The colour purple....

Early doors and we headed from Auckland to Whangarei, where Nick sometimes works, and I could pick up a hire car. The lady behind the desk said to me she thought I might like purple so they had given me the brightest purple car I have ever seen! I killed myself laughing. Not sure if it was my purple rucksack, bag, cardigan or jacket that gave it away! Violet (yes, I named her) and I are in for a lot of fun!

We headed out of town, stopping at Whangarei Falls before picking up the Twin Coastal Scenic Highway.

 

It was difficult to drive and admire all of the fabulous views, so I kept stopping! But to be honest there were barely any cars on the road. Every so often doubt would creep in, where are they? Am I missing something?!

I couldn't resist getting out at Marapouri Beach, kicking my shoes off and sauntering along the waters' edge. And again, with the exception of a couple of others I had the beach to myself.

The lady at the visitors centre had advised me to undertake a detour to see Hundertwasser's toilets! She found it incredulous that I had never heard of this supposedly famous Austrian architect, who adopted Kawakawa as his home and designed the public toilets before he died! I needed to spend a penny anyway so at least they were useful!

I was somewhat underwhelmed!

Another quick schlep up Highway 1 and I reached Paihia, a small seaside town, used as a gateway to the Bay of Islands. First impressions were off a cacophony of motels and hotels, but actually whilst there are a lot it is all really manageable. My motel is within walking distance of all the shops, cafés, restaurants, ferry etc. it only took a visit to the supermarket for some red wine and I felt right at home!