Helensville: Picked up campervan at airport - a new experience for us both and headed out of Auckland. A bit hairy at first, felt like driving a bus. This thing is big. Decided not to drive too far on first day - an hour just the job up to little village on West Coast. We are real novices at this campervaning lark, but meet NZ pair Steve and Ian and their wives and they put us right on a few basics (what to do with your waste for one - use the dump station!). Campground has thermal pools - outdoor one 32C, indoor 39.5C. Chilled out, but hot at same time, if you get our drift.
Waipou Forest. One of the highlights of North West Coast is this kauri tree forest. These trees are mighty indeed. One known as The God of the Forest, the other The Father of the Forest. 'God' has been around 2,000 years and is a pretty awe-inspiring sight. Also went on guided night-time nature walk in forest (John did this under protest, but secretly enjoyed it) and saw gloworms, Kauri snails (big, big, very big), large eels, possums and some very hairy and scary spiders. Elusive Kiwi, however, failed to make appearance.
On way to forest stopped at little roadside cafe. So good was the coffee that we left our rucksack, containing passports, money and air travel tickets, behind. Some 40 minutes away and several miles on, Chris realises what we have done. Luckily there is an into information centre close by. We call in - and they save day by calling cafe, who confirm bag is safe and sound. Phew! Close call and a lesson learned. On way back see road sign for Brynderwyn among more traditional Maori names. Can't possibly be a Welshman who named village, can it?
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