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So, its actually the 9th January and I’m writing from a terminal in the North Island, but this is the first internet cafe we have come across in the past 3 days. No photos (haven’t had a chance to upload them), so bear with us.The first leg of the trip involved a visit to Waipara Vineyard and some wine tasting. Waipara is an award-winning vineyard, which is reputed for the fragrancy and quality of its wines. Hannah, Dave, Alex and I made our way through award winning Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, Resilings and Pinot Noirs before lunch. Will occupied himself in the sandpit.
At this point, Dave, Will and I left Han and Alexandra behind and began the road trip. And then the rain started… Nonplussed, we made our way through a National Park to Hamner Springs, so that we could experience a thermal bath. Will thought that the water smelt disgusting (the sulphur makes the springs smell of rotten eggs), so spent most of his time in the kids pool, while Dave and I relaxed.
That night we ploughed through some hideous rain, before resting by the side of the road, 34km from Murchison. BTW, we decided at the last minute to change the driving plan – crossing from East to West and driving up the West Coast to Nelson, rather than traipsing to Kaikora.