Hire=Rent

From Driving

It's been a while and we've covered more ground.

With no signs of surf and the next swell two days out, we opted to hit the highway again. Out of New Plymouth our pilgrimage continued south. Having traversed the upper half of the north island, we are in the final stretch before the southern tip, Wellington.

During our ride, the scenery is greener as the drought hasn't affected the south as greatly. Both Susanna and I remark that we are so glad that we'd been driving during the daylight hours. Not only is navigation easier, but it has afforded us the innate pleasure of visually experiencing a new place. Having seen the countryside as we have, it is so vividly etched in mind and will remain there for some time to come.

Wanganui is the halfway stop of our trek and is a quaint beach city. Popularized for its many activities along the Wanganui River. First stop, the beach. It's side-shore, waist high and gutless. The water temperature has also dropped noticeably. I don't surf but lucky for us there's a fantastic playground nearby. Equipped with zip-line swing and skate bowl (there has been skate park in every major town we've passed through).

After some cruising around we eat at a little cafe with overpriced Cokes ($3 for a mini bottle). I ordered the breakfast plate. It ended up coming with three different kind of meats on it. Kiwis really love their back fat (bacon). Next stop was another city lookout stop, recommended by the i-site folks (they really are the best). Erected some time ago, it almost looks medieval. A spiral tower of 175 steps with slit vertical windows spanning it's stature. At the top we can see the entire city, and were even told that on a clear day, the south island would be visible - complete crock of shit. With a bit of "quickie mart" tourism out of the way, we continue on.

The daylight is fading and my lunch is screaming at me by the time we get to Wellington. It comes as a surprise that our campsite is well out of the city. We're in Lower Hutt. About a 15 minute drive into the southern waterfront city. Later that evening I learn the intricacies of international calling and experience the "Pak 'n' Save".

OK, $4 a minute on a CC or $1.50 a minute for a calling card. How about 29-50 cents a minute? Thanks a friendly lass at the Top 10, I'm in the know about how to call in, around and out of the country that is New Zealand. Happy Birthday Jamie!