It was windy and rainy again in Auckland this morning when we left to pick up our camper van. We decided that since the weather wasn't that flash we would do a big drive north. After several hours of really heavy rain and winds, the clouds lifted and there was blue sky...just as we arrived at Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Unbelievable change...but we were very happy as it is such a pretty part of the world, especially when the sun is out.  

Another photo of the foreshore at Paihia...the tide is out.

This was the view from our camper van at the holiday park in Paihia.

Not too far away there was a walking track...with some beautiful views...

Our van...parked right next to the water...

Dusk ...our view as we ate our dinner....

Well, despite it being an absolutely awful day, rainy and windy, Pete and I thought we should go out and at least see a little of Auckland. The dominating feature of Auckland's landscape is the Sky Tower. 

From the Sky Tower we walked to Ponsonby Road, trendy street full of delightful shops, bars and cafes. I just loved all the houses in this inner city suburban area.

This isn't the first church we have seen that has been made of wood...they reminded us of those we'd seen in New Hampshire.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum ...

Auckland Domain...the oldest park in Auckland,  the park contains all the explosion crater and most of the surrounding tuff ring of the Pukekawa volcano. 

A couple more pretty wooden buildings...on Parnell Road...

The Anglican cathedral in Nelson, at the top of their main street.

Looking down the main street of Nelson from the cathedral, such a pretty street.

Some of the delightful looking buildings in the heart of Nelson...it is the cleanest, neatest town I think I have ever visited, just lovely.

And finally, the river running through the town, which we walked along on our first visit here. Today however it looked more beautiful with the sun shining.

From Nelson , we flew to Auckland, then caught the shuttle to our B and B accomodation in the CBD. As the sun was shining Pete and I went for a stroll around the area. We are staying near the harbour and the building so remind me of Fremantle.

Albert Park near the CBD ...wonderful place to take your lunch...

The University of Auckland clock tower, very unusual building...

Old Government House...now being used by the University of Auckland ...

Isn't this tree amazing? It is oak!! Pete tried to tell me it was and I thought he was totally wrong until I saw all the leaves on the ground...yep an oak!

After a delicious breakfast at Ratanui Lodge, Pete and I went for a stroll around Pohara Beach before we caught the shuttle bus back to Nelson.

Not the golden sand like the beaches in the national park, more a grey colour due to the iron content. Pete is wearing an outfit to match!

A common site in this part of the world.

Today was another early start to make the tidal crossing before the tide turned in the Awaroa Inlet.

Shells shells and more shells, this is what we had to walk on most of the way, I've never seen so many clams. We were wiser this morning and took our thongs to change into.

It wasn't long after sunrise that we walked along this pretty bay...Waiharakeke Bay.

I like this photo as it shows the silver colour of underside of the fern leaves .

As the sun rose in the sky the water started to change to a beautiful blue, green colour...this is Goat Bay.

Not only are there clam shells everywhere but also mussel shells and some of them are enormous!

The lodge gave us our packed lunch and breakfast last night. I chose to eat my muesli and yoghurt  on   Totaranui Beach...bliss.

...all alone we were on Totaranui Beach.

Grand Avenue Totaranui...this was once an entrance to a famous homestead but now only a campground remains. 

Anapai Bay

Anatakapou Bay 

...and my favourite, a little bay just before Mutton Cove.

Separation Point

Watching seals at Separation Point

A mother and her two pups...

Our final destination , Wainui Inlet.

The end of the Abel Tasman track...a lovely young lady took this photo for us, we met her and her husband on the boat on our first night on the track and we finished almost at the same time. We were all picked up and taken to Ratanui Lodge beside Pohara Beach where we enjoyed a rest in a hot spa before a sensational three course meal and a very comfortable bed. 

An early start on the track this morning as we had to cross the Torrent Bay Inlet while the tide was out. It wasn't always as easy as this photo makes it look, at times we were thigh deep in very cold water. 

One of the many waterfalls we were to see today. It had rained all night so all the creeks and streams were running swiftly.

The view of Sandfly Beach ....

...down on Sandfly Beach, it was quite a climb down and then up again to the track, we were quite proud of our selves.

At almost every turn on the track we have view like this of the water, coastline and magical bays.

This was the second suspension bridge we crossed today, this one was over the Waterfall Creek.

Here the creek is running out into the ocean.

Me

Blue and brown, we were to see the two different coloured waters all day as the brown creeks spilled into the blue water of the ocean.

Onetahuti Beach...a couple of people on the beach in this photo ...the water is so clear.

Onetahuti Beach...I was always behind Pete looking at the shells...

Richardson Stream running into Onetahuti Bay..

The beautiful New Zealand tree ferns that are almost everywhere on the track remind me of ladies in long skirts. Tonight we are staying in a very comfortable lodge in Awaroa.