10th February 2013
Had an off day today …. both have really heavy colds, Graham’s started in Cambodia and he’s been left with a sore throat. He then generously passed it on to me and now I’m feeling rough. Shame as a lovely day …. wasted doing washing etc Still, I’ve learnt to spit like a bloke!
11th February 2013
On the way out of the Bay of Islands we passed the wharf where you pick up boat trips. We wondered what the queue for the phone box was all about. It was backpackers using the free wifi at the phonebox. It is a trial system. New Zealand does not have much in the way of free wifi, usually you have to pay, even in campsites.
We carried on from Bay of Islands to Whangarei to look up a lady we met on the flight to Auckland. She is not in the first flush of youth, but is planning to sail back to the UK via the Pacific Islands, Panama and the Carribean. It is going to take her a year, and she is looking for a more mature crew. So if you are between 50 and 85 and fancy this trip on a well prepared 52 foot catamaran let us know and we will put you in touch. She has four double rooms and is leaving in May ….. go on, you know you want to!! Contact us and we will pass on your details.
The town is a nice place to wander around, and was typically New Zealand.
On the outside of the town there are also lots of traditional colonial style houses, that are well preserved.
We carried on south and passed through Auckland again on our way to the Coromandel Peninsula, passing through Thames into a pretty valley called Kauaeranga Valley. There are lots of great swimming holes and several DOC campsites. Still not busy as slightly out of the main summer season. A little bit drier than normal as NZ has been experiencing a drought this summer.
The mornings are starting to be cold and damp (like September camping at home). The weather has been amazing though, most days clear blue!
Tomorrow we will continue up the Coromandel Peninsula basically following route 25.
troopytracks 