29 04 2010


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April 29th 2010
Published: April 29th 2010
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29 04 2010


Kia Ora.

After a good night of ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZs we woke up with a keen determination to enjoy the last few days we have left in New Zealand. Feeling slightly homesick after speaking to Annie last night and realising I am missing the girly chats and a mean game of Mah Jong. Oh of course not forgetting the kids!

We left Rotorua today heading north to the East Coast to find more sun and long magical golden beaches every one raved about. It did not take us long before hunger pangs set in so we set up beside Lake Rotorua the other side of the lake to where we had stayed. Breakfast was called for and before long the smell bacon etc was wafting over the camper van. It was real hardship with a beautiful view across the water, sun shinning down and no one to disturb the peace. Idyllic except for the ever expanding waist line!

Once finished we set off north via hills and valleys and windy roads and headed for Papamoa Beach. Phil loves driving along these roads. The beach its self is seven miles of golden unspoilt sands famous for surfing and with a large mountain at the head of it called Mount Maunganui. We stopped briefly as not to miss a photo opportunity and took in the fresh sea air which was wonderful. The pickies show how delightful the beach is and no one on it!

Continuing our journey along the east coast along the Pacific Highway we passed through Tauranga which is one of the biggest industrial areas in the North Island and is home to one of the biggest ports linking New Zealand with the rest of the world via the Pacific Ocean. It was one of the busiest places we went through and vast. Our destination was Waihi Beach however before getting there we drove through a township called Katikati which is famous for it murals adorning the walls of local shops depicting personal histories of the people past and present living there.

We arrived at Waihi Beach early afternoon and parked up in the camp site which was right opposite the beach. It was wonderful and quiet with pool and hot tub to enjoy. We strolled along the beach with less than a handful of walkers on it and enjoyed the scenery and fresh air oh and ice cream. The little stream at the back of our van was full of eels which we had great delight in watching them eat the remains of our ice cream cones. The whole camp site was great to relax and unwind in. We managed to do some reading, sorted out camp site for tomorrow and unfortunately caught the news about how the trouble in Bangkok is escalating. We have decided that we will fly straight out of Bangkok and go up to Chaing Mai and not spend any time there as the foreign office of both UK and New Zealand have suggested no travel. It is a compromise! So stop worrying!!

We also heard that the Eastman curse has affected the South Island badly and tonight Queenstown is bracing its self for a major flood alert as the rivers that feed Lake Wakatipu are the highest they have been since the major floods in the mid 1990s - glad we are up north!

Carry on camping I say!! Well one more night any way. We are going to be quite sad to say goodbye to the beast as it has been our home for a good few weeks. However I can not wait for a bath and proper hotel robes and good TV. May even get my nails done and hair also once back in hotel land. Remember Fiona a loo in the van is essential just let Brian know that!!!

Anyway must shut eye now.

Loads of love and hugs

Wendy & Phil xxx



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1st May 2010

WOW! Wendy! can't wait to get together---we'll need a MAH-Jong WEEK to catch up! Love Jxx

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