Left Bay of Islands and traveled through the island to the west coast and got our first view of the Tasman Sea. Most of the day was spent in pursuit of the Kauri tree -- the second largest tree in the world next to our Giant Sequoia. We visited Tane Mahuta, the largest remaining tree. Very impressive with a 14 foot diameter and 68 feet up until you reach the first branch. It made me realize how many different varieties of things there are on the earth. It was in the middle of the rainforest so it was a fun walk.

We stopped at the Kauri Museum to learn more about the trees. It looked like a little museum on the outside but it was amazingly large once you got in. The trees were coveted not only for their beautiful wood, but also for the gum (looks very similar to amber). It was a lucrative business. They showed us how the trees and the gum was harvested with stories and pictures to illustrate. Only 5% of the original trees still exist. The best part of the museums were all the dioramas that showed life during the 1800's. They used local people to model the mannequins after and actually identified them. It would be great to go to the museum and be able to introduce your friends to parents or grandparents.

Spent the night in Auckland. Had a most unusual dinner that was served to us on a "stonegrill". Raw food that we cooked on a heated stone.