Just do nothing

I didn't really organize much for New Zealand before the trip - camper, which I took care of very early, ferry ticket for the crossing and a parking space for Christmas and New Year.

Before the trip, it was already clear to me that it would be good to be in one place for a longer period of time and to do a few days less.

As it now turns out, that was the right decision. I'm tired and I notice that I want to rest more and more often.

Today I'm taking the time. I'm on my way to the west coast again. A few days ago I read somewhere that there is a thermal bath in the place where I want to stay.

So I drive from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs and go to the thermal baths there. It is an outdoor thermal bath with many different pools. Each pool has a different temperature, ranging from 36 - 42 degrees. There are mineral pools and sulfur pools (no more boiled eggs for me 😉).

For the next few hours I don't do anything except move from one pool to the next and I just sit there. A dream! Maybe the water will help with my sandfly bites, which are still itching after 2 weeks 🙄.

After the thermal baths I look for a freedom camping pitch. Luckily there are several of them in Hanmer Springs. I find a nice spot in the forest, next to a very little-used road. About 20 other campers find this place, but as is often the case, there is a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. After hours of doing nothing in the thermal baths, I'm going to bed early today...