Arrived in the ferry queue to find van not booked onto ferry, only us as walking passengers! Afer a 1/2 hr wait, it was sorted thank goodness. We stepped onto the 'most beautiful ferry ride in the world' in the rain and mist and were unable to see anything! Saw a school of dolphins but no albatross as promised, Very disappointing.

Drove into Wellington, free park and Te papa museum very interesting. Saw the Giant squid and lots of maori exhibitions. Long drive in the pouring rain to find our campsite.

Another day, more rain , so decided to head up the west coast to Palmerston, with weather improving all the way. We drove by lots of pretty beaches and found one for lunch. Over the mountains again to Napier on the east coast , now in sun again thank goodness! Napier is a very interseting place , as renowned for its art deco buildings. The annual festival is in a couple of weeks but we will unfortunately miss it. Apparently, everyone dresses up in style and drive around in old cars, it is all great fun.Treated ourselves to McD and cinema and slept on parking meter in the centre of town outside the YHA, as it was too late to look for a site! Once our van curtains are shut, we imagine ourselves by exotic beaches in the sunshine even though we are parked on the main street! We often forget where we are when we wake up! It all adds to the fun of the trip.

Heading now towards Rotorua .................