To Bay of Islands

Hokianga harbo

ur Kauri pin

e log Waitangi Mauri house
Sunday set off at 8 a.m. 16 on coach excellent driver Danny. Lovely countryside. Matakohe Kauri museum with amazing pine and gum collections - huge trees. Visited the Gilbert Coates memorial church built by the government - he was first Prime minister of New Zealand and it is a shared church between 3 denominations. Nice cup of tea. On to the huge Kauri tree in the forest - awe inspiring 2000 years old. Wonderful views over Hokianga harbour. To Waitangi with a Maori guide - saw treaty house, Mauri and war canoes. Our hotel the Copthorne right next door so had a swim in pool and hot spa bath outdoors - lovely room with view over beach. Excellent buffet dinner.
Monday to Pahia in shuttle bus - others going to Cape Reinga on coach or overnight cruise but we opted for the tall ship which was brilliant! Bought hats which do not blow off. Lovely ship with friendly crew - 30 on board. Cream tea and lunch. Swam by going on dinghy ashore on island. Water quite cold. Back by 4 so bought a towel for tomorrow's trip and swam at hotel. Another lovely buffet meal - loads to eat. Spoke to Dennis on skype and heard about Breda's funeral. Emails have not gone!

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