Kauris!

The first rain since we arrived, it only a few showers and then it has cleared up into a sunny but blustery day. We drove south from Hokianga harbour into the Waipoua Forest, and stopped to walk to look at the largest Kauri tree in NZ. It has a girth of 13.8m and the trunk is 17.7m and it is believed to be over 1250yrs old. This forest has over 300 species of trees, plants and ferns. I love these forests especially where the tree ferns are coming through the other vegetation. Their leaves shine in the sunlight. You haven't seen tree ferns unless you've been to New Zealand!

The road was hilly and twisty, so the going was slow, eventually we left the forest to come out onto open moorland type countryside. We dropped down to sea level again at Dargaville crossing the very wide Wairoa river, the road then followed the river south, turning east at Ruawi, some of the flattest straight road I have seen in NZ! We were aiming for Matakohe to the renowned Kauri Museum. We had previously decided to book knot a 'proper' campsite tonight, so that we can fill up with water and use the laundry facilities. So.....we booked into the Matakohe Kiwi Park a short distance from the museum. Lunch made, washing done and blowing in the wind, we walked back to the museum. This is a 'must' for visitors to this part of NZ, an amazing collection of artefacts and history of the settlers in this area. It not just about the kauri, but how life was in those early days, from the tree felling, use of the timber, gum digging, farming, and the domestic side of things. We spent about 2hrs there, but some people could probably spend a lot more....

Back to the camp site for a cuppa, then a shower, which I have to say was disappointing, the shower in the van is better!! Now we are moth logged on to the internet , me writing this blog and M catching p on emails etc as he has not got any 3G.

Another relaxing day, wonder what tomorrow will bring......we haven't had the map out yet......!