As temperatures and humidity rise we see in 2018

We stuck a pin in a map and luckily we landed upon Taupo, a lakeside holiday town south of Rotorua. In the christmas week we knew it was going to be busy but upon investigation there was more than plenty to do and see, particularly as it was also in the geothermal area . Purely by coincidence we had allready booked some accommodation there, so we were good to go.

We are coming to learn that the time given by google maps for journeys is widely optimistic to the actual time it takes in New Zealand, and we're not even in the Campervan yet. Again we arrived at our accommodation after driving for twice as long as 'map's' said. Admittedly this was after a stop in town for our late picnic lunch and a visit to the Tourist Info Office, but even so!

Our accommodation was in a seperate wing of a 6 bedroomed house overlooking the valley below, with beautiful views, which the owners had built themselves. Imagine our concern when we arrived to see a For sale sign outside . This is not the first time this has happened and we have concluded that it is because the owners realise from our profiles that they will never get such good guests again.

Whilst the property did not have an oven we still managed to cook roast meat (twice) for the first time in the holiday thanks to a Sunbeam electric pan, with lid. Wonderful piece of kitchen equipment when cooking for up to say four people. Very fuel efficient.

While we were in the area we visited Huka Falls, a very busy tourist stop which, is a pity as it is nice to view although not in the league of Niagra etc. and Orakei Korako -The Hidden Valley. This was a short drive and ferry away. The brochure describes it as a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mudpools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world. For a change the brochure was accurate. Very fascinating strange world, a bit like another planet. Even in the carpark there were clouds of thermal

steam escaping from the ground. The area also had Geothermal spa terraces where we could not resist the temptation to spend a few relaxing hours in the pools. Bliss, even on a hotday.

We had a chance of testing our assertion that with modern technology it did not matter where in the world we were located as a problem arose in Newquay that needed our immediate attention. Despite it taking a few late nights it was dealt with as well as if we were at home. Its good when a plan comes together (as Hannibal Smith used to say).

On our last day we took our picnic and headed for the Lakeside walk. Temperature was 27°C a little hot for walking but we managed to find a few sheltered spots where we cooled down. Had an unsuccessful attempt to win $10,000 by driving a golf ball from shore in an attempt to get a hole in one. Twist was the hole was on a floating pontoon. Despite the steady stream of punters there had only been 992 winners. Not easy. I was pleased to have hit the pontoon.

Next day we set off south to our last accommodation in North Island, in Wellington where we had decided to see the New Year in. So on the last day of 2018 we drove south. With a couple of fuel stops stops along the way (coffee/hot water and wine) we arrived at our apartment in the wellington Central Business District (CBD)

about 5 hours later. The property details had advised that there were two flights of stairs up from the front door to the apartment. Luckily we had found out there were a further four flights from the garage to the apartment door. Imagine our sense of relief seeing the host and a friend waiting for us on our arrival as we had requested. Both young and strong enough to carry all our bags up for us, (they did the same when we left!!). No hernia now for New Year. What a relief!

We identified where Wellington's New Year celebrations were being held and the fact that they would not be starting for another few hours. As it was only a little way up the dock from where we celebrated Bobby's birthday we had a clue of the direction to head in. However like the previous apartments we have stayed in getting out was like finding your way out of a maze. During our stay we had problem in finding the same way out twice in a row.

When we finally ventured out, having enjoyed a few hours relaxing, we found that there is as much trouble getting a table on NYE in Wellington as there is in the UK. One restaurant we had unsuccessfully tried to book had a 2 hour wait and others said we had to have a reservation (wish they were consistant). So we settled for very nice bar snacks outside in the fading light watching the crowds wander down towards the festivities. We eventually joined the revelers to watch the

live entertainment before the fireworks, though it was not quite as we anticipated. The NZ Orchestra were playing rock, but as a backing to a cover band doing Queen and Bowie. Enjoyable,(?) but not enough to compensate for the cold damp air filtering in off the harbour. So after a quick look, we undertook our mystery tour back to the apartment where we saw 2018 in watching reflections of Wellingtons celebrations in the windows opposite and Auckland fireworks on the TV.

Wellington is the first capital city to celebrate the passing of the old year, so our messages to others had to be delayed until we woke up. As we had wanted, 2018 had started in a different way than other year before.

We had a ferry booked to cross to South Island on the 4th so we had a few days to see the sights Wellington has to offer. These included Museums, Art Galleries another visit to the Chocolate Factory, which was unfortunately not open the first time we tried, to pick up replacement supplies for Bobby (unfortunately they had sold out of our favorite Samoan bar, but we managed to find this elsewhere).

We also had a trip on the cable car up to Victoria Mount where we visited the Observatory and learnt a lot about Black Matter, and more. lnteresting information as was the Maorie's theory of creation which was explained in the attached exhibition. During this period the temperature and humidity was steadily increasing which made all the walking we were doing very uncomfortable. Particularly when the coffee shops we stopped at had broken air conditioning.

On our last day we went and did a tour at the Weta Workshop Studio's. Whilst it is mainly associated with the work of Peter Jackson for special effects and props including costumes, weapons, creatures figures etc for Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit it was enlightening to see how many other diverse films they had worked on, including Tintin, Avitar, Blade Runner, King Kong, the Narnia films, l Robot and many more. A very interesting and enlightening tour. Sorry, we have been sworn to secrecy on all the film secrets we were told. But for a

bar of chocolate Bobby might be persuaded.

We travelled back to the CBD via the Chocolat Cafe for a late lunch. Tempting name but, unfortunately, the food did not live up to that. Very popular with families as they have a play area for the kids where the provide bikes, trikes and the like. Unfortunately this was in an area in the middle of the tables and an older boy was trying to be a stunt rider. Noisey so it was time to move on. Next it was a final visit to the quay which was bathed, in sunshine. Tempted us to dally there longer, but packing was calling so we called it a day, and we also needed somewhere out of the heat.

Severe weather warnings had been broadcast that a storm was heading for New Zealand. Predicted severity was high with campers being warned to vacate the beaches. So it was with relief that we woke upon our last day to nothing worse than a few clouds. Our ferry was early evening so when we left the apartment we drove to Lower Hutt, under the misguided, impression that it was an artist community. Couldn't be further from the truth as it was an industrial town. No galleries but there was a museum that had an interesting exhibition of Japanese pottery. Next stop the ferry which we boarded having yet to see rain.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in North Island. Stayed in a variety of accommodation both good and bad. Ate in some lovely restaurants and sampled good chocolate and wines. Had very little rain, and now are Iooking a healthy colour. We have driven over 10,000 kilometers and some of the roads were definitely memorable.

South Island here we come.

l Love the simplicity that some of the information signs have here.