So our Campervan is called Frodo and we had a very comfortable first night. John and I sleep on the shelf above the driver's seat and climb up a ladder. Those that know me can imagine the palava every night and morning as I struggle up the ladder. We have a net to stop me falling out!, We walked around the Kaikaura peninsula and there were stunning views of the coast. The rock formations are awe inspiring - trying not to use amazing all the time. We walked to Po...

We all loved Wellington. It was a lovely busy city. We went to the Museum, went on the cable car (a venicular rather than cable car) up to the botanical gardens and walked along the waterfront. We enjoyed people watching and eating out. We flew from Wellington to Christchurch and spent the night at an airport hotel - all ready and excited for the next phase of our journey. So Sunday morning we picked up the campervan - we have named him Frodo - and he is 6 bert...

So we are now in Wellington! Attached is the promised photo of Okahea Airbase - the old entrance as in 1949! The drive to Wellington was rather wet, the first real rain we have had. We didn't really stop anywhere, although we looked at the windmill in Foxton. It was a bit of a shock arriving in the city, one way streets, lots of traffic and loads of people. Took us a while to get to hotel and ended up trying to get all the luggage out at great speed as we were...

So we left Napier on the morning of 23 January. We still have to keep reminding ourselves that it is January. We enjoyed Napier, exploring the Art Deco streets and enjoying the sunshine and walks along the beach. Our first stop was just a little south at Hastings, and then on to Palmerston North. Sun was very hot but we enjoyed walking around both towns. Hastings also had some Art Deco areas. Squeezed in a stop at Woodville at Yummy Mummy's. Amazing cheesecake! ...

We spent yesterday in the National Park. We were really lucky with the weather and the clear day allowed us to see the tops of the mountains. We did a tramp and Mt. Doom was looming over us. Stunning views and lots of flora and fauna. It was a very hot day. We spent the afternoon mooching around National Park Village. Today we drove to Napier, we were able to see the volcanic gasses pouring out of the side of Mt. Doom, so we drove fast!, Evidently a 1 in 5 chance...