So we are heading north, stopping along the way to see friends and family. Our final visit to Caffiend Cafe was just as good as our first and we had a final date scone & flat whites. We have declared that these are in fact THE best date scones in the ENTIRE country – and we’ve been from the very top to the very bottom! https://www.facebook.com/caffiendpetone/ Managed to get a fairly close picture of a tui when we visited friends who put sugar water out for the birds in the winter. We returned to Days Bay, a place that’s special to us both and had a fabulous hot chocolate at Chocolate Dayz Cafe. Glorious spot by the window to watch the world go by whilst gazing out at the sea.

Next stop was at Ohakune. This is a ski resort town and the scenery is amazing. Such a chilled out vibe to the place.

We then drive what for me is the most amazing road I’ve ever driven on – SH1 – Desert Road. This road starts in lush green bush, transforms into barren moonlike volcanic plains before returning to lush green bush. All the while, you are driving towards/past Tongariro National Park and it’s glorious mountains.

From here we drive around the edge of Lake Taupo before stopping for the night at the Huka Honey Hive. You can’t miss the geothermal power infrastructure here. There’s steam everywhere! Our final quick stop was in Tirau where we discover many enormous creations made from corrugated iron – what fun!