Leaving the North Island

Hello from Napier on the East coast of the North Island. We have been camped out at a beach you will see in the pictures. The water is a clear aqua, the waves are all you hear, the weathers sunny and fine and it's all free! The rocky beach runs for miles on the coast and it is open for the public to enjoy. They even have a 7 minute shower in town for one dollar. We have held down this spot just outside of town for four nights. After waking we go into town to explore,have lunch, bike around etc.
It is a beautiful town with all it's architecture done in the art deco style of the 30's. The whole town was destroyed in a earthquake in the 30's so everything had to be rebuilt. The buildings are geometric with lots of arches , light purples and allot of soft yellows. We are in Hawkes Bay otherwise known as wine country. We lost count of all the vineyards. Fresh produce is sold at the roadsides. There is a local peak you can drive to the top of. Legend has it that it looks like a giant sleeping. We decided to bike down the designated bike trail after being recommended by a local. Good God-did we make a mistake. Take a look at the picture of me coming down the beginning of the trail. It didn't get any better. I have the bumps and bruises to prove it. Matthew made it down in one piece and was playing it cool. I know he was scared too. These Kiwis are hard core. Some of these trails I can't imagine just cruising down without padding and a mouth guard.
We just bought our ferry tickets for next week. It will carry us and car to the South Island. We will return on the Christmas afternoon ferry back to the North. Things are fine except for the shortage of used book stores and poor selection of literature. Please send books but don't send anything till a few days before Christmas or after. Our post office only holds mail for a month before sending back or discarding. Hope you enjoy the photos.