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Published: December 17th 2013
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It seemed like most of us didn't have the best sleep last night for one reason or another. It ended up being quite warm and stuffy, most of us have been bitten by something, Caleb had a little dry cough, and the birds were chirping loudly quite early. Rhys called to say he was in departures and had checked in ok for his first flight to Auckland, much to Jans relief.
We had a change in vans today and decided to split up into a boys and girls van. The girls got custody of the Christmas crooners CD, and complete with the bunting, Jans plug in Christmas tree, and Michelle driving most of the journey with Rudolph glasses it was the most Christmassy it had felt so far.
We stopped at a quirky place, Pukekura 'home of Petes famous possum pie' which had actually been confiscated by the NZ Government food dept as the possums weren't from an authorised supplier. To get around it you could make a donation to their 'possum cause' or something like that and get a pie for free. There were all sorts of odd but funny signs dotted around the place, one including a
sign saying to us a cappuccino is the mafia, a latte a gay Frenchman, and a long black is Michael Jordan, we serve coffee and tea, that is all. Today's specials are yesterday's leftovers. I suppose you could say it was a no nonsense kinda place!
More driving and we passed through a few little towns, but one in particular stood out and Jan just had to get a photo of the house that was decorated for Christmas, with a Santa sat fishing in the stream that ran past it. Next stop was in a little town called Hokitika. We had a wander around the shops, there were a couple of larger shops selling Jade. Michelle bought a bracelet that is like the New Zealand version of Pandora called 'Evolve' with loads of really cool little charms of all things kiwi related. There was a great charm of a bungee jumper-a really nice keepsake and memory of the holiday, and Michelle got this and a few more as reminders of our time in NZ.
We got fish and chips and made our way further up the coast. We did plan on heading for Punakaiki to see the Pancake
rocks and camp out on the beach for the night, but we ended up stopping at a beach en route, as the weather and views were so lovely, we ended up spending a few hours playing in the sea and catching the sun. It was a really lovely afternoon and Reuben had loads of fun jumping the waves, and even Caleb dipped his little toes in the sea. Gareth made a big Santa face and Christmas tree in the sand-it seems funny being Christmassy in the sun.
Instead of staying on the beach for the evening, we stayed at a little campsite which only worked out as $15 per person but it was right on the beach anyway, except that we could now have a hot shower as well. The boys made a great fire and Jan got to work in the kitchen, and we all sat and had beer and food for the evening here which was really lovely. Reuben was the entertainment as always and did a great Haka. We got talking to a girl from Belgium who was staying on the campsite, who was over here for 2 months just biking from place to place. Soon
she was sat on a log joining in with the BBQ, with a plate full of food enjoying the Welsh hospitality.
Den stayed in our van tonight and with the fresh air of today and sound of the Waves, The lights were out and we were fast asleep by the time Rhyd and Lau had got back from the showers.
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Jackie Foulkes
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KIWI ADVENTURES @ THE SLADE~JONES 'MASSIVE'!!
Just finished reading your blogs up to today. Fab :0) Keep them coming! Enjoy the next stage of your adventure when you meet up with Rhys and travel to the South Island. Em, you're an honorary member of The S~J Massive until such time as you make it official!!! Take care & look after each other. With love from sunny Wales!!! xXx