Where we finally see Christmas!

We’ve spent a couple of days in Whangarei – what a fab place! Not only did we see our first shopping centre Christmas Tree, we also saw lots of pohutukawa trees – these are gorgeous trees that come into full bloom in December which is why they are also know as New Zealand’s Christmas Tree. Shops are definitely showing signs of Christmas now – I had one lady wish me a happy christmas! Our first walk around town was the Sculpture Trail along the Town Basin. It was fun trying to find them all. My it is beautiful here. Lots of boats in the river and marina. Beautiful trees and a fantastic walk along the riverside, which is where most of the sculptures are. It was a super hot day and by the time we got back to the van it was 39 degrees inside! It feels tropical here. Our second walk was the Street Art Trail. Huge graffiti art on the sides of buildings. Some of them are completely stunning. Walking these trails gives you are really good feel for the city and it is great. Whangarei Harbour is huge. On our way out of town towards the Whangarei Heads, we crossed the most amazing bridge, it looks like a waka. All along the coast here there are gorgeous little bays and we camped at Manganese Point – beautiful sunset.