Hi we are back again bringing you up to date
4 th Feb
Left Auckland 8.00 am and visited Kauri museum which was all about logging of the Kauri trees in the area from the 1840,s until it was stopped early in the 1930,s since they were wiping out all the trees altogether covering over hundreds of square miles., then onto Waipoura forest to see the oldest Kauri tree which is over 2000 years old . We then travelled onto Omapere and had an hours cruise which turned out to be quite dramatic as a boat had  capsized and we had to rescue a husband and wife who had been in the water 30/40 minutes but they were fit and well though a little cold.We then went to  the Copthorne hotel which was on the shoreline where we had an Hangi dinner on the beach.
5th Feb
We drove to the Bay Of Islands where we visited the Waitangi treaty house which was the most visited and historic home due to this being the house where the treaty was signed between the British and the Maori's in 1840 and which is the basis of New Zealand law today.We then went onto Paihia for our lunch and then anoyher cruise to Cape Bret lighthouse and the Hloe in the Rock and was very lucky to see dolphins and their young.
6th Feb
Today we went over to Russell peninsula which was by ferry and took only 10 mins. We had a very interesting 1 hour tour and then visited the Pompallier printery showing how the first books were nade.On the peninsula was private retreat which only cost NZ$ 42000 per night ,could only aford 2 mins ,apparently Bill Gates goes there quite often.Then went to the Waitangi where they were having the celebrations for 170th anniversary of the signing of the treaty.
7th Feb
Easy day today starting 10.00am stopping enroute to Auckland at Whangarei where there was a nice marina and Clapham's clock museum and lunch was at Warkworth carrying on the coastal road to Auckland.Staying 1 night in Auckland at the Langham hotel, early start tomorrow.