22-24 December 2018 - Wellington then Greytown

Day: 3-5
Weather: Drizzle
Google says: 83km; 1hr 15min
Overnight: Ayling’s x2, Greytown
Activities: Church, walks, collecting campervan

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
We are delayed a few days while we wait for the camper to have its Toughguard treatment - weather conditions not ideal to get it done in a hurry. It's lovely to have a bit more time with friends but a little strange to toddle off on the 24th to spend Christmas day by ourselves.

The forecast is shaping up for a wet Christmas day all around so we jolly ourselves along and decide to drive to somewhere not too far up the road. We settle on pretty Greytown, a quaint village not too far up the road. Surely a campground is a good idea on Christmas day so we pull into the Greytown domain on Christmas eve.

21 December 2018 - Wellington

Day: 2
Weather: 22 deg C
Travel: Kekurengu to Wellington - 100kms 1.5hours
Overnight: Wellington
Activities: Camper to Toughguard, Coffee at Scorch o Rama, Te Papa

A calm day to sail from Picton to Wellington. A short drive to Picton where we stopped off to visit May and Malcolm for lunch. We enjoyed a beautiful crossing.

Fabulous to see D and L and family. Perfect space to camp out downstairs (close to Lego stash thanks friends!) while we drop the camper to Seatown to have Toughguard finish applied.

Borrowed a car and enjoyed a gorgeous drive around the bays - the sun shone for a perfect coffee and splash at Scorching Bay. Summer vibes are strong today with Pohutukawa bright against the sea.

We loved a family outing at Te Papa to see the visiting Terracotta soldiers and moving Gallipoli display. Spent most of the day in and around town and got home to share the evening with great friends.

Yipee - we have been delayed but our trip is underway

Oriental Bay - Iconic Wellington

Glorious Pohutukaka - NZ Summer is here

20 December 2018 - North Island Trip Begins

Day: 1
Weather: 16 degC
Google says: 254km 3hr 50 min
Overnight: Kekurengu 
Activities: Driving

Following Tony's three day hospital visit the planned North Island trip was already a week behind. We left home after a busy day of packing and tidying up. The Dr insisted Tony stay close to a hospital for at least a week and then gave him clearance to travel by car. Biking, running and any strenuous activities were out for the next 4-6 weeks. Not the best timing for a summer North Island trip with an adventurous family. More space in the garage of the camper with only 3 bikes in situ.

Free camping at Kekurangu just 3 or 4 hours from home. A pleasure to be right by the beach.