Day 8

Today we drove south to Auckland to collect Mum. We traveled via the coast road from Russell to Whakapara via Helena Bay. The single most noticeable thing was the volume of boats in nearly every bay. They range in size from small yachts to medium sized motor boats.But boats everywhere, each bay just as wonderful as the last and just beautiful to view. Strange people here though, we nearly ran over joggers who run on the road, in the middle of the road and on the side of very narrow roads, does not seem to be any thought for their own safety or other road users. Our car did the job but noticeable lack of power on the hill stages. The road from there to Auckland we have traveled so nothing new. After collecting Mum, on the road again heading for Rotorua. We by passed Hamilton and went via Cambridge. The trip was very reminiscent of the area around Scottsdale in Tasmania or Moor River in South Africa, all very picturesque, green and lush. The area looked like it could grow everything and well. We made it into Rotorua late in the afternoon, found a motel that suited our requirements, not very flash but where we can be together for the night. A quick look around the town, dinner in an Italian restaurant then home to get ready for tomorrow. No pictures today as most over old ground. Tomorrow Rotorua.