Thursday morning we took advantage of being able to cook and made bacon and eggs and toast. Then we set out to explore the area. We had originally planned to take a 4 1/2 hr boat ride in the Bay of Islands, but the weather was calling for clouds and rain, even thunderstorms. Neither of us felt like spending nearly $200 each (it included a buffet lunch on one of the islands) so we figured a self-driving route was the best alternative. Enroute to the coast, we happened upon a waterfall so we stopped and went the the lookout to get a view.
Being summer holiday time for New Zealand, it was a busy area, even during the week. At the coast, we had some beautiful views of some of the closer islands. At this point, we had some good weather. No sign of rain yet.
We drove through bits of drizzle occasionally, but it never lasted long and barely wet the road.
Returning to our motel, we stopped for some local corn for supper. Unfortunately, it was disappointing!
Tomorrow, we drive back through Auckland and head for the Coromandel Peninsula.
Following Joyce & Paul's Travels in Retirement 