And it keeps getting better!

Saturday 12th. After our one night stop we are off again, this time to Haruru near Paihia. We could have driven all the way on SH1 but this is North Island and the traffic is much heavier than on South Island. I keep pulling over to let faster cars pass as we don't want to charge along at 100kph the whole time. But that means pulling over every mile or two. So, wherever possible we have been diverting off onto loop roads round the coast. Most of these roads are as wide as the main roads but much quieter. The coast along this stretch has some lovely beaches, many only accessible to locals. 

Here we are at Lang's Beach which, for us, was much nicer than many of the 'best loved' or 'popular' beaches. 

It was quiet with a few families enjoying a day out, splashing around in the light surf. It was a shame that it wasn't sunnier for them (and us!). 

But, half a mile further on, where the surf was really running well, there were cafés and people and surf boards and cars and ... Sorry, no pictures, we didn't stop for that! 

Our next port of call was Whangarei, literally a port. There was a mixture of pleasure craft and working boats. A bit like Bradwell Marina but much posher! Restaurants and shops right along the wharf. 

We found a nice place to eat where I had red tail Thai prawns with salad and Brigid had chowder. For those of you who know me well, yes, I'm eating salad and, much to my own concern, I'm enjoying it! 

Waiting patiently for our lunch. That's something new for us as well, we're not rushing around, we're laid back and enjoying it. I wonder how long that will last when we get back home!? 

On Lang's Beach we met another couple from the UK who asked if we had booked a place to stay in Haruru because there was a Harley Davidson weekend in progress with about 300 bikes in the town. Luckily our house is further out of town but accommodation round the seafront was fully booked. Lovely to see all the bikes but also lovely to drive right past them and off into the hills. 

Look at this - our new bedroom. 

And our own sitting room! Also, there is a separate bathroom and toilet in our wing of the property - and we're here for three nights - can you believe it!? 

On arrival we were welcomed with tea and pikelets, small savoury pancakes with apple and raisins. Wonderful! AND we get a cooked breakfast. AND we're here for three nights - can you believe it!?