Drove to New Plymouth through the Awakino Gorge, which was quite spectacular. As we came out of the Gorge the towering, snow-covered volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki appeared, all 2518 metres of it (over 7500 feet) - even better. On to Wanganui. The campsite was right on the river and the National Rowing Championships were taking place. The campsite owners asked if we had a loyalty card. You pay $40 for the card but get 10% off each booking plus discounts on other things like the Inter-Island Ferry. 10 nights discount pays for the card so we decided to get one. The campsite was delightful, with rabbits, ducks & ducklings, and a goat wandering about, as well as a pair of birds nesting in the hollow of a nearby tree. That night the blow up camp
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