We checked out of our motel in Paihia and drove a very short distance north up the road to Krumz Bakery where Noel’s sister Di’s brother-in-law and family run the business. We had met them at Di’s son Riley’s wedding a few weeks before.

Annalise, Andrew, Ruth and Noel.

We had a lovely chat with them and a cup of coffee and then drove just a little further to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi was signed by the British Crown and Maori Chiefs. I’d been there with our friend Pete 10 years ago.

A Pukeko wandered around as we ate a sandwich.

The Meeting House which was completed in 1940. We went to a Maori cultural performance so at the start a ‘warrior’ came to see if we were friend or foe and put down a leaf for a ‘friend’ to pick up.

A nervous Brit being guided to pick up the leaf.

Inside they showed us some singing and skills.

Afterwards.

I don’t think I clapped enough… 😮

A Waka, or war canoe.

We then drove south from Waitangi back to Ian and Marianne’s place in Leigh via Matakana where we picked up some dinner. We had thought we’d test one final ice cream place in Matakana but they were just shutting up as we drove past. We had a Magnum instead…

Sunset.