We are doing little jumps on the map now and our next stop just along the coast is in Doubtless Bay – named after James Cook sailed past and said “it was doubless a bay – at Coopers Beach.

Coopers Beach – Our camp for the night is at the Bowling Club and we are lucky enough to see the thrilling ladies singles final – just before the heavens open for torrential rain! In the bar here, is a plaque that tell you why this place is called Coopers Beach – beer barrels were made here on the beach. As this was a busy whaling stop, the barrel makers had a good trade going. It also tells you that there could have been up to 500 whaling ships in Doubtless Bay at any one given point in time. I can’t imagine what that must have sounded, smelled and looked like.

Mangonui – We visit Mangonui which is a few minutes by car around the bay. It is a gorgeous place right on the waterfront. Lots of heritage buildings including the court house which is now a gallery. There is an ice-cream parlour, The Village Creamery – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063300124605 and so naturally, we stop. OMG! This has to be the best ice-cream I’ve had so far. We have lunch at Remarkable Cafe and have a little giggle at the notices on the tables – Don is ready!

Taupo Bay – Our next stop for the night is Taupo Bay. So pretty but it is absolutely blowing a gale and so we retreat back to our van for afternoon tea!