there's a lot of campervans on the road in new zealand
the largest majority paid for by tourists heading south
which presents a logistical problem for rental companies
vans left in the south by renters flying home ex christchurch
solution - offer free rental, petrol and ferry to drive 'em home
we sign up for that - only issue is getting from dunedin to ch-ch
so at 6am on this monday morning we are up and waiting for a bus
a short trip into the city with the very friendly local/regular commuters
me thinking - yep - this is going to be a nice little holiday - good signs
then onto the atomic bus for the near 6 hour journey to christchurch
done it before - tedious - this time - not so - company and a laptop
acquainted with our small-ish toy-motor campervan and northbound
weather - good - roads - clear - mood - bouyant - snacks - devoured
plan was to get close to picton but tiredess came-a-calling too soon
paying the price for the prior nights entertaining of 10 dinner guests
kaikoura is a handy stopping point so into the top 10 park we go
very impressive and clean facilities for an early dinner and night
next day is an early start for a straight-through drive to picton
roll on to the inter-islander and into queen charlotte sound
blue skies and calm seas make for an enjoyable crossing
roll off and then head directly north over the rimutakas
all the time taking in the on-board guidance system
a black-box of pre-recorded music, ads and info
triggered by gps signals to be very location precise
first stop is carterton - very cool - beer at the white swan
then push on to masterton and our guide kicks in with advice
a 64km trip east to castlepoint is recommended - camping too
that'll do so off we go - an easy drive through verdant rolling hills
check in to the deserted and slightly derelict caravan park - hmmm
dinner cooked up and a decision made to go for a beach amble
good one - heading south along the beach and sights to behold
strange - there's waves crashing into an inland looking lagoon
and before that there are huge fishing boats marooned on shore
there's a lighthouse up on a point with a path leading up to it
and behind the lagoon a huge mound shaped like a jedi helmet
this all leads then to a couple of hours of wander and amazement
we are alone in what is a very special place - so glad to have come
next morning - birthday - yummy breakfast and we head off
the mental compass set and then a back roads discovery drive
more gravel roads on hilly sections than required but all good
a stop for refreshments at the pongaroa pub - classic kiwiana
eventually we get back on the road proper through to napier
head north past town to the caravan park of trip advisor choice
very nice too - right by the (stoney) beach and quite deserted
then the serious business of selection of a restaurant for dinner
let's avoid town - and go for something special and well - classy
the mission wine estate it is - booking made for an early dinner
a very large colonial looking building over-looking napier city
the meal - stunning - the gourmet cook in our party is happy
as discussed - love went into it's preparation/presentation
mission - accomplished - and the final touch - shiraz
2008 black puma carried from maker to consumer
and stashed in the luggage on pexidition - g'night...
