In a moment of obsessive "we will do running" Claire and I got up early and went for a heavy-legged run before setting off to go on our "On The Edge" catamaran trip.

The boat was magnificent and like a giant square platform that can sail at 30 knots! We spent the morning sailing round the inside of the islands waiting for the dolphin watching people to come alongside and board. They had a good morning too, spotting dolphins and a pod of orcas playing next to them!

Lunch was at a beautiful little island where we snorkelled (not too good until we got to swim along with a spotted ray). Mum wasn't too keen on the snorkelling so paddled round the bay in a kayak before we all climbed the steep hill for incredible views of the Bay of Islands.

The afternoon sailing was great, making about 12 or 13 knots - it felt like we were flying, especially standing at the front of the webbing. The water rushed right under your feet. A great all day trip out in the sunshine whizzing round the bay. I love the New Zealand mentality of "if it's good, we'll run late", so different to the current British mentality of "we'll be back early if anything because I want to go home".

We spent some time cooling down before heading over to Russell for the evening. After a short walk round this lovely town (formerly known as the "hell hole of the pacific") we went to Sally's Restaurant for a great meal. I indulged myself with oysters with balsamic vinegar and lemon juice - this really worked. We had two bottles of the local, and very good, Marsden pinot gris which is a bit of a speciality, and Sally's best seller.

We tottered back to Paihia on the last ferry, enjoying wonderful starry views before crashing after a great day out.