We have been fairly laid back today, beginning with a later start than some mornings. After breakfast we went in search of a supermarket and found one in nearby Cooper's Beach. It was actually a very well stocked one and we were able to buy the ingredients for our evening meal without any problem. We decided that we would like to cook for ourselves as we have such a lovely kitchen setup.

On returning from the shop we had coffee and then set off on a trip round the nearby Karikari Peninsula. Our first stop was at Rangiputa beach but we didn't stop for long as the tide was up and there was no beach to walk on. We went on to Puheke beach which was a beautiful dune-backed stretch of golden sand, with turquoise sea crashing in. Because we had come along an unsealed road we had thought it would be deserted but there were several other cars there and a couple of campervans.

Crashing waves on Puheke beach

At the back of the beach was a hill called Mount Puheke and we decided we would climb it. The slope didn't seem too bad from sea level but was pretty steep in some places and I was very glad to have my sticks! We made it to the top though, despite being rained on for part of the climb. The whole time we were on the hill we were surrounded by lots of small blue butterflies, which Steve managed to photograph with some success! Photographing butterflies is never easy as they fly off or refuse to open their wings when resting!

Puheke beach from the top of Mount Puheke

One of thousands of small blue butterflies

On many days when we have been driving we have seen kingfishers. This sounds like a great coup as they are difficult to spot at home. However here they are two a penny and often to be seen sitting on the telephone wires! They aren't as spectacular as ours either, lacking the electric blue and orange but still look exactly like ours in shape and size. Today we saw several, including two within metres of each other!

We had our lunch at yet another beach, where again there was no dry sand to sit on, so we sat in the car! Then we continued our tour round the peninsula and returned to Cable Bay. We have spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Steve was able to have part of the England v Scotland cricket match on live from Christchurch and we both listened to some of the music we are supposed to be singing on our return home!

It has been a showery day though we escaped with only the shower on the hill. However we have been able to see the progress of many showers from our balcony over the afternoon and recently witnessed a spectacular rainbow across the bay! It has just rained here but it was all over in a few minutes.

Rainbow over Doubtless Bay

Tomorrow we intend to go to Cape Reinga, so are hoping for no rain! It is, of course, still pretty warm - low 20s!