Finally on the road

The van is easy to drive and I even managed to reverse it out of a long driveway using both mirrors and without hitting anything. I had intended to head North from Auckland but went South East to Taupo instead. This is surely what a road trip is all about – go with the mood, the weather, the opportunities, new information......

So, I am now writing this from a little cafe, River Valley, 18 kms from Napier. It is a glorious day (finally). The grass is bright green, there are sheep in the next paddock and one of them has just called back her two lambs who had strayed too far away. The lavender bushes are in bloom and fragrant, the food and coffee are wonderful. If you look closely at the photo below, you will see a sign next to the lily pond saying “Crocodiles Beware”. What’s not to love about New Zealand!

While in the Taupo region, I visited Huka Falls and walked around a geothermal area named Craters of the Moon. I would contend that the latter is more volatile and therefore more interesting than Rotorua – apparently there, people have opened too many outlets too cook their hungis, thus releasing pressure. What is life without a bit of pressure?