24.01.2020 Glad they drive on the left ....

First full day on the road today, heading for Whangarei for my overnight stop on the way to the Bay of Islands. I had heard how different the driving was here and how long it can take to get somewhere which would take a much shorter time back home and you were all right! Although I stuck to the main highway which looked great 3 lanes for about 20 miles then down to two way road for most of the time. Nevermind though - new things to see on the way and my coffee stop overlooking the Northland coast gave me a bit of a taste of what is to come...

After a cloudy start this morning. The sun was out to greet me in Whangarei and I was glad to get out and walk around the Town Basin, alongside the river it is packed with artisans, galleries, sculptures, boats and places to eat and drink. Spent a while watching the glass blower and a master jeweller (dangerous - could spend all my money) at work and bought myself some ridiculous harem pants!!!! ( No pictures of me in these I'm afraid)