Picked up camper van - perfect for the two of us with all mod cons. It's very big to drive but ok once you get used to it. Parking or manoeuvering is another story ! ! ! Vod hasn't tried yet but "looking forwards" to the experience.

Drove down to Raglan on the coast near Hamilton. Only about 100 miles but took nearly 3hrs - the Country's main highway Route N°1, a magnificent 3 lane motorway in Auckland quickly drops to single lane & 50kph speed limit as it passes through all the small towns on the way - but we're not in a hurry (good job really).

Spent last night in campsite which allegedly is overlooking the sea with mountains behind. Not quite sure if this is true as the cyclone which Malcolm kindly warned us about has arrived and visibility is not great in the torrential rain & howling wind. Still no danger of being flooded as we're on the top of a hill. Hatches battened down to sit it out. Got plenty to eat & an internet connection.

Weather improved a bit Sunday afternoon so went to visit Raglan ( 10 mins) & to see the Bridal Veil falls which was truly spectacular after all the rain. Then went & checked out Whale Bay - one of the best locations in the world for surfers who prize "left handed waves" - no surf today as wind blowing from the east. This was very helpful to some local maoris who were diving for sea urchins which apparently you split open and eat the insides ("yellow bits") raw. Very friendly but we beat a hasty retreat before they caught some & offered us some to taste ! ! !