New Zealand Road Trip driving from Auckland to Paihia – Today we are driving from Auckland to Paihia.
It is 1pm, and we have just stopped at a little place called Mangawhai. The first part of the drive was wet. Really wet. Heavy rain, wipers on full. The last half not so bad.
There was a toll on the main number 1 motorway. Our only choice was to pay with coins at a service station machine. Massive queue, took 15 mins. Suzanne was waiting in the car. I think she thought I’d done a runner to sunnier places!!
Continuing our New Zealand Road Trip driving from Auckland to Paihia
Had lunch at a nice little place called Smashed Pipi, a bit Spanishy, but nice simple food. Visited the local beach for an hour or so, took some snaps, then hit the road for a 90 min drive north to Paihia.
5pm, and after driving through some wonderful scenery from Auckland to Paihia, we found our motel in Paihia. Very basic, not as nice as the Auckland one, but ok for us for a couple of nights. There was a bottle of champagne on the table for us, so a nice touch. Going for a walk now, down to the beach to see the local area?
Booked in for dinner at a restaurant right on the seafront called 35 Degrees South. Big portions, good service. Had a table looking right out over the bay.
We have had a great day driving from Auckland to Paihia, but we are tired.
Home at about 10ish for an early night as we had a coach to catch tomorrow at 7am.
