Despite it actually now being into the Autumn season in New Zealand the weather is still pretty glorious, and more like an English summer with temperatures around 23 degrees this week. This made it great walking conditions to do the hour or so up to the top of Mount Maunganui to gain the great view.

Would really recommend your own transport in New Zealand, as the driving and scenery is great, I had plenty of stops along the coast on stretches of beaches, often just me on the beach.