James has discovered there is a spectacular local waterfall so that is our first stop of the day. The Whangarei falls are a short walk from the car park and very impressive.  James is the official photographer today so takes lots of shots.  Then it’s onto my Manaia for a picturesque but challenging walk up the my for some spectacular views of Whangārei heads.  Scott’s phone later reveals we have walked up the equivalent of 144 flights of stairs today....

Lunch is a picnic on a windswept beach.  Then it’s onto the toilets at Kawakawa.  Emma has already learnt about Hunderwasser at school so we take some snaps to share.  Emma shows me how the artist hates straight lines and how the tiles are all slightly askew.  The toilets are followed by an ice cream  and then onto Paihia.

It’s stunning here and the kids enjoy the pool briefly and we head down to the beachfront to enjoy happy hour at the local bar.  It’s a live band on Sunday night and the place is packed !