The drive from Te Ahai to Ahora Island on the Bay of Islands is interesting, passing through rolling hills and by attractive beaches – all much like Tasmania. The towns get a bit poorer north of Whangerei, which in itself is a working class town.

Nevertheless the Bay of Islands is another piece of remarkable NZ coastline with many bays and islands. We avoided the main centre of Russel and Pahai and went to a small island off a peninsula maintained by a group of volunteers. Very relaxed, friendly, right on the beach. Sally found it looking through the numerous guide books we have onboard.

The weather is starting to crack up, and we are now parked right at the end of the campsite next to the water with the wind and rain coming in squalls across the bay. Nice and cosy – gives us a good feeling to be inside in this weather.

Sally reads to local rag in the rain