Farewell in Christchurch

At the parking lot, we encounter 2 Kiwis who are on their motorcycles. We chat for a bit, and kindly they offer to help us and call for assistance in case the engine doesn’t start. But everything works out; with the now-familiar poor engine performance, we make our way home towards CHC. In Murchison, we spend the night for the last time on the road and cook dinner in the camp kitchen. The next morning, the engine acts up completely; even the automatic transmission doesn’t downshift anymore. Finally back at Duncan’s place, the engine doesn’t start at all. Duncan offers to call the AA service again. Paul, the AA breakdown helper, actually finds the fault that has been bothering us for the last few days: the terminal contact lug is broken on the underside, which reduced the contact area and while the onboard electronics received 12V voltage, they didn’t get enough current for all systems. A new terminal clamp solves the problem, and afterwards the engine runs as usual. What luck, there are no major defects in the car. I unload the bus, and Duncan and I take it to the workshop in CHC for service and WOF (MOT). Unfortunately, it won’t be ready until the next day, but Duncan kindly offers to pick it up later and store it in the barn. I have already prepared a place for it, and I can keep the car stored here until October 2025.
Duncan, thank you so, so much for all your great support and for allowing me to store the car for another winter. I hope to be able to make it up to you next spring.
In the evening, there is a BBQ; together with the neighbors, we celebrate the farewell from NZ on this beautiful warm summer evening and look forward to seeing each other again in 2025.