Alarm went off at 5am. Up at 5:30, set off at 6:30 to get to ferry terminal. Pleasant crossing, not too bumpy. Out ship had originally been called the 'Pride of Cherbourg'. Had to laugh. Probably been on it many a time in its former life! Taken a few photos, trying to get nice screensavers. Doors of ferry just opening. Off to Murchison, hopefully will see a supermarket on the way as loads of stuff we need. Oh and got the paper this morning and one of the volcanos we were near in Rotorua has blown. Paper reported that they were interviewing a vulcanologist and a geologist about when they thought it was gonna blow? They were just in the middle of saying no definate date, but in the next week or so and the next thing they know, there's a rumble and a big plume of ash and smoke behind them.
Stopped for lunch and a quick supermarket shop in Havelock. Restaurant that we had lunch in, food was nice but service lacked. Waited for ages for a menu and then again for order being taken. We got our food 5 mins before we were going to walk out. No tips today. Just over 2 hrs to go as we are going the long way.
It was a lovely drive to campsite, as usual only stopped for 1 cig break, which dad grumbled at as per. Campsite is straight off state highway 6 and even with the odd traffic noise it's peaceful. Can hear the birds and the river flowing by. The kitchen is flanked by pots of herbs and there's a veg patch to pyo. If you ever get here I think the web address is www.murchisonmotorhomepark.co.nz. Well worth a visit.