The North Island ....... Day 8

So no Alpine Crossing ......

..... today we have to cover some distance, from Whakapapa to Napier......

......Whakapapa bids us farewell with sunshine, but lots of wind tells us that we don't have to be sad, as it is not recommended to do the Alpine crossing in windy conditions........

a last look back and then we pass Lake Taupo......

........ through lovely .......

........ through cruelly ravaged landscapes......

........ into hot Napier. Here at 25 degrees, real Christmas spirit arises. Napier certainly has history......

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1931_Hawke%27s_Bay_earthquake

..... and there was also a walk on the beach.........

...... and tomorrow we will continue to Wellington, where we get to meet Dana's 4th host sister.