Napier

Well, after an early morning departure from Auckland I had a little drive to Napier on the east coast of the north island. Just the 7 hours then!
It was a bit more stressful than the last two days as I legitimately went over an hour between seeing any signs of life (except the odd car). I feel like Ive driven to the end of the world.
Napier is in the heart of New Zealands wine country and the plan was to get here early afternoon to do some kind of winery tour. Its now 4.30pm and ive only just got here and I smell really bad! Napier is a beautiful town with loads of art deco buildings, and little boutique shops. Again it being a public holidaymost of them are shut but nonetheless...
I am having to type this from an internet cafe as my hotel doesnt have internet access. In fact it doesn't have a lot. Its a genuine 1930's hotel called Masonic kept as original as possible, but in doing so you do miss out on some of the creature comforts.
Theres not a lot I can really say in addition to the above, having done nothing but sit on my backside looking at a road all day. Although if I were to have to drive anywhere it would be here.
A drive to Wellington tomorrow, ready for my crossing to the south island on Wednesday.
Im going to book my tickets for the ferry now, so Ill speak soon

Can't think of anything interesting to put here

Last night was interesting. I found out that there is life in Auckland and that the world is in fact small. I went for dinner at a little harbour side place called Neptune. Unsurprisingly it served mainly seafood dishes and I have to say that I had the best fish and chips I have tasted. Well the fish was good, the chips not so much. While I was there I met a waitress from Leeds who is doing the exact same route as me but in reverse, with the exception that she was going to New York instead of Chicago. When she asked where I was from I said Cannock near Wolverhampton, and a guy at the next table said “Not Cannock?? I'm from Walsall”. What a strange coincidence?! I tried to go for a couple of drinks after dinner but was too tired plus I wanted an early start today so I called it a night at 10pm. I wouldn’t do that if I was at home.
Today was another glorious day. I decided to have a drive to Coromandel. I have to take my hat off to Adam for the recommendation that it was beautiful. That doesn’t even come close to the views, scenery and ambience of this region.
I said before that the roads were straight. That was nothing compared to today, where the roads were that straight you had to have headlights on, and all you could see around you was road and fields. Wow!
That was how the roads were until you reached a town called Thames. Unlike other ‘towns’ this legitimately was one. It had houses, shops, a town centre and a KFC! Unfortunately this was the only town for about an hour in either direction so it needed to have some facilities. The road from Thames to Coromandel Town was a true coastal road, and also a real mountain pass all in one. You drove for 30 minutes with nothing between you and the sea, followed by another 30 minutes doing 45 degree turns over hills and valleys. It was one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. Coromandel town is a nice little place, and well worth a visit any time of the year. At one end of the town is a mountain range and at the other is a peaceful harbour,
Well that’s been my day. Another six hours driving for an hour and a half in one place.
I leave Auckland in the morning (early I hope) to go to Napier or Hastings, I've not decided yet, but we shall see when I get to that area tomorrow.
Until I next find something interesting to talk about
M