Technically part of Greater Auckland

A steady drive along the twisty, mountainous west coast of the Coromandel peninsula, with a few stops for photos. The van is still thinking it has a problem with the brakes but since there is no problem with them at all we aren't going to call it in. The light has also taken to going out and back on inexplicably so I think it's an electrical fault. Mr. Mechanic has had a look and can't find anything obvious wrong so whilst she still stops ok we are going to nurse her home.

We stop for a long and leisurely lunch on the flat Hauruki Plains next to the sea to look at all the seabirds (there are none but the average seagull which is a bit disappointing). Drive on across the flats and over some mountains before dropping just south of Auckland in to Manukua, a suburb of the city pretty much. Find a nice quiet caravan park near to where we drop the Kiri tomorrow - we are going to miss her. Head out to 'The Bog' - the local Irish pub for a couple of proper pints and some food. The girl also gives us free use of the phone so By can get in touch with a long lost mate who is now planning to pick us up tomorrow and whisk us off to a band rehearsal - should be good.