A short trip along the coast for New Year, although there was not much wind it was rather roly. We had decided to take an overnight break in Tutukaka but a few minutes in there told us we would have a very uncomfortable night so we moved on. It was just as roly in the harbour as outside so continued on to Whangaruru where we had a comfortable night. Next day we moved on to the Old Whaling Station at Whagamumu. A lovely anchorage but always rather crowded and especially so because of the New Year Break. There was a good path from the back of the beach up to the top of the hill, I was a bit nervous setting off as there was a bees nest just at the start and they seemed to be getting a bit angry with the constant stream of people passing. It was a steep climb but we made it and got some good views from the top but most of the way dense woodland (mainly manuka) prevented us seeing much. I tried out the paddleboard, I managed to stand up but was a bit wobbly. I think I need to strengthen up the right leg a bit and think it would be easier to start off in shallow water. The whaling station is just a ruin but there is a nice short walk to a waterfall but again it was crowded and the water had become quite muddy with so many people disturbing the bottom. A few years ago it was a good spot to find bits of whale bone but I think the bone hunters had exhausted the supply as I could not find any. I made a stone 'cairn' like the ones in the Scilly Isles. After a couple of days we returned to Whangarei as gale force winds were forecast.