This was the view from our picnic site on the way up to Hahei Beach in the Coromandel Peninsula. As you can see, I (Andy) haven't quite got the hang of creating panoramas with my whizzy new phone (if you're reading Sandi, tell Diana I got the HTC Touch HD in the end).

Coromandel was beautiful - huge, empty sandy beaches with backdrops of subtropical vegetation (think "The Piano" without Holly Hunter or a piano and you're close).

Just beginning to realise how far apart everywhere is here - roads are fine, but they're all windy A roads, and it takes hours to get anywhere. Spent 4 hours driving down to Rotorua today - too long. Stopped en route to look at an open cast gold mine (pictures may follow), which was fascinating for adults (less so for Pippa, I think). We even got to see them blasting, which was ... a blast. Now only 6.5 hours drive from Wellington, whence the ferry leaves to the South Island.

Geysers and mudpools tomorrow ... love to all in the UK.