Day 14 - Rotorua to Napier

Today is really a travel day on our way down towards Wellington !! We had breakfast, (which was interupted by a knock at the door - Paul, thinking it might be something to do with the owners opened the door - MISTAKE - it was JW's come to spread the word of God, picked the wrong bunch of travellers here - goodbye !! ) got everything packed, cleared up the "house" and sorted our plan for the day !! Google maps consulted, so we had an idea of the way, addresses computed to make sure we got to the right place, we were ready for the off. Bags in the van, one last check of the "house" before we shut the door and set the alarm, then on the road. The plan was to drive about half way, stop for lunch, take a few photos then make our way down to Napier for mid afternoon, check-in to our stop over for the night then find somewhere to eat !! It was a pleasant day which made for quite an easy and enjoyable drive. Many roads were in wooded areas and quite winding, but there were plenty of passing places to get by the slower vehicles and lorries and we made quite good time. Dee, perusing the map, spotted a photo opportunity by some waterfalls near Huka. The water itself was a magnificent blue that cameras just do not do justice to, it cascaded through a tight outcrop of rocks causing quite a large wash. At one point a fairly large RIB roared upto the falls, splashing the passengers, and stopping just short of the falls themselves. A few good photos taken it was back into the van to look for somewhere to stop and eat. We chose a place beside a large lake (Taupo) and parked up in the shade near some seats and tables !! It was a beautiful place, superb views, fairly shady against the midday sun and heat, and actually had toilet facilities (most important). The "girls" set up the lunch on the table whilst the photographers amongst us wandered off to get as many photos of the scenery as they could before being shouted at like children !!

Quite a few absolutely stunning shots were taken and even Lis got the bug and wandered of with camera in hand to join the fun !! Lunch was taken under the trees and we were even approached bya local couple who were interested in where we were all from and what we were doing. They even gave us some advise as to what to look for in Napier and possibly where to eat ! Eventually lunch was finished, all back in the van and after a quick "splash and dash" at the local Mobil garage we were on our way once again !! Again it was quite a pleasant, if at times long and straight, country lane type road and we were soon closing in on Napier. It did not take us long to find the Motel, very nice gentleman at reception ( we even had some banter with him regarding the difference between English tea and NZ tea - we won that round, I think ) and we were in !! Bags unpacked from the van bedrooms picked, decision made to drive into Napier town centre, have a look around then find somewhere to eat ! Napier is a town that back in the early 1900's was devastated by an earthquake and rebuilt (by the local council) in the style of the day !! Everywhere you look it is still in the Art Deco period that it was rebuilt in !!

It was not a long drive back into town and did not take long to drive from one end to the other to have a look !! So time to park up and have a little wander. We didn't have to walk far before we came across a "Starbuck's" (where we had been tasked to pick up a mug for one of Dee's friends, who apparently collects them from everywhere they have been but their NZ one has been broken ) No joy there though !! A little distance later we came upon a place called The Emporium, went inside and stepped stright back into the "thirties" !! Everything was oldie worldie, even the music was softly serenading us with some of the "old crooners" !! It was a very clean place and the staff were very courteous and even took photos for us.. Drinks ordered and delivered, meals also and we were very happy campers again !! The meals were really very good and would be highly recommended to anyone visiting Napier. After the main meal we were all invited to have a dessert !! Dee did not partake on this occassion but the rest of us tucked in with relish !! All too soon though it was time to pay the bill, thank the staff very much indeed and take a slow wander back to the van.. A few more shots on the way, "girls" looking into the 'period' dress shops and jewellery shops, even found a good place for Dee to visit had we been staying any longer !!! Then back on the road.. Half way back we had to stop so Trev could get a photo of a "naked lady" that he had missed on the way in !! Its in the album !!!!!

Now back at the motel, all in bed, except for the journalist, in preparation for tomorrow, which is a fairly long drive down to Wellington. This is where we get the ferry across to the South Island ready for the next set of adventures....