The problem with impromptu trips is that you have to get organized in a hurry. Summer has been very patchy this year so we have had to wait for a good forecast. Now we have one and we intend to make the most of it.

A last minute decision is to head North rather than South to Taranaki and so we are able to try the new South Western Motorway which we assume will take us to Helensville. It actually isn't finished and drops us, without even a single sign that we can see, just north of Onehunga. Fortunately we have the GPS and are able to make our way to the North Western Motorway

A pleasant continental breakfast at the Sunset View followed by a trip into Dargaville to buy fuel and tea bags. Our recommendation is without hesitation to stay at Baylys rather than Dargaville, much, much nicer.

We were very pleased with the Postmasters Lodgings but I rather felt they needed to try a little more in servicing the rooms or get someone in to do it. It just let them down a little.

The Acorn is very good although the seating next to the bar is not ideal it's perfectly acceptable. The food and the service are excellent although also not cheap. This is all special occasion stuff really so that's to the good.

Reluctantly we have to move on, this time no great distance to Russell in the Bay of Islands. The only detour is the scenic route around Whangaroa to Matauri Bay (where someone has set up an appalling subdivision).

The road around Whangaroa is quite fabulous and well worth the extra distance. 

Explored Russell on foot and spent an hour or so learning knots at Compeller House. Another dinner at the Gables, also first rate.

The back road to Russell has been tar sealed which makes it a much more attractive proposition than the last time we we tried it - 80km of dirt and dust - terrible.

Getting fuel is a problem as the towns only gas station is closed for an hour while the pumps are being calibrated. Fortunately the owner takes pity on us and is able to fill the bikes with a bit of juggling.