Day Fifty One Thames to Bay of Islands (travel day)

Had a good sleep and woke refreshed ready for another marathon drive. Found a nice looking apartment in a place called Paihia - almost at the top of North Island (or so we thought. It turns out there's another 170 km at least further you can go). 

Drive was quiet and uneventful. No swaggering policemen slowing us down today!  Set off at 10 am and had reached our destination by 3.30pm with one short petrol stop!  

Apartment is called Absolute Bliss which was a bit worrying - could we get them under trading standards false descriptions if it wasn't complete bliss?  We shouldn't have worried. The rooms are lovely. The house is set overlooking the bay. This is the view from the balcony looking east. 

This is the view from the balcony looking west at the sunset. 

Very welcoming owner. 

Both tired but happy. A no travel day tomorrow. Chilling around the little town, trying to decide should we go on a cruise round the islands or parasail round the bay. 

Had a nice Thai meal for dinner then back to chill at apartment.  That's all for tonight folks. See ya!