod off as quickly as possible. I expect to be covered in bites tomorrow!! we shall see, Sherry xx