Pakiri (day 3)

South of the camping ground there were around 20 surfers enjoying 1m-1.5m waves. The beach stretches for miles north so there is plenty of opportunity for private swimming/sunbathing. There is also horse riding with over 100 horses available from Pakiri Horse riding www.horseride-nz.co.nz. This is a most spectacular place. I had the most successful day of photography ever.

The Decision

A week on Australia's Gold Coast or 25 days in Northland. With five teenage/young adults at home, the longer break won out. This time of year (late May/early June) prices are considerably reduced so our dollar went a long way. Camper van is a fraction of the normal price and the flights from Christchurch to Auckland were also significantly reduced.

The water temperature in Northland in the winter is the same as the South Island water temperature in the summer so even swimming was a possibility. Northland has a sub-tropical climate the same as Australia. Northland wins!!!!