We decide to do a quick trip up north to visit a few spots.

First we stopped at Kai Iwi lakes , which are unusual as the have large sandy beaches about them. There are 3, Kai Iwi itself a smaller lake that not accessible from the road then the larger Lake Taharoa and a 3rd lake Waikere. There is a camping ground at the end of lake Taharoa but you need to book online vai the Department of Conservation before arriving.

Next we travel through the Waipoua forest to visit the largest New Zealand Kauri tree, Tane Mahuta. The drive through the forest is quite spectacular with large kauri trees a regular sight.

We stay the night in Opononi which is famous for Opo the dolphin who become friendly with the locals back in the fifties draw hundreds of people to see. Search you tube if interested about that.

Next day we catch the Rawene ferry across the harbour and travel to Cape Rieanga the top of New Zealand.

Next we walk across some of the giant sandhills of Ti Paki stream.

We head to Manganui to stay the night.

The weather was to start raining by the day after next so next day we visited Kerekere the Paihia and made our way home.