20.12. Mt.Maunganui, Whakatane, sunny, 26 degrees

In the morning, breakfast at one of the beach picnic spots, we're grilling again: Ham and eggs. Then a walk on the beach, watching the students of a surf school. Despite high season, the beautiful sandy beach is almost empty. We go to the local library and go online while Malte is busy with toys and books. Here we find out about the Berlin attack.

At noon, we stroll through the shopping street, eating Fish and Chips. In front of a toy store, Malte has a tantrum because we don't go in. Crying and screaming at the top of his lungs. A couple stops and gives him a stuffed toy and says with a laugh: Maybe it will cheer up the junior.

We continue our drive to Whakatane. We pass a toll road. Payment is made online. At the end of the toll passage, cameras capture our license plate. Now we have 5 days to pay the 5 dollars online.

We arrive in Whakatane around 6 p.m. On the grass, there is a group of Maoris practicing their rituals. We find a great place to stay, next to a play and picnic area, right by the water. For dinner, we have Snapper and Sauvignon Blanc (of course from New Zealand). Malte is impressed by all the boats passing by.

Tired, we fall asleep around 9:30 p.m.