This is a town about 20km away, still on the Bay of Islands. Site of the oldest European house in NZ, built by missionaries next to a Maori village by invitation as the locals wanted the trade. Also home to both a rather nice artisan chocolate factory and cafe and a woman with a collection of parrots you can go and see. Only got bitten twice!

As it is also the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s round the world voyage and ‘discovery’ of New Zealand, there is a replica of his ship plus a gaff rugged schooner and three replicas of Polynesian ocean-going double hulled canoes and the 120 seater war canoe I saw at Waitangi all going down the coast. The Endeavour is touring the whole country, to some people’s dismay. Also, Prince Charles is apparently coming to Waitangi at the end of next week. Would have been ironic if he had been here this week eh?

Oh, and I am not quite ready for a shoe shop with a window full of snow, Christmas trees etc and a sign offering new stock of sandals.