15/3

We left New Plymouth after finally sorting out some business. While we've been away the UK government has introduced new money laundering regulations which mean our business must be registered with HMRC for supervision. Just in case we are dangerous terrorists or funding the drug trade! The deadline for these blasted forms is 1 April, when, of course, we will still be here. So we've downloaded forms and checked information and blah, blah. Finally, we sent these off registered post from New Plymouth, and they should get to Southend in time!
Looking at the map there are lots of little roads that wiggle up the coast towards Auckland. Rather than hammer up the motorway for the four hour trip, we decided to go the long way. The first bit of the side roads runs through gorgeous farming country, and could be called the pukeko route; these stupid birds are everywhere.
We had aimed to get to Kawhia (pronounced ka-fee-ah) or maybe even as far as Raglan for the night. However, the bridge at Waiharakeke was destroyed and you cannot get through. It's been out since early January and there's no confirmed date for completion. It must be driving the local people mad. Anyway, we stopped for the night beside the harbour in a beautiful, serene spot.