Bound for New Zealand

After the caravan was stored we stayed a night with Robert and Rhonda who dropped us at the airport. We are bound for New Zealand but first was a 3 day stop over in Queensland, hinterland Gold Coast at Wayne and Susans to catch up with Todd and Tenelle who we hadn't see since their return from Canada. This was great to see photos and hear some of their stories and generally just chat with them.

Our flight to NZ ready to board

Todd dropped us of at Brisbane International airport on Sunday and we were now on our way across the ditch to NZ.

When we arrived in Auckland we had a night at the JetPark motel.  In the morning Col and Glenne picked us up and we drove back to their home in Tauranga, where we will be house sitting and looking after Zulu the cat for the next 7 weeks while they travel to Australia.

Zulu in the back yard

We had a day together before they left and Glenne and Col took the time to show us around Tauranga and The Bay of Plenty, so we could be a little familiar with the city and know where the shopping centre and other important features were.

Col & Glenne ready for their holiday in Australia 

The next day we drove them to the airport and after waving goodbye, headed into town to arrange a NZ mobile number, stock up on supplies from PaknSave before heading back to Zulu. Had stopped at traffic lights in town when a police car behind us put flashing lights on accompanied by siren, I though "that would be right, only been driving for 10 minutes, what could I have done wrong" then they turned off in pursuit of an offender. What a welcome to NZ - first time driving Col's car, I nearly needed a change of undies!!

Tauranga from Minden Lookout. Mt Maunganui is to the left. 

Had a few days home so Zulu got used to us and had friends from Australia call in for lunch one day - they are enjoying a driving holiday and we were lucky to catch them before they headed south. They had done a bit of 'adventure driving' en route and Robyn was happy to have a wine or two to calm the nerves as the road they chose got a bit hairy especially with all the washouts due to last weeks storm! Great to catch up with Bob & Robyn.

Robyn and Bob from Australia

We have been catching up with a Kiwi couple, Neville and Kathy, in Australia for a few years as they spend the NZ winter travelling Australia. Were estatic to learn that they were departing later for Australia this year, and only lived 10 min from us. One day we drove up to their place at Te Puna and had a coffee before they took us on a tour. Drove to Waihi Beach where we had lunch with their friends who have a bach (Aussie holiday home) with a great view of the sea.  After lunch we drove down to Waihi Beach, then down to the headland through Bowentown to Anzac Bay where we walked to the top of the headland and enjoyed 360 degrees views - looked out to Mayor Island. Once back at Neville & Kathy's we had coffee before returning to Zulu waiting for her tea! Since our arrival we have had great weather and today was no exception.

View accross to Mayor Island from Anthony and Eileen batch at Waihi Beach.

Anzac Bay at Bowentown a small peninsula just south of Waihi Beach.

Around Adelaide and Clipsal V8s

Sunrice over the Murray River at Younghusband

Arrr the serenity 

After going around the top of Spencer Gulf we headed from Eyre Peninsula south again towards Adelaide. Stayed at Auburn Caravan Park (one of our favourites) for a few days as weather had turned rather wet and continued for a while.  Before arriving in Adelaide we had a few nights on the Murray River, first a free camp at Swan Reach, great catch up with Gary (ex neighbour from Athelstone), then to Younghusband with Barbara and Rod. Was great to spend some time together especially on the river, it's a great spot. Colin and Yolande came up and joined us for a couple of nights as well so had quality family time.

This kookaburra flew onto the handrail and was quite happy to hop onto my arm.

From the river we headed to Adelaide, time to visit doctors, move our worldly possession from one storage unit to another more cost effective unit. During the 3 weeks before we headed to New Zealand we also had a couple of birthdays to celebrate. Was great catching up with family & friends - a lot of eating, drinking & being merry!!  Adelaide was alive with the Fringe Festival and the weather was warm with a few balmy nights, ideal for all the festivities.

Happy 70th Birthday Peter and thanks Lyn & Alan for putting on lunch.

Happy Birthday Glenda, took an extra effort to blow those candles out.

One of  the other highlights was to go to the Clipsal 500 in Adealide, we had treated ourself to 4 day passes with grandstand seats on Hairpin Bend at the start of Pit Lane. Helen came for 3 days then gave her ticket to Briony so enjoyed some Dad/Daughter time.

This FC Holden was on display in the park at the Clipsal 500

Our view of the starting line-up getting prepared for the big race.

First Lap

We were entertained by the truck support racing, ..... which way did they go!!

Took caravan down to Mt Compass where it will have a rest at Helen's nephews property while we are in NZ. Tucked the Toyota away in Helen's sisters shed (a few giggles from the girls when I put the cover over the car!!), then all packed and ready for our NZ adventure, stayed the night with Helen's brother who took us to the airport the next day.