We merely stopped over in Auckland before continuing North on Tuesday 13th April to Kerikeri on the Bay of Islands. We stopped for lunch at Whangerai with its pretty little harbour.

We then stopped at Waitangi, a place that seems to have almost has mystical significance for New Zealanders. It was where the treaty between England and the Maories was signed in 1840. It is a rare example of an agreement between the native peoples and Europeans which - more or less - worked. We went into the magnificently carved Maori meeting house (where no photogrphs are allowed) and the old Governer's House. It was very interesting and gave a really good insight into the past.

Finally, we arrived at Kerikeri and our B&B : The Summer House. It was delightful and our hosts, Christine and Rod Brown, were very kind and helpful. The garden, in particular was very lush and beautiful.

We picked feijeos from the garden. I had never heard of them before coming to New Zealand, but here they are available everywhere - a green fruit, a bit like a small avocado, but the flesh is sweet, spicy and delicious.