Kia Ora from the North Lands.

Today I'm just sitting at the couch in Pickled Parrot Backpackers hostel, and don't do anything.
Until later that is :) Because then we'll head for a 1 day Boat Trip in the Bay of Islands.
Right, that's where we are at the moment, to be precise: in Paihia.
That's quite a nice town we do one of our few stops. Everythings prepared for tourists.
Still it has a relaxed feeling with its little marina and the view on the bay.

Our Van, "Dougie", is running well; a bit swimming when turning right, but that's okay for another week.
We free camped twice so far, not far from the beach, with public toilets around.
Body boarding the rough waves of the West Coast in Piha was cool. In contrast, the east coast, where we're now, is all mellow and low waters.
Exactly what we need a beginners. I'm looking forward to the boat trip we signed up for yesterday; it's supposed to be good, including kayaking, snorkeling, dolphin watching, island hopping, and sleeping on the boat for one night. I keep my fingers crossed the waves and weather stay as is at the moment; calm and sunny.

Have a look here for a few pictures of our 2nd week; touring the North Lands.
I also updated the previous post and included a link of pictures of week 1, our journey to NZ and time spent in Auckland.

Will be back soon. So much more things coming up; sand dune boarding, 90 mile beach, caves.
I think I'll need another break again, very soon :))

Tschuess, Bjoern