We stocked up on provisions before hitting the road south. We headed to Otaki and went to Te Horo beach where we had a chilled afternoon, before deciding that was far too relaxing and we should get bogged down in the pebbles....luckily a few locals were around who helped push and tow us out!!!...never a dull moment with us!!! We parked up for the night right next to the beach, falling asleep listening to the waves in the background!

The next morning we decided to take the most direct route to Featherston.....527 corners later, having not yet gone above 30 m.p.h along a road that Top Gear would be proud of, we neared Kaitoke, where there is a National Park. We did the swing bridge walk and then had lunch in Rivendell!!!(Not that you would recognise it but for the signs pointing out the 3 trees that had a role in the films!!!!) From there we went towards our campsite near Featherston. We arrived to a very busy spot...which was a surprise until we saw the lovely swimming hole that was there!!! So we joined the locals and got in....Shane thought it was perfect temperature wise, while Phil thought it was a bit fresh!!!The bonus was our first hot solar shower that evening...

The next day we were off down to Wellington, where we would meet up with one of Phils school friends, and it's where we get the ferry to the south island. We spent a lovely afternoon catching up with Maria & Chris, and meeting their great kids. - Not sure who had more fun playing, Shane or the kids!!!We were very lucky as Maria & Chris offered us a bed and hot shower for a couple of days....which we really enjoyed and appreciated!

While in Welly, the Windy City, we went into Te Papa museum, an interactive museum that managed to keep us entertained for a few hours! We also went up Mount Victoria to get the best views of the city, caught our first rugby game in New Zealand and went to a local market, as well as had a good old bbq!!! Fun times