13th March

10th - 13th March

Goodbye New Zealand

Arrived in Kaikoura but sadly helicopter whale watching was cancelled due to a thick sea mist. Sitting on the beach however, we were treated to a display by local dolphins, surfing and flipping somersaults.

Above: On route north, stopped off for a freshly caught, freshly boiled crayfish. Delicious!

Above: Heading north to Picton

We took the ferry from South to North island, took a long drive and at 7pm met my second cousin Neil at a rendezvous point just outside of Rotarua. We followed Neil to a lakeside cabin and had a great evening catching up on news of my Kiwi relatives. The following day, visited family friend Trudy at her pad on the seaside at Papamoa. Got a drenching and then headed north again to Auckland.

Above: Me and Neil after the rain shower

Back to Aunty Pat's, a lovely lamb dinner (what could be more appropriate for our last meal in NZ), a quick trip up One-Tree Hill and a final visit to Pat's son, Andrew (known as Joe) and family. Joe presented us with a vintage bottle of Hawkes Bay red which we were instructed to open during our Whitsunday sailing trip.

Above: Aunty Pat and Adam on One Tree Hill

Aunty Pat kindly took us to the airport for our early departure, next stop Sydney.