Bay of Islands

Evening view of beach and islands at Paihia













Maori War Canoe
Longest in the world . Takes 76 men to paddle
and holds 150 warriors.














Guess Who ?













Where the Treaty wa signed between England and the Maori Chiefs

Whangamata Harbour & Waihi

This was the big catch of the days fishing















The Gold Mine at Waihi











Collecting Scallop Shells on Waihi Beach

The Coromandel Peninsula

We set off for a few days away on our own and drove up to the Peninsula which we started at a place called Thames













The whole drive up to Coromandel itself was along the coast line bordered by roadside beaches.
A stop for Marion and her friend.













A stop on the way at Rapaura Water Gardens and a freshen up of tired feet?










Just one of the waterlily ponds

Coromandel Peninsula contd.

Almost at Coromanndel














The Motel






After one night in a motel in Cormandel we woke up to rain???. NZ Badly need it as there is quite a serious drought at the moment but not to be daunted we ventured up through the trees (jungle) on the Driving Creek narow guage railway.After which we drove down the 309 unmetalled road for some 23 killometres to view giant Kuari trees. Captain Cook when he first landed cut some down as they were extremely straight and strong and used toreplace broken ships masts and spars.
The drive then took us to Whitianga and th,en on to Whangamata (pronounced Fanga' m ta) where we stopped for 2 nights and fabulous experiences. Photos don't do the bays and beaches justice but here are is taster.








Onemada Beach








Whangamata Harbour This was just a small catch T

Thought it about time that Sarah and Baby made an appearance















Marion still thinks she is in charge

Devonport & Takapuna

We spent the day at Devonport before driving to Takapuna.





Ethan didn't really drive us there.













View from Devonport of the sailing fraternity in Auckland Harbour waters










Takapuna Beach










Takapuna Main Street Shops and Cafes

Elevation Cafe

You don't see me very often and Marion has to get in on the act as well. But look at the views
over Auckland.










Ian creeps in too.














Ethan tucks in to his 'fluff'.

Cox's Bay & Westhaven Marina, Auckland

Cox's Bay wild life and views of the City from the Marina

Day out on the Hibiscus Coastline

Monday 4th.February in hot and sunny weather we decided to venture northeast to Orewa, Leigh and Goat Island, Pariki Beach and back to Warkworth where we had dinner. Returning to home on the Te Atatu Peninsular,Aukland about 8.0pm.
The photos below show some of the many fabulous sights we encountered including the BMW Mini filmimg of a future advert for Europe of minis landing from a Viking Ship ???