Auckland to Bay of Islands

This morning got off to a very happy start, as when I went down to breakfast I went to sit down at the table D was already seated at, at the same time this fellow comesp to the table and asks to join us. No idea who the heck he was, but he introduced himself as Chris, a driver with Travelmarvel/APT. He was on a required day break from his current driving tour and was heading off to visit his daughter. I told D about my lost reading glasses and how angry I was with myself, not helped by the airline cleaning company not answering any of my repeated phone calls. I couldnt believe it when Chris insisted I take his cheapie reading glasses that he said he buys 5 at a time! I said I would arrange to return them later but he said to keep them. I figure I'll never lose these $2 glasses no matter how hard I try so may as well plan on being buried wearing them! And so our first full day in NZ began. we were out of the hotel at 8am having now met Tui (pronounced like the beer) our driver, and Di our travel host. Weather today around 24 so a perfect day ahead. First stop is Parry Kauri park. the oldest Kauri tree is about 800 years old.

We were told that it was a lovely walk through the park where we could enjoy the native bush setting. It was a lovely walk with countless steps that definitely took its toll on some of the older travellers! But all returned to the coach eventually, albeit out of breath and complaining of sore knees, bless them. (Apologies, but the blog has a mind of its own when I try and add photos after the relevant information...)

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