Day 334 (Wed 6 June) - Kauri

This morning we drove across from the East coast of the North Island to the West coast, via a quite narrow road.

Stopped off at Omapere lookout for a great view of the surrounding areas and a huge river inlet.

Headed over to Waipoua Forest and stopped by the entrance to a walkway that gave onto a huge Kauri tree. Unfortunately it was chucking it down so we waited in the van for an hour until the rain had turned into a drizzle.

On entering the walkway we were plunged into a lush forest. Soon enough we saw the enormous Kauri tree; Sarb remarked that it looked a trifle like that Baubau's in Africa.

Drove on along narrow roads through the forest. The thick vegetation simply looked like solid walls.

Had a brief stop at Tane Mahuta and then found and stopped for the night at the Top 10 Kauri campsite. Absolutely beautiful site; it had a large stream running at the bottom of the sites and the grass all over was closely mowed.

Whilst Jo relaxed Sarb went off fishing with his handline. Walking along the stream Sarb found a spot where it took a bend, just under a bridge. Thinking that fish were likely to be here (he was by now a confirmed angler) decided to try his luck there.

After a few hours Jo pottered out with a glass of wine. Up and until this point Sarb had a few nibbles but nothing more; although a friendly fan tail kept him company. As Sarb had his first sip of wine, the line tugged and went taut and a huge fish started flashing through the water. It fizzed off the surface of the water in a wide arc before finally disengaging the hook. Whilst we looked at each other stunned, the fish worked its way down the stream by thrashing and flipping itself out of the water.

Sarb was well chuffed. It may have got away but at least Jo was there to see it!!!

Had excellent steaks for supper (although would have been better if we had caught the trout!!).