The Coromandel for dinner and Colville for Breakfast

We set off late afternoon from Auckland and we do a double take just before the Thames turnoff.
The scene reminds us of state border crossings in Mexico 2012.

The police call us over.
What's up? Bailiffs?

"Please may I see your drivers' licence?"
My driver hands his over.

I ask "Why are the police here, today?"
Seven motorcyclists have died on these road in the last two weeks. Several did not have motorcycle drivers licences. Hence this check.

The other reason is for Bailiffs to check for outstanding fines. My guess is that if you can't pay up you get to forfeit your vehicle.

 Late afternoon sky over Long Bay, Coromandel.

 We stay at the Mountain View B&B with Ursula and dine at Peppertree. A reminder of our ride in the USAwhere meals of ribs and baked potatoes were generous.

 We head north to Colville for breakfast.
Fibrolite holiday homes face the sea.

 Tree ferns, woolsheds, lush green paddocks and then...

 back to the coast.

The breakfast at Green Snapper Cafe was wonderful.

A keen wannabe rider in Colville.

Then homeward bound, safely escaping rain from the threatening storm clouds

 All down the coast people are out fishing from the beaches. Gas bottles and barbecues ready.

We stop at the Bugger cafe and chat with John Gourley who has transformed the Pipiroa cafe into a new thing.

  We ride north to Miranda and the bird filled beaches.

And home.
79,977km in 2 ½ years
Where to next???