Maori performers

The cyclone was still some way off, so we started off by visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn what happened in 1840. The cultural performance was good and had all the visitors smiling.

Next was a visit to the Haruru Falls which are just up the road. Our last visit was to Kerikeri Mission Station which was established in 1819. The Mission House (Kemp House), New Zealand's oldest house, built in 1822, has been maintained in its original state with furnishings from the period. Next to it is the Stone Store which traded mission goods.

The history of this period is amazing with Maori chiefs being taken to London by one of the missionaries, meeting George 1V, being given gifts of jewels & valuables which he swapped for muskets on the way back to NZ (Info from the exhibition in the store)

This evening we have wet windy weather but nothing too dramatic. I have cooked a meal for tomorrow evening that we can eat cold, should we have a power cut (that's my insurance).