Woke up in our lucky accomodation and decided to make the most of such a georgeous view of the Pacific and chill out and breakfast before going to the beach.

We drove down to Piha after checking out and climbed Lion Rock then wandered up and down the beach playing in the surf, watching the surfers and exploring rock pools.

After such strenuous activities we needed refuelling and went to Elevation (a beacon in the dusk last night that sadly didn't offer beds for the night but looked a good spot for lunch the next day). The views from the restaurant balcony over Auckland were awesome and the food was pretty damned good too!

After this very leisurly lunch we nipped off to buy wine and flowers for our host the following evening and popped up to One Tree Hill to show Mama J the view from there. We could see where we were heading for the night from the top (south Manukau Harbour).

Roz is Mary's second cousin (they share the same Great-Grandmother) and welcomed the three of us warmly to her house in Waiau Ta, near Clark's Beach. Scott and Mary had met Roz in the UK previously but hadn't seen her for many years. Roz's Dad Colin also came for dinner. He had stayed at The Dupoy family home in Jersey about 15 years ago but the Dupoy's were away on holiday so this was a long overdue meeting! We had a lovely happy evening (and Roz barbequed scallops, my favouite!) Roz's Bichon, Bertie, was also incredibly welcoming!