Back in Te Wai Pounamu

Waitangi weekend meant that the ferries were full when we had planned to cross, so we ended up on an 8pm crossing on the Monday. Once on board we discovered that the Plus lounge isn’t open for the late sailing, so we won’t be doing that again! Still, we were entertained in the bar area by the discussions of a number of the Black Caps team, taking a break between ODIs and the test series with India. They had a big conversation about farting!

We checked out the Picton RSA and pub. Both parking areas were chokka full of camper vans as it was after midnight, so we drove on to the Koromiko paddock. It looked pretty good the next morning.

By then we were keen to get home, so after lunch and a walk around the new Kaikoura park we continued on to Rolleston.

Heading south

After the concert, we began our journey home.

We stopped for a night at ANZAC park again, and caught up with Jan Adams, an ex-ERO colleague who lives in Waipawa. The grounds were a lot drier than they were on our way north.

A large dragonfly joined us.

 Next day, with the forecast for less wind, we tackled Saddle Hill, from Woodville over to Palmerston North. No problems with the wind, but at one point the truck and trailer unit in front of us was going so slowly we came to a complete standstill on a steep slope. Fortunately Frieda took it in her stride, but not a pleasant experience. We stayed for free in Feilding at a lovely park that was walkable into town. A nice place to stay and an attractive town.

From there it was back to Wellington where we caught up with Jane and had a sushi lunch with Dean and Nodoka. We watched a dragon boat race on our way round the harbour.

Michael Bublé

The local NZMCA people had organised parking for motor homes about 1km from the Mission, so we headed there on the morning of the concert.

There was an excited buzz in the air as the time for the gates to open drew nearer. As we had seats, we waited till the first act was about to begin before heading along with our favourite Christmas present in tow. Just the thing for our drinks and nibbles.

The warm up acts were great, and Michael was absolutely brilliant, even better than when we saw him in Auckland. He has matured and developed quite a sense of humour too. It was a great night.

Parking spots

We ended up only staying in 4 places, apart from the 2 concerts we attended. One was Clive, which has its own post.

Our favourite, especially when it was hot and/or the wind was from the west was the free parking at Clifton Road, Haumoana.

There is a great coffee cart, a Four Square, and a fish and chip shop all within close range, and the sound of the surf never lost its appeal.

Also good bike rides in both directions along the cycle trail.

David had water blasted the concrete in the bottom paddock, so that was a pleasant place to stay with the shade from the willows.

And of course, the advantage of a swim with the grandsons on a hot day. The weather did come right mid January, with many days into the 30s.

We put the awning up twice at Eriksen Road - we are getting better at it! But the second time, we had to take it down early morning when a strong wind came up.

I had fun there flying a kite with the boys. When the New Year crowd left there was plenty of room.