North.

A trip around the north of New Zealand's north island with Kim's old friend Steve and his son.

We started at his lovely pad in Auckland from where he drove us up-country to his 'office', a fabulous beachfront bungalow at Bream Bay. Next day it was up to Cable Bay to Driftwood Lodge where we spent two nights, drank loads of red wine and had several pies.

A highlight was visiting a toilet in Kawakawa designed by famous Austrian artist Fridensreich Hundertwasser, who lived in the town for many years. Somewhere between Klimt, Miro and Mondrian, it was a colourful mix of ceramic tiles, glass and mirrors.

There was also a museum with a shark.
Slightly better than Damien Hirst...

Pie stop

Eden point, view of Auckland

I got a chance to drive Steve's car on the run back down to Auckland, past some great scenery and on perfect driving roads (for all you petrolheads).

Next day it was off to the North shore to meet Norma, my long-lost first cousin once-removed, where we spent a lovely afternoon chatting and putting the world to rights, having a nice stroll around the neighbourhood and under the Auckland Harbour bridge, before a quick snifter then 'home' again for the night.

We'll see Norma and her family again next week, but meanwhile have an early start tomorrow for a flight SOUTH...