Real Humans of Parua Bay

Not strictly true, as the real humans we met weren't from Parua Bay (rather, somewhere awesome near Raetihi or National Park...) but you have GOT to admire a family who rocks up on an old converted horse float with kids aged 9, 6, 3 and 10 months.
PB fell in love with them immediately and it was pointless even attempting to get him to settle for bed.
The next day they headed to the jetty to fish and we headed to Ocean Beach for some boogie boarding.   (Stunning beach near Whangarei Heads).
Then we started on the journey homebound for our check in.  (We planned to do the north over two weeks then return to celebrate a special 80th, and pick up any needed equipment and to drop off any unwanted gear, too, before our southbound adventure continues. )
The horse truck family made Parua Bay  an entertaining event.  Very cool family.
Parua Bay was also a freedom camping spot.  Not easy access beach front (rocks) but very picturesque.