We were supposed to call at Tauranga on Sunday to go to Rotorua for the day. But because the harbour entrance is narrow, and the wind was furious, old Flokos the captain said we couldn’t go in! … damn! … this is as close as we got …

The Bay of Plenty had given us plenty the previous night and the wind gave us rainbows in the sea-spray most of the morning …

Then to Auckland … freezing cold westerly wind blowing rain showers through at a good clip most of the day.

We got the local number 274 bus to Mount Eden, climbed to the top, and peered into the crater!

Between showers, a great view of the city … and the rainbow just missed the world home of All Blacks rugby …

Then a 277 bus back to the Ferry Terminal …

… to commute across to the (very posh looking) suburb/village of Devonport.

Walked up Mount Victoria (yes another walk up!) for great views of the city and the harbour … as you can see Jan remembered her gloves today, and brought a beanie for me … very grateful I was too!

Then back to the city for a walk along the waterfront … some are obviously doing it pretty tough around here … (not!)

Then, after about 12km walking for the day, farewell to New Zealand, and off to warmer climes in Tonga …