Bay opf Islands 8th Oct

Well I didn't have a spa bath after all last night - instead I drank more than 2 standard drinks and read til late and flaked out to 9.30am..... I then woke up Phil and we started the day....

We firstly visited the Haruru Water Falls - big and loud.... and we were in kiwi forest too - unfortunately we didn't see any due to their sleeping habits.... will have to visit a nocturnal house I am thinking

We had a great time today - we went to KeriKeri visited a chocolate factory and are at present sampling the fare with a nice glass of 'Sav' which is what the Kiwis call Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (sp) So we have honey and orange coated macadamias, choc coated orange peel and choc coated ginger - why am I telling you this???? Because there won't be much left after tonight - and after tomorrow forget it!

I have signed up for an internet provider here and if the hotel is with them then I can get wireless internet..... much easier

We also took the ferry to Russell and that was lovely...

for $10 return the trip was nice andit was good to be on the water.... it has really quaint buildings but one of the best things was the church with gravestones.... I took lots of photos and one gravestone was from the first woman (pakeha -white woman) born in New Zealand -cool hey??

Well that is about it - I am enjoying one of many glasses of 'sav' tonight and feeling much more relaxed than I did 5 days ago....

Have been eating and sleeping well and exercising because Phil always wants to look at everything- bless him - even covered canoes!! just to see what they look like.

Back to Auckland tomorrow - but on the way we are stopping at the most interestingly decorated restrooms (toilets) in NZ...... what can I say - everyone says you must see them so - we will

Til tomorrow