Bay of Islands

Thursday 24 January

Lovely hotel on the wharf (Hilton) but we didnt get much time to enjoy it as we had breakfast which was a superb buffet early and then went onto get the car from Avis in the city centre.Great views from the restaurant over the harbour and a large cruise ship had just docked during the night so we had a load of yanks in for breakfast as well.They spent most of the time introducing themselves to each other and asking where each other had come from, apart from the ship!!.

Two and a half hour drive up to the Bay of Islands where we are staying at Arcadia Lodge in Russell. This place has a fantastic view from the terrace over the bay with yachts bobbing about and is a great place to sit with a glass of wine chatting to the other guests before going out to dinner.The hosts have a lovely Boxer called Cal who makes himself known to everyone. Great breakfast on the terrace. Met a couple from Coverack in Cornwall