East coast explorer!

First stop Whangarei to look at the Town Basin then on to Whangarei Falls. 26 m falls with a good circular walk round toget the views. Well worth a visit. The we took a very scenic coastal route with some problems due to map reading errors ( wonder who that could be ;) )... I am the driver ;)
We ended up driving much further than planned to Matauri Bay which is up north east of Kerikeri. Drew into the campground just behind a Dutch couple is had met this morning! Secured a beach front site as we do not need power. A really idyllic view. Swam in the sea again although the surf was a bit strong for me, but the beach was sandy and shallow so quite safe. Made use if the somewhat dated facilities including a full load of washing most of which was dry in a couple of hours.
Drove 231km
This morning we had a lazy start,M went for a walk and I caught up on my journal. We eventually set off about 12 md and took the "million dollar view" coastal route. The views are spectacular looking out over rolling countryside to sandy bays with islands beyond with, of course, a sparkling blue sea! We dropped down into some lovely bays. We then rejoined the SH10 making our way west along the north coast. We then turned off to go north up the Karikari peninsula. Here the scenery became much flatter and open. We are camped at the DOC Maitai Bay site which has sheltered sites but no sea view ;(. After a restorative cuppa we walled along Merti beach. There are two bays here separated by a small spit. We both swam in the sea again then walked back, climbing up onto the spit to take the 'guidebook ' photos ! I have never see beaches like these. There are so many that there is room for everyone, none of them are at all crowded even on a summer Sunday afternoon