We sailed from North Island to South Island for the last time two days ago. We left Wellington in sunshine and somewhere along the Cook Strait the cloud rolled in and South Island appeared gently through the grey drizzle.

We are revisiting the Abel Tasman National Park. I wonder if the fur seals we encounter will be the inquisitive pups we swam with four  years  ago?

Yesterday we drove the 149 km down the Forgotten World Highway from Taumarunui to Stratford. It was a fascinating and enthralling journey through bush, gorge and mountain views arriving at a great hotel (in the self declared Republic of Whangamomona) for lunch.

We stopped the night outside Hawera on a farm with calves, sheep, pigs, hens, a horse and dog for companions, oh, and not a few biting insects.

  
  
Took an early morning walk along the cliff path to Cathedral Cove. We had seen it from the boat yesterday and wanted to experience the cavernous opening from the inside, view other rock formations, create a labyrinth and walk the beach.

After breakfast we drove south west to Taumarunui in King Country. We will leave here in the morning to drive further south west down the ‘Forgotten World Highway’, New Zealand’s oldest Heritage Trail.

Had a fantastic birthday in Hahei (or ‘paradise’ to the locals).  After an early breakfast we were picked up at Ferry Landing by a glass bottomed boat and taken out to the Marine Conservation area. Saw some great fish and had chance to snorkel amongst them.

Turned up at a winery in time for a pizza lunch and wine tasting. The only winery I have ever discovered with a table tennis table. Hurrah!

Made our way to Hot Water Beach. We dug a hole in the sand where for two hours either side of low tide, hot water boils up from the fault line running through the area. Very relaxing.

The day ended with a wonderful meal in a local restaurant.

We left the Bay of Islands and drove south about 7 hours to the Coromandel peninsula. Crossing the Waihou river, with the forest covered Coromandel Range between us and the Pacific, was a magnificent sight.

Even more stunning was our first glimpse of the coast at Hahei. After a refreshing late afternoon swim we are planning a picnic tea on the beach tonight with tame Sandpipers for company.

Said our goodbyes to Sophie the cat and the Hutt valley and drove north to Huka Falls up Highway 1.

Great to drive up to the volcanic plateau where Lake Taupo lies and see the mountains again.

Took a boat out in Wellington Harbour to the scientific and historical reserve on Matui/Somes Island. Enjoyed being amongst low flying kakariki (green parrots), black backed gulls with their camouflaged chicks and numerous skinks (NZ lizards) and butterflies.

It has been great getting to know the native bush around this wonderful city.