Willkommen KIWI IV

The visit to the barber was definitely worth it. So on Sunday we drive into the bowels of the ferry and look back to Picton again. The crossing is really impressive. Picton is located at the end of a huge fjord. It takes a full hour just to reach the open sea, surrounded by islands and mountains. The fact that a group of about 15 dolphins crossed our path will stay in our memory forever. After three and a half hours we arrived in Wellington. We settled in a suburb in Lower Hutt. That evening, a Harley Davison gang (a la Born to be wild - wildly on the road) celebrated a wild party. A potpourri of 60s rock music filled the campground. That way we could save our battery for the radio. In Wellington we visited the Te Papa National Museum. We were very interested in the colonization of the islands by residents from different countries and their stories. Whether from Russia, England, France, Germany, Dalmatia, India, Pakistan or China, for everyone here the beginning was associated with great efforts and work. Originally, New Zealand was reached by more than 100-day sea voyages on sailing ships. Steamship travel significantly shortened the journey and became more of a pleasure trip. However, air travel completely replaced shipping. However, long before these immigrants, New Zealand was discovered from Tahiti. There, the inhabitants observed every year at the same time how migratory birds seemed to leave in the same direction seemingly into nowhere and returned months later from the same direction. So they simply set off in that direction. These were the explanations of a very nice and knowledgeable specialist at the national museum. On the return journey to the campground, the bus driver had an extra surprise in store for us. Apparently he could see the strain of the city tour on us and asked the headquarters via radio if he could take a detour. After obtaining the consent of the rest of the bus passengers, he actually drove us directly to the entrance of the campground and waved out of the window for a long time as he drove away. This was the best advertisement for these extremely friendly and relaxed people - Hats off!!

Since we have filled the camper with fresh water, emptied the gray water tank and restocked the refrigerator, we can venture into remote areas again. We headed to Castle Point. The approach alone, with occasional 30-40 km of gravel road through the mountains, suggests that it will be rather quiet here. Together with five other campers, we eventually filled half of the parking lot. The pictures that greeted us speak for themselves.

Not yet satisfied with the solitude, the next day we went to Pouperere. The place was not even listed on the map. Only a campground guide provided a hint. Indeed, we were the only ones who had found their way here. A great feeling to spend the night alone on a raised 'road' above the beach, with only the sound of the sea in the background.

But now quickly to Napier - a medium-sized city with a lively city center, many shops and restaurants, and a well-maintained waterfront promenade. The weather forecast for the next few days is not very promising. With these temperatures, a dip in the hot springs might be quite enjoyable. Let's see - tomorrow is a new day.