Inhibitions?? What inhibitions.

Thursday 5th, 21.30 NZ time

Wow, this little van is comfortable. Didn't wake until nearly 8 am and it was only the sun streaming in through the cracks in the curtains that made us stir. So we didn't really get going until 9.30ish but with the Whangarei falls literally a stone's throw from the site, it only took a moment to get there.

Do you like Ian's T-Shirt?

Beyond the falls a walk to see the Te Kauri tree along the Waikuku stream had been recommended to us. Not quite as old as one that is on the west coast estimated to be over 1,250 years this 500-year-old was still very impressive.

On the 1.5km walk

Not a snake but not sure what it is supposed to be.

Could almost be an English meadow.

Then onwards to The Bay of Islands only stopping to admire the views along the way. Tom and Jan from nb Waiouru suggested we go via the east coast and so glad we did.

Ngunguru

Views looking over to Tutukaka

Just before the Bay of Islands, we came across the Kawiti Glow-worm Caves. Decided it was a must-see excursion and at $20, not a bad price. For that, we got to go deep into the caves and with all lights extinguished the show was spectacular. Thousands of tiny pinpricks of lights and after one's eyes had adjusted, enough light was generated to see the dim shapes of the stalactites and mites. No photography allowed for obvious reasons but imagine looking up at a starry sky without light pollution and that was what we saw.

Finally made it to the Bay of Islands. One more falls to see Haruru falls before finding a site for the night. The one we found was for self-contained vans only. In other words, a loo was a must. This van has a porta potty stowed under the seat. For it to be used it needs to be at the bottom of the bed to use so it's a good job we have no secrets and no embarrassment!!!

Haruru falls

And the wildlife

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This I know is a huge pigeon

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Always a good day when I see a Kingfisher

Wednesday 4th Jan at 10 pm
And here I was thinking it was only Wellington that was the windy city. Didn't realise Auckland was the same! The van was buffeted by 56kmh winds from the time we picked her up at Waiuku, south of Auckland, to the time we eventually pulled into a campsite. So glad Ian was driving as even he struggled to keep her going straight. Love the van, though. She is small compact and bijou and at first, we struggled to find space to put all our stuff. The wine and beer found a secure home 'cos most important to keep that safe from spillage. We did eventually get everything stowed away and then travelled over 200km to get to a place called Whangarei Falls. Struggled to get a campsite as the Christmas holidays aren't over yet but luckily for us, we grabbed the last but one remaining at the falls. Now enjoying a glass of wine, beer for Ian, and watching the sun setting over the horizon. You can't get better than that!

Sky tower

Auckland Harbour bridge

Late lunch stop at Castor Bay

Seen at Dome lookout cafe.

And this motley lot inside the vehicle.

As was this.

The van at Whangarei Falls campsite.

And the only wildlife so far

Sacred Kingfisher

Young sparrow being fed,

And the journey begins

Tuesday 3rd, 13 hours ahead of UK

For once the Kookaburras laughing at us at 5 in the morning didn't get a few choice swear words aimed at them as they were a very welcome alarm clock. We were ready for 6.30am, time for my brother to get us to the airport. He estimated a 45-minute journey and, with us needing to be checked in 3 hours before the flight due to leave at 10 am,  he managed to do it in record time. It wasn't all plain sailing though because going through security and border control I was pulled out of the line, had a full body Xray and then fleeced! Do I look that much like a terrorist? Ian also got the same treatment so I reckon they were just pulling people out at random.

The flight took off on time and, with a tailwind, arrived in Auckland ahead of schedule. But that wind!!! At one point I wondered if the wings would ever be on the level. They were up one second and down the next and I had visions of landing on the runway sideways. At the last minute the plane straightened up and we hit the deck somewhat harder than I would have liked. Thank goodness we got down okay! Not brilliant weather either very overcast and drizzly and the 25° actual temperatures felt more like 17°.

Leaving Sydney airport.

Looked promising, weather-wise, as we approached Auckland

But the nearer we got to the airport, the cloudier it got.

 A motel had been booked for the night but not transport to it. We headed for the taxi rank and was shocked at the price of 35 NZ$. Decided to go to the info desk and ask what the going rate was for a 6 km journey. "Why not phone the motel and ask to be picked up" was the reply and that is exactly what we did. Within 30 minutes we were in the room, upgraded to a family as no small rooms were available and all for no extra cost.
So bring on NZ. We collect the campervan tomorrow and the first port of call (after stocking up with food and booze) will be Bay of Islands.

New Year Eve in Sydney

So to the NYE fireworks. With over 1.5 million people expected to congregate around the harbour, we caught an early train 'to try and beat the crowds'. Even so, people had already claimed their bit of space.

We had the knowledge that a champagne and cocktail reception was waiting for us at an exclusive venue overlooking the harbour bridge and Opera house and with time to kill before we had to arrive it was time to take in the sights.

One of the 'firework boats'

By 8 pm we made it back to the venue, tickets were shown to the security on the gate and then the
Champagne was thrust into our hands on arrival and from that moment on our glasses were constantly topped up. It's no wonder that by the time we all left we were a tad tipsy!

The men decided on the beer!

At 9 pm the first of the fireworks were let off. These were for the children to watch so parents could get them off to bed. Only lasting around 10 minutes, spectacular though they were, this was just the prelude of what was to come later.

As soon as the last firework had been launched all the vessels in the harbour switched on their lights.

 Finally the countdown to midnight. All I could say was wow!

And Ian's pics, stills taken from a movie.

Deciding to stay for a while longer to allow the crowds to die down a bit, it was well after 1 am before we headed for the station. Our ploy worked as we all managed to get a seat on the train and by 3 am we had arrived home. A most memorable night one not to be forgotten! Now the next adventure awaits...New Zealand here we come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Sally, big bruv Andy, me and Ian at the bridge witing for the fireworks to start.