Day 1 - Mon 17 Nov
7:35 am Just having a cup of tea and we've had to come inside out of the rain so we can have a shower! No brekkie, but someone had left some rice and a packet of bacon carbonnara for us.....Mmm, maybe not!

8:30am and the taxi arrived to take us XXX Motorcycles in Auckland. Nice guys, no probs picking up the bike. Had a coffee and got on the wets - no surprise there then! Then had to return the key to the Skyway Lodge that Rik had left in his back pocket! No worries - chance to get used to the bike again. to
Headed to the city centre for Rik's appointment at the bank at 12:00. Sat having coffee (Hooray - 1st official one - $7.60 for two) opposite the bank at 11:30am.
1st motorcycle we see is a very gorgeous policeman with a beautiful smile!

11:25 got to Auckland city centre, parked near the bank (ish!) and a coffee before my appointment. Auckland definitely too much of a city!
Robbie, my bank appointment, turned out to be Roberta. Got my bank card (I'd set up my bank account in the UK before we left) and sorted online banking request - as it would take about 4-5 days, I arranged to pick up my stuff in Queenstown in 2 weeks.
Spent an extra 20 mins in Auckland looking for the bike! Eventually found the bike, but Louise's compass was a bit out...but the walk was nice, if a bit warm in wets! Bad rain! NB. Remember where we left the bike next time!!
Nice trip up to Wellsford, stopped at 3pm at Peppers Cafe for fish filo and lattes. Must remember to stop for photos at Wairora River complex - lovely views!

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Left Wellsford and carried on up to Whangarei. Went along a bit of road that was a miniature Queen Charlotte Drive (Picton to Havelock, NZ), mini mountains followed immediately by lovely beaches and then arrived in Whangarei.
Stopped at the i-site info and cafe for a quick coffee and to get bearings, then decided to find somewhere to stay. After finding out that the promising-surrounding town basin was in fact an industrial estate(!!), headed out and discovered the way to the Whangarei Falls. Headed back to town to find accommodation.
Decided to give the "Immigrant Leprechaun" a miss and booked into the Stonehaven Motel in Mill St. $95 a night for a studio - lovely room. Dropped off the bags and returned to the Whangarei Falls.
Did the 1250 step walk - it was lovely - and then picked up a bag of chips. Returned to the room and watched Top Gear!! Both fell asleep (until 2am - snoring alert!!)ready for an early start

Mileage today - 250km (155 miles)
Mileage total - 250km  (155 miles)