So spent a night at the Whirinaki Recreation camp, was super cool except for the roads, not graded large gravel. The camp has 3 huts, a wooden stove in the kitchen, flush toilets and solar heated showers. We were the only ones there! Did a couple of walks, one in the afternoon and one after supper. Drove the horrible gravel road to Wiaroa, took hours to go 100k. We found a great campground in town and set up the tent. This morning we drove to Morere Springs, did a walk (read the sign after we finished) then soaked in the hot pools. Off tomorrow for Wellington, we booked the ferry for Friday. PS our campground has the most wonderful display of Christmas lights. ... read more

We spent the first night at the Papamoa Beach Resort in the Bay of Plenty, weather wasn't great so we moved along to Whakatane. Okay, they pronounce the WH like we would PH, I can't say it without giggling. We stayed Friday night and are booked for Saturday night as well at the Awakeri Hot Springs, about half an hour drive from Whakatane (haha). We drove to Awakeri for supper last night, fish and chips for $8.00, a 6 pack of Hagen beer and a bottle of wine. We shared a beer, went to the hot pool and were asleep at 9:30. The hot pool is great, warm and the water is so soft, like a baking soda bath. Off to Whakatane (haha) for the Saturday market and a bunch of Christmas things.... read more

Travel day, it's 1030 I'm ready to go, cab is coming at 1430, I might be a little early. Sun is shining but cool and still lots of snow here, but soon will be in spring/summer.... read more