So I left the Bay of Islands this morning in a thunderstorm and drove back to Auckland. Firstly went to Kawakawa to see the toilets built by Freidensreich Hundertwasser (-https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedensreich_Hundertwasser) who I thought lived only in Vienna. I have seen his buildings there. These are now known as ‘Trevor’s toilets’ after my ex flat mate who told Helen to tell me about them.

Further on, I followed a sign that said ‘tourist route’. In the distance I could see scenic mountainy things so I thought maybe cafe by the bay? Nope. Visitor centre at the oil refinery in front of the mountains. On a Sunday? Or any day? Don’t think so. So I had lunch at a golf club further down the road. Their ad on the road said visitors welcome so in I went. Nice view of something called the Hen and Chickens Islands.

Absolutely pissing down in Auckland but the sat nav was quite helpful. I have realised what is weird about being upside down in the world – lambs at the same time as Christmas adverts!

I am now in the Explore hotel in a rather posh suburb of Auckland – Main street all restaurants, beauty parlours and art galleries. Not to mention the cathedral and Bishop’s palace. Picture shows the oldest house in town – built in 1843. Tour starts tomorrow evening.

Forgot to mention the steam train in the middle of the street in Kawakawa. Nearly drove into it as I was coming out of my parking space. Wasn’t really expecting it!

I also need to apologise for the rather stream of consciousness effect of yesterday’s post. All that rain must have gone to my head.