We have some coffee and porridge in bed before getting up and out today

Sadly, we missed the McDonald’s breakfast by just 30 seconds – we’ll get it tomorrow instead – so we just grab a couple flat whites before popping to PAK’n’SAVE for some lunch supplies

They have a fuel station so we go here but it takes us a while to realise that their self-service pumps only like our credit cards – at least we know for next time

We have a chocolate muffin each before getting on the road

Today, we’re heading north – and we mean really north – to the very northern tip of the north island, around the Cape Reinga area

About half way, we have a stop at Te Kao Local Store where there’s a cat Daisy plays with before starting the journey again

There’s lots of roadworks along the drive – at one point we’re held up for about 20 minutes while they literally re-tarmack the road in front of us!

We make it to the Te Paki Recreation Reserve, on the coast, for just after 2pm where we enjoy our store-bought chicken wraps

This area has cultural significance with the maori people as this location is believed to be where spirits of the dead come to depart from this world

There’s a tree at a very northern beach, viewable from the walking track, that is of particular interest as it’s grown over rock, which is unique, and it’s known as the Spirit Tree

At the end of this track is a lighthouse as well as a signpost signifying how far famous cities are, including London and LA (see the featured image)

Back to the car, we drive to the Giant Sand Dunes where we have a wander and a play – Dave gets rather sandy!

After, we start our journey down – not before a rogue black bull gets in our way on the highway!

We make the majority of the drive back to the Airbnb but have a brief attempt to reach Ninety Mile Beach

Annoyingly, the beach isn’t actually 90 miles and it’s a little oddly named since they use the metric system here!

We catch the sunset – sort of as there’s a lot of clouds really – by walking up and down a little of the beach, avoiding being hit cars, as you’re legally allowed to drive on it (but not recommended for rental vehicles or anything below 4WD)

Next, we get back to the PAK’n’SAVE local to us to grab some supplies for dinner before getting to the Airbnb

Dave cooks a lovely spag bowl and we share some sauvingnon blanc ????

Bed time