Day 2 New Zealand - North Island

Trip Start Nov 14, 2011

160

Trip End May 13, 2012

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Flag of New Zealand Dargaville, North Island, New Zealand
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Getting into the swing of living in a campervan, up and on the road by 08.00 am this morning. The two sites we have stayed on so far and the one we are at today are, I imagine, a good indication of what most of the sites offer - good showers etc, electric hook-up, laundries, big kitchens with all the facilities to cook meals and BBQ areas.

Headed north along the coast soon arriving at a picture postcard view of a deserted beach - Whale Bay. Carried on north to Paihia, which is the main town on the Bay of Islands - once again very pretty area.

After stopping there to have a look round plus eating a liquorice & blackberry ice cream - delicious - headed west across country - very dramatic, one minute rugged then rolling hills followed by sub-tropical vegetation. On reaching Opononi on the west coast we encountered the most enormous sand dune which actually looked like a headland - have to see the photos to appreciate the sight.

Carried on southward driving through a rain forest to our overnight stop on the edge of the forest - absolutely nothing here except for the campsite, but very tranquil.

Initially we were going to go a bit further north, but its a fine balance to achieve the right mix of being on the road and stopping to spend some time at places.Therefore, on reflection, my drafted route is maybe a touch to ambitious regarding the mileage to be covered - so toning down the route a bit with a view to allowing time to appreciate some of the places and also, as Pete is the only driver I don't want him to keel over just yet!

247 kms today.

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