We left the metropolis of Auckland in the morning and drove to Hahei on the northeast coast of the north island. This is a seaside vacation area with delightful beaches, nature reserves, and lots of water activities.
Here is the cute little cabin we're staying in for a couple of nights.
Out back is a rain protected porch as well as a picnic table and barbecue. After arriving, we had a little snack and other refreshment.
The gate to the walkway out the back yard. One direction leads to the local beach. The other direction leads to natural areas including Cathedral Cove.
The beach is quite nice and somewhat protected by small offshore volcanic islands. To the south is a beach where the sand is geothermally warmed. People take little shovels, dig a hole and cover themselves with warm sand.
Later in the afternoon, Mike and Jan serenaded us with old folk songs to the accompaniment of the ukelele. Lots of tunes I had forgotten. A few I did with the Tally Boys in junior high school and a few more modern ones. What fun.