Life is full of surprises! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be in the middle of no where sliding down the biggest dunes I had ever seen on a piece of wood. But hey, thanks to Ron we was there today. Our Maori guide took us out on the boat to the deserted island ( felt like Robinson crusoe) dumped us on the beach and handed us a pile of boards and said “Ill be back in 30 mins”. Then it started to rain. It took all my efforts to climb to the dune top and noticing that it ended in water I positioned myself carefully. Egged on by the Canadian contingent off we went. Missed the water by inches lol. Unlike Roger….but that’s another story.

A quick change later and we are on the way to the ferry at Rawene and a cup of coffee. Over on the ferry and onto the fish and chip shop for lunch at Mangonui. Some nice fish for sure but $1 for vinigar I thought was a bit much!! Being as we are now on Maori land we must mention the Maori people. They don’t seem too know what they want to do next. How do they get the best of what they have…going from here to Hot bay was still Maori land (Ya Ya…ill ask Ron tomorrow) A obvious holiday location but a cafe or 2 would be good ill have thought. But nothing. Beautiful scenery as usual. But then maybe that’s best?

The government has even offered them re numeration but they cant decide which group will accept the surrender of New Zealand . Typical. The beach reminded us of sand to much so we left quickly. Into the Stone store house, the oldest building on the Island. ( I got a fruit truck. Looks good) Winding down into Paihia and the Copthorne hotel for a light snack and beers before bed. Don’t believe those that said I fell asleep and arrived late. Another tiring day or maybe I’m just getting old.

So often too many Cooks spoil the broth as we see here. Seize the opportunity before it is gone.

Ron (our leader for the next 20 days) picked us up from the Sebel suites this morning at 8.0 as promised. Weather beaten man with a Rickerty van (Sorry Ron   🙂   ) just enough room in the trailer for the luggage and yes I know I brought way too much….. a long old drive to Hokianga and the Copthorne hotel. First item of the day a detour. Ron had that look of a lot of detours lol. Went to see the Gannets by the sea. And what a sea!!! If you wanna surf then just look at those waves. As for the myriad of birds well I have never seen anything like it. It was about at this point that I realised that the weather beaten Ron and the rickerty van was what I had come for.

Onwards to the Kuri museum. I felt that the mood for revolution was over when Ron said “lunch ahead”. Super large BLT and a coffee. Must bring more water. Then Hey a museum about a Tree…looking forward to this…..errmm. How wrong was I. The kauri tree as any native of the south will tell you is as impotent to them as life itself. Fabulous museum and I learnt so much about a tree which they have a piece of that is 3 million years old. The bowl I brought was from a swamp kauri which was only 45000 years old…..sheesss.

Onwards to the living thing…..Met Bill….good old Maori name….at the last remaining 2% of the New Zealand forest. The Kauri tree is now protected btw. And what a tree 13m diameter. The kuris have very shallow roots so need to be protected from marauding animals and others. Tane Mahuto is the Lord of the forest so Bill said. And I for one believe him. Not far away is the father of the forest Te Matua Ngahere. After  we had some songs and some whistle blowing while being given the history of the tree. At least 2000 years old…… So I said my prayer and wished the Lord of the forest all the best. Stupid but I meant every word. Then off we trotted to bills home..over the water anyway. Fabulous view. then into the bar at the Copthorne Hotel. Another Fabulous Room and Hotel. I’m getting used to this. I have to say after watching all the luxury coaches going by and the looks from those in them I am so glad I picked Moa trek. We got Ron and we got Bill. They don’t   😉

Great dinner with some wonderful new friends; and yes I drank the whole bottle Dan   😉

Thought for the day: Nothing lasts forever but 3 million years is as close as you gonna get!!!

Well you guys will all be sleeping now, but I got here with no mishaps. met some Great people on the flights hopefully will see them on the tour. Wasn’t that bad tbf. 6 hrs to Dubai, (still a hole in the floor so I waited for the plane to go to the toilet lol). 15 to Brisbane and 3 more to Auckland.  Constantly been fed so not to hungry. Air hostess threw chilli sauce all over me when the plane jumped but she was far to good looking for me to complain  🙂  2 hrs in the airport to get out. They was filming border control oOO.

Guy waiting for me in big truck. (never had anyone with big Sign “Welcome Perry” on it before) 15 mins drive through provincial Auckland to the Sebel suites.

Beautiful Big double room and a view overlooking the harbor. Moa trek did say they pick the best New Zealand has to offer and if it goes on like this they wont disappoint. Had a nice bath and then I’m gonna hit the harbor. Can hear Rod Stewart from here lol.

Getting picked up by guide at 8.20 in the morning.

have fun, I’m going to  😉

I really cant believe I’m on the other side of the world. For those that get the opportunity do what you want, life is too short to be miserable and unhappy. I might not have a lot, but I have the love of a wonderful family and I’m doing what I want, even if I come back broke Ill always laugh at everyone and everything, I’m afraid its what I do lol

Phew, just got back from me brothers. Said me bye byes. He works to hard. Hes building Heathrow terminal 2 atm  (Well something to do with sushi anyway LOL) So when I get back hes offered me a job as trolley man for tea and sarnis as hes expanding again so everyone will need feeding. They look like they could do with a good meal and bev definitely needs a good cuppa !!

Was nice to see Toby and Ben and thanks for the tea Ellie. Sorry the little dog ran around like a looney. I made her run behind the Car on the way home so she looks a bit tired.

48 hrs and I will be in the Airport. Getting nervous now lol

Cya when I get back Bob and YO SUSHI!