Photoshooting

After breakfast and getting to know a new friend ...

we quickly disappeared from the quirky campsite. Before continuing, we made a stop at the nearest laundromat and explored the beach and driftwood of Gisborne. We also had the chance to observe a few surfers. We enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful weather during a walk.

While browsing through the travel guide, Caro discovered a biodynamic winery called Millton. Reminded of our experiences at Seresin, we couldn't pass up this stop. According to recommendations, we expected a winery that not only offered wine tasting but also delicious snacks. However, we were disappointed and the wine tasting quickly took its toll. Before it escalated any further, we grabbed one or two bottles of wine. Just a short drive later, we arrived at the surrounding mountains with a magnificent view of Gisborne, where we took our lunch break.

We took the rest of the day easy. We drove a good distance before arriving at our overnight spot in the small town of Wairoa. Pia and Caro used the time to finally update their travel journal. Meanwhile, Tim unintentionally made friends with an older camper who engaged him in conversation and shared her unique life story.

We wanted to enjoy our next breakfast at the beach, so right after waking up, we headed to the beach in Wairoa. We were lucky with the weather. While it was typically windy for an ocean beach, we were able to enjoy our breakfast in the sunshine. The special thing about this stretch of coast was the abundant driftwood in endless shapes and sizes.

We took our time exploring this enchanted place, allowing its creativity, curiosity, freedom, and wildness to wash over us. Until we found ourselves back at a small piece of driftwood.

Do you know that feeling when you realize, in the midst of a moment you're experiencing, that this particular moment is unique, maybe even unforgettable? You don't think about time or trivialities, you are exactly where you are, with every breath and every cell of your body. A moment that belongs only to us and connects us.

We continued our journey, passing by many idyllic places, such as an enchanting railway bridge, a lake with fly fishermen and a family of ducks, and a hike with waterfalls and slippery forest trails.

Shortly after, we reached our final destination in Hawke's Bay, the port city of Napier, known for its Art Deco buildings. A free campground right on the beach awaited us, and we were lucky to secure two available spots by arriving early. So we parked with our sliding doors facing the view/ocean, ready to enjoy the scenery the next morning. The only plans for today were a big grocery shopping trip with plenty of chocolate and a haircut for Tim. Luckily, Pia and Caro were the hairdressers, so Tim didn't have to go far, and the girls could let their creativity run wild. We hesitantly ventured into it, starting with sectioning off strands of hair and extensively discussing how and where to use the razor - hopefully, the battery lasts, as we don't have electricity to recharge it right away. Alongside curious and bewildered glances from people passing by, an elderly gentleman envied Tim because he was being styled by two women. Tim wasn't quite sure if envy was the appropriate response at this moment. It felt like hours passed before Tim was released from the camping hairdresser's chair.

The result wasn't too bad - following the motto "crooked is trendy." The most important thing was that Tim felt better again, and we had a lot of fun :)

With good wine, freshly made wraps, and a magnificent, seemingly endless color palette of the setting sun, we enjoyed our spot right by the South Pacific Ocean...