Wainakarua and Aviemore, 8 to 10 September 2009

8 September 2009
267093kms, 12⁰C, 10:22am. Yay, we’re finally off again – it feels like ages since the last trip. Haven’t been away for a while because we’ve been busy re-designing the veggie garden. That’s all done now, and we’ve earned a break from chores so we are off – north and east, as that’s where the weather forecast says we should go! Filled up in Alexandra (267104kms, 50L) and did some shopping, now off to the Pig Root. And once again decided there really aren’t many places to stop – virtually no roadside picnic areas right through until you get to past Kyeburn. Stopped at Palmerston because we’d forgotten to buy ice (again!) and then north towards Oamaru. Turned off SH 1 at Maheno and headed off to Kakanui, as we’d seen some good spots along Beach Road. Unfortunately, the road has been washed away by rough seas, and it was closed. Nevertheless, we stopped at the northern end of the closed bit and let dogs out for a run – and saw 2 Hector’s Dolphins – looked like mother and calf. Really awesome. Nice weather too – sunny and 17⁰C, but a cool breeze off the sea. Anyway, nowhere really suitable to park here, and if we carry on north we’ll end up in Oamaru, so south along Beach Road ‘til on the other side of Kakanui, where we found the mouth of the Wanakarua River and a perfect spot to park. 14:145 – all set up. Lovely spot, right on the beach. Couple of other buses parked a bit further along (whitebaiters) but we can’t see or hear them, so not bothering us. Beautiful sunny afternoon, sat and enjoyed 24⁰C (in the sun) and first day of wearing jandals! Walked the dogs round a bit and checked out the area and then had a few beers and brie and crackers. Played cards and monopoly (Mike won both!) and went to bed at 21:00 (no dinner, the brie and crackers filled us both up!)

9 September 2009
Up with the sun just before 7am – beautiful sunrise. Only 2⁰C outside, but fortunately the temperature rose as quickly as the sun. Had showers, breakfast and walked the dogs along the beach for an hour or so and then headed off to Oamaru at 11:25. Weather fun and sunny, and to start with it was warm enough in just a T-shirt, but then the breeze got up so now feels at bit cooler. We were going to stop in Oamaru to do some “shopping” (we didn’t need anything, but Mike fancied buying something) but we overshot the parking spot so carried on. We did have a look round the Blue Penguin Colony centre before leaving Oamaru though. We put some more diesel in Maggie (267377kms, 35L) and then headed off down a bit of road we’d never been on – from Oamaru to Weston, Enfield, Ngapara and then Duntroon and discovered some country like we’ve never seen before. Pretty much the whole valley is limestone, with lots of fossils along the way. Stopped to check out one site, and it was just amazing. Whale fossils, kilometres inland – this area was once upon a time a seaway and the scenery really is something else. Got to Kurow at 14:15 and stopped for late lunch. Then checked out the 2nd hand shop – can’t move round it for all the junk in there! – then had a jug at the pub (Mike hadn’t been in there since his apprenticeship!) and on to Fisherman’s Bend for the night. Parked up in our usual spot and did some fishing – and Mike got a nice looking fish first cast into the lagoon! Had pork korma for tea, bed at 21:00-ish.

10 September 2009
Up at 07:50 (sleep in!), 5⁰C and nice to start with, but then the wind got up, so decided to make tracks home. Stopped at Wendy’s for a cuppa and then in Cromwell for some shopping, home at 12:21 – 267641km s, which makes for a 537km trip this time.

Te Anau and Mavora Lakes, 15 to 17 August 2009

15 August 2009
266440kms, 10:00am, 4.5⁰C. Off to Te Anau - decided that even though the weather forecast is not that great, we'd go and catch up with Chris and get away for at least the night - nothing to do at home so we might as well have a change of scenery! Stopped at Frankton to do some shopping - just the essentials in case we do stay somewhere else for the second night. Seeing as Chris was away hunting with Simon and wouldn't be back home 'til around 15:30, we detoured off the main road and went and checked out Mavora Lakes. Beautiful spot, good road in but oh boy! are there some mean sand-flies around - huge, hungry buggers. Decided that despite the black bitey things it was definitely worth coming back here as the scenery is just awesome, and so are the potential parking spots. Got to Te Anau about 16:00. Had a couple of beers with Chris and Simon, then we all went down to The Ranch for a few more. Left there and on to The Moose - had another beer and then had tea there. Second time we've had tea at the Moose - and definitely the last, as it was crap - again! We left Chris and Simon to it and walked home - don't know what time we got home, but think it was before midnight!

16 August 2009
Up at 07:40, 7⁰C so not cold, but very, very dewy underfoot - so bad it actually looked like it had rained! Had a coffee, then Mike went back to bed while Marielle took dogs for a walk - got back around 08:45 (dogs looked like they'd had a bath they were that wet from the grass!) to find Chris up and at 'em - and ready to cook us breakfast! Had big feed of bacon, eggs, toast, sausages, spaghetti! Relaxed until around midday when we decided that we would go off to Mavora again - the weather wasn't anything like the forecast - was meant to be raining - and although it was very thick, fog-like low cloud in Te Anau we were hoping it was only in the Valley. Got to Mavora Lakes around 13:30 - beautiful sunny afternoon. Enjoyed the scenery, the warm sun, some fishing and the sandflies (not as bad as yesterday but still pretty thick!). Once the sun went down the temperature started to drop, so played cards while we have a few drinks then had tea (mousetraps - we didn't feel like a full feed) and hit the pit at 20:40 after spending a bit of time outside listening to the moreporks.

17 August 2009
Up at 07:30, 2⁰C and once again very, very damp. Back to bed again 'til Maggie had warmed up, then tried some more fishing until the sandflies arrived. Left Mavora at 09:45, stopped at Mossburn for a smoke and then had lunch at Thaitanium in Frankton. Got home at 14:00, 267090kms - another 650kms clocked up. Most enjoyable trip and have both decided that Mavora Lakes is worth another visit. Also decided that we shouldn't take so much notice of the weather forecast or models - it was meant to rain and blow down here all weekend - and instead we had lovely weather! We seriously thought about not coming down because of the forecast - just goes to show. Oh, and this was pretty much the one year anniversary of getting Maggie - our first trip on her was 19 August last year. In that year we have done 15,105kms and spent 92 nights on board. The shortest trip just 1 night at Galloway, the longest trip 22 nights round the South Island.

Te Anau and South, 18 to 21 July 2009

18 July 2009
11am, 1.5⁰C, 265552kms. Sunny but a bit chilly still. Off to Te Anau to check out Chris’s new house. Went via Alexandra to fill up with diesel (265562, 58L) and decided we’d carry on that way. Turned off SH 8 at Ettrick, through Moa Flat and stopped at Heriot for a smoke and to let the dogs have a run. And despite all previous visits, it was incredibly warm in Heriot - 8⁰C! Blowing a stiff wind though – wouldn’t you know it, a bloody head wind! Carried on to Waikaka, where we went right to continue on the back roads towards Lumsden. Thing is, we should have turned left, as we got to the end of the tarseal and no matter which way we went, every road became gravel. It had been years and years since Mike last went this way, but he knew for sure the road wasn’t meant to be gravel. Granted, we could have got there across gravel roads, but it was wet, windy and none of the roads looked inviting for a camper! So back-tracked to Waikaka and the moment we went round the corner, Mike knew we were on the right road again. Stopped for fish and chips (BAD!) in Lumsden and got to Te Anau at around 15:00. Head wind the whole way – usual story, flat to the floor and going nowhere fast! Raining when we got to Te Anau, and Chris not back from furniture buying expedition to Invercargill, so we made ourselves at home by cleaning and erecting the double bed we’d bought with us for Chris’s spare room. Chris got back just in time to head off down to the Moose to watch the rugby. Had great night there and got to bed at around 01:00.

19 July 2009
Woke up to frosty but sunny morning. Spent the day helping Chris get some stuff sorted – slowly, as we all felt the effects of last night! Ended up having a garage party, and by 17:00 everyone was well and truly topped up form night before. Mike and I went to The Ranch for some tea, got back to find everyone still partying! Hit pit at 22:00.

20 July 2009
Another frosty start to the day – minus .5⁰C, so not as bad as what we’ve been used to. Mike finished getting the washing machine going, then we went round to Jess to say hi and bye! Also did some groceries, filled water, got some more diesel (40L, 265834km s – shows how bad the head wind was coming down – 40L for 272kms!) and headed off to Lake Monowai. Checked out the powerstation (of course!) and then headed off to check out the lake. Absolutely beautiful weather there, but the only place to park was on the wrong side of the Lake sunwise – if we’d stayed we would have lost the sun 10 minutes after setting up, and we thought that was a waste of such a beautiful day. So carried on, and just outside of Clifden we saw a sign for Lake Hauroko. Neither of us had ever been there, and it was supposed to only be 22kms off the road. Ended up more like 30kms, and the only place to park was on the carpark. By this stage it was 16:00, and wind picking up again so decided to carry on. Stopped in Tuatapere and bought some of the world famous sausages and at the suggestion of the friendly lady behind the counter, carried on to Monkey Island Bay for the night, as this was right on the beach and you are allowed to light bonfires. When we got there though, it was blowing a howling gale, so no night on the beach. Warm though, 9⁰C when we went to bed (early) at 21:00 after chicken stir fry for tea – both tired after the last couple of nights, hence the early night.

21 July 2009
Up at 06:50, after a very, very warm night. Still dark and when we went outside for a smoke we saw lightning in the distance. Quite spectacular, but we should have realised this meant bad news for later on! Left camp at 08:30, and tiki-toured our way to Riverton via the backroads. On the way we checked out Cosy Nook (THE most unusual little place – some tiny wee fishing huts stuck on side of hill overlooking Mullet Bay) and also stopped at Colac Bay, where we could see the front coming in from the South. By the time we got to Invercargill it was starting to rain, and by the time we had got to BK for brunch it was pouring down. Filled up with some more go-go juice at BP Truckstop (42.25L, 266155kms) and decided to run for home. Stopped in Alexandra for a drink at the Stadium after picking up the piston and rings for the scooter and got home at 16:15. The weather followed us all the way up, and raining when we got home. To our amazement we have done 824kms this trip – final odo reading 266376kms!

Myross Bush, Invercargill, 27 and 28 June 2009

27 June 2009
Maggie took Marielle, JD and Roxie to Invercargill for the weekend, to go and visit Jeff and Gretchen and the kids (Fletcher and McKenzie). Left at 09:36 in white-out conditions due to fog. Also very icy in places, minus 2 degrees when we left (265129kms). Stopped in Alexandra to fill up with diesel. Got to Invercargill around 13:30. Had a lovely day and night catching up, and have to be honest, this wasn't a normal Maggie trip as she was really on used as a bedroom. Fletcher and McKenzie had great fun playing on her though!

28 June 2009
Left at 12:36 in almost tropical conditions for us: 6.3 degrees. Drizzled and got progressively colder and dropped in underneath the fog at Fruitlands. Home at 15:30, 265551 kms.

West Coast, 19 to 21 June 2009

19 June 2009
15:18, 264676 kms. Sunny but cold: 3⁰C. We are off - not having been anywhere for a month, we are very much looking forward to this. The weather lately has not been conducive to campervanning - hence the weeks spent at home! Anyway, we're off to Cromwell to pick up Kirsty and Benny, and then heading over to the West Coast as we are hoping for night/morning temperatures that are warmer than -6⁰C! The forecast is for beautiful sunny weather, so here's hoping. We probably won't make it all the way to Haast today, and will look at stopping at Boundary Creek for the night. 16:26 - have shopped, filled up the gas bottle (4.7kgs) and got all people and dogs on board. Got to Boundary Creek around 17:30. Had a few drinks, talked, and shivered every time we went outside as it's -2⁰C. Had pork, prawn and noodle broth for tea and hit pit around 22:00.

20 June 2009
Up at 08:00 - still -2⁰C and a bit nippy, to say the least. But we all slept well, and now raring to get to the Coast. Left Boundary Creek at 09:44 and got to Haast at 11:37 - very, very white roads! No problems, as it was all well gritted and we took it slowly, but definitely freezing. Beautiful though, especially around the Gates of Haast, as the icicles on the rocks are huge. Much warmer over here, thank heaven. Took dogs for just over an hour's walk along beach and collected firewood for a bonfire tonight. Mike went to shop to buy some batteries for the torch (JD can't see without it at night!) and also bought a paper, so we read that for a while, but decided that the weather was so nice and warm (11⁰C!!!!) that it was a waste to sit inside - even if it meant a bit of a battle with the black bitey things! Mike took to the overgrown gorse along the track in with a slasher so that we don't scratch the sides of poor old Maggie - trouble is, now everyone can get in easily!! Had chicken korma for tea and then desert of toasted marshmallows! Awesome day, so glad we came as it's just wonderful to be able to enjoy some warm sun. Oh, and Kirsty and Marielle built another "dinosaur", reminiscent of 12 years ago when we did the same on Haast Beach. This one was much smaller and looked more like a crocodile, but fun nonetheless!






21 June 2009
Up at 08:00 again - an almost tropical 3⁰C! But bit of a cold wind blowing, so not that pleasant. Still, took dogs for another run along the beach - we all ended up with cold noses, ears and streaming eyes but the dogs seemed to enjoy it. Except maybe Benny, as he's just not fit and not used to running on rocks and sand and has sore feet! Packed up and headed home at 11:30. Still icy in places, but not as bad as yesterday, but doubly glad we went as we got to Wanaka and all the way to Cromwell in fog, and only 1⁰C. Home at 15:30, 265129kms. Good weekend, and despite our fears of things being too crowded, 3 people and 3 dogs can be done - as long as it's not wet!!

The Catlins, 13 to 15 May 2009

13 May 2009
264099 kms, 11:26 and 7.5⁰C. We are off somewhere – anywhere. It’s been crap weather for weeks now and today isn’t much better, but at least it’s not raining or snowing and it’s warmer than it has been for days and we so NEED to go somewhere! The model on MetConnect says it’s going to be better towards the East Coast, so we’re heading off in that direction. Got to Beaumont and it’s raining, and looking decidedly dark towards Lawrence, so we turned towards Balclutha. We bought Chinese for lunch in Balclutha and ate that on the side of the road at Kaka Point. Carried on and went as far as we could go up the road to Nugget Point. Walked to lookout, but bitterly cold and raining again so we decided to flag walking to the Lighthouse. Walked the dogs along the only bit of beach where dogs are allowed between Kaka and Nugget Points while it was dry – and the sun even tried to come out. No camping allowed anywhere around here, so continued down the road towards Owaka – and it’s p-ing down! Saw a sign that said Cannibal Bay, which neither of us had ever heard of, let alone been to, so off down another dirt road. Well worth it, because even though there isn’t much room to park up, there’s enough for 1 camper and it’s very pretty, and right on the beach. Got here at 16:15, 264387kms. Absolutely hosing down, but it’s 10⁰ out, which is almost tropical compared to what we’ve had for the last week or so! Didn’t eat any tea as we had such a big lunch so late in the afternoon. The rain stopped every so now and then – enough to take the dogs out for a quick run and to have the occasional smoke. Played Monopoly all evening! Bed at 22:06.

14 May 2009
Up at 08:00, 6⁰C out and not raining. Turned gennie on (our first trip with the “wee” gennie. We swapped the big, heavy 2.3kW one that had a fault for 2x1kW. We don't actually need a big gennie as we only need it to charge the house battery now - we don't need it to run a heater thanks to gas heating!) as the battery is a bit low. Then took dogs for walk along the beach and over the dunes to Surat Bay where we saw a sea-lion coming out of the surf. She was all sweet until Mike started to talk “sea-lion” to her – problem is, we don’t know what he said, but whatever it was really upset her – so much so that even after we’d walked along the beach the other way, the moment we turned and came back to within site of her, she charged! Might need to learn to speak sea-lion first next time, or at least know what’s being said, before doing that again! Nice and sunny and out of the wind it’s quite pleasant, Now 11:30 and Mike is cooking brunch - 11⁰C out and starting to cloud over a bit from inland. Oh – we have an airlock in the water pump – we emptied it too much before we filled for this trip. Can’t seem to fix it either, have tried to bleed it by undoing the filter housing but no luck. No major, just means a shower might be a bit uncomfortable as pressure goes up and down. Oh, and this is also the first trip with Biomagic toilet chemicals. 13:35 – have had showers (which turned out no problem!) etc. and now off tiki-touring. Went to Jack’s Bay, Newhaven, Surat Bay, Owaka, Owaka Heads and Pounawea – pretty much all the “seaside” places are actually on the estuary and not really doing it for us. Stopped at Owaka to check out the Info Centre/Museum – there we saw pictures of Purakanui Bay which looks promising, so after a handle at the pub we’re heading off that way. 16:00 – Purakanui Bay. Yep, very pretty but absolutely nowhere to park except for on the road, due to the fact that the whole area is a bog. Spoke to a guy in a bus when we pulled up who advised us not to go on the grass as he’d had to pull someone out that morning. But at least it’s not raining, and the sun came out just before it set. Had lamb chops, potatoes and cabbage for tea after playing Monopoly again. Saw the most amazing moon-rise - completely orange and huge just before going to bed at 21:45.

15 May 2009
Up at 07:50. Took the dogs for a walk – bog, bog, bog everywhere except along beach – but can’t get to most of the beach due to the river so ended up being a short-ish walk. Saw another sea-lion on the rocks in the distance and Mike just had to have another go at speaking sea-lion – which made it RUN down the rocks into the surf! Did walk up the hill behind the camping area for some stunning views. There’s a cold wind blowing and left at 09:45. Off to Purakanui Falls, which are definitely very cool and the on to Papatowai, which wasn’t. Nowhere to park up, and again not really doing it for us. Carried on down the road a bit further, but then decided to turn around as it was time to start heading back. Got to Balclutha at 11:49, filled up with 64L of diesel (264476 kms) and bought takeaways for lunch (scallops, oysters, spring roll, paua pattieBalclutha Boat ramp. Headed off home, into a howling norwester at 12:33. Got to Beaumont and decided to carry on home along the true left bank of the Clutha – along the Millennium Track. Really cool not to be on main highway, and really glad we didn’t do it the other day (we did think about it, and even got down the road a wee bit before decided it was way too wet and slippery), as it would have been way too boggy to get through. Had one interesting moment crossing the bridge – literally a couple of centimetres clearance on either side, but got across fine in the end. Came out at Millers Flat and got back on the highway, home just after 15:00. A really cool trip, and the most dirt roads we’ve ever been on – pretty much every road we went on bar the main highway was dirt, so poor old Maggie is incredibly dirty! End kilometres: 264628, so that's another 529kms added.

Bendigo Reach, 19 to 20 April 2009

19 April 2009

263988kms, 15.5⁰C partly cloudy. Decided that doing chores around the section could wait for another day or so, because we really wanted to go and have another "Maggie" break! So at 11:12 we headed off into Alexandra to fill (62L, 263998kms), shop etc and then made our way to Bendigo Reach, just below the Lindis River towards Tarras. We had found this spot coming back from over the hill last week, and had decided it was worth checking out. Marielle fished for a while (caught 2 tiddlies and heaps of didymo!) while Mike read. Turned out to be a beautiful afternoon, mild enough for just a T-shirt, and if the cloud had gone away earlier we would have been too hot in jeans.

20 April 2009

Up at 7:30, 7.7⁰C with a very chilly southerly blowing. Marielle went for another fish (only didymo this time) and then we decided that it was too early so went back to bed for a while. Had brunch, and then decided the wind wasn't going to get any warmer, so headed off home. Lovely spot to park for a night

or so - and very handy, as only about 50kms from home!

Easter Weekend 2009 (11 - 13 April)

11 April 2009 - Saturday

Off to the campsite beside Lake Ohau that the jetboat gang at Contact had told Mike about. Stopped at Neville and Wendy's for a couple of beers, then headed off into the "unknown" once again! Found campsite without a problem, and as promised nicely sheltered from a fairly stiff norwester! Met Jenny, who's in a tent a bit along, thanks to her dog Fergus coming to say hi to our two. Talked to her for a while - she comes here fairly often, considering she hails from Rotorua and even though she's over 60, still does it the hard way - a tent!

12 April 2009 - Easter Sunday

Beautiful when we got up, but a chilly southerly picked up and we decided we should move. So went and checked out the head of Lake Ohau, where it was blowing a decent norwester! Very beautiful scenery! Drove back past Alpine Village and thought we'd park up on the lee shore, out of the southerly, but after an hour the wind changed to the north and really started to blow, so we packed up again and decided to go and park beside Lake Benmore, by the dam. But on arrival there it seemed every man and his dog had had the same idea, so we carried on to Fisherman's Bend, thinking it might be less crowded and there might be a spot for us. To our amazement, the place was pretty much deserted, so had a lovely afternoon enjoying nice warm weather, and trying to catch fish - no luck!

13 April 2009 - Easter Monday

Mike starts work again tomorrow, so we had to head off home, bugger it all as the weather is gorgeous! Stopped on way back and checked out Bendigo Reach on the Clutha River - another definite good spot to try out next time! Even though we stayed "close" to home, still managed to drive 468kms this trip! Odo reading now 263987.

Mackenzie Country, 30 March to 4 April 2009

30 March 2009

Going over to Lake Benmore, below Ohau C, and seeing as we have been there many times before, this blog entry is not going to be that detailed! However, we didn't leave Alexandra (after shopping etc.) 'til 15:25, so decided to stop for the night just across the Ahuriri River, out of Omarama. Really cool spot, we've often driven past thinking, we should check it out!

31 March to 4 April 2009

Spent the time at Ohau C (parked at our usual spot!), enjoying fabulous weather - cold, frosty mornings but beautiful days -, fishing, relaxing and reading. Met a lovely couple from Timaru called Don and Lynne and had a very sociable evening with them the night before we left.

Poolburn, 21 to 23 March 2009

21 March 2009
262863kms. 11:37. After doing chores for the last couple of days around home and the section (and taking Maggie in to Alexandra to have the windscreen measured for replacement) we have decided to go and enjoy the last couple of days of the holiday at Poolburn. It's sunny/cloudy and 16.5⁰C and we really feel like having a couple of really relaxing days fishing and not driving anywhere. Did some shopping in Alex and also put 40L of diesel in (262878kms). Got to Poolburn about 14:30 and it's blowing a very cold, brisk southerly and only 8.5⁰C! Sat and read and played cards. Got very cold once sun dropped, and by the time we went to bed at just after 22:00 (after sea food chowder for tea) it was only 2⁰C.

22 March 2009
Up at 06:00 and minus 1.7⁰C! Brrr, and thank heaven for gas heating - needed it last night too! Once it was daylight it got a bit cloudy and a slight breeze. Fished all day - no joy - and wind didn't drop off 'til around 16:00. So inside, read, played cards, more seafood chowder for tea. Another cold night, clear so will be frosty in the morning.


23 March 2009
Up at 07:39, another minus 1.5⁰C frost, but clear, except for fog in valleys all around us. The fog moved in closer for a while, but then just after sun rose over hills, the fog lifted and absolutely stunning. Of all the places we've been to, this is definitely one of our favs - no sandflies, no-one else around (well, there are people around, just no close enough to even hear them) and just absolutely beautiful scenery. Marielle went fishing while Mike cooked breakfast, and then we decided to leave the dishes 'til later as it was so fishable! Well, that didn't happen, as Marielle hooked herself in the finger and we couldn't get hook out so it was a case of pack up, head to the doctor's. BUGGER, BUGGER AND BUGGER again - one of the most perfect mornings and the forecast is for it to be like this all day, and we have to leave! Arrived doctor 11:38, home and Maggie all cleaned up by 13:00. 263009kms.

Top of the South, 25 Feb to 18 March 2009

25 February 2009
Went into Alexandra to fill up at the Truckstop, as we have discovered that with the RD Petroleum card, BP Truckstops offer us the best discount. Also did the shopping and organised some other bits and pieces since we are going to be away about 26 days. Filled up with 72L (259719).
Left Clyde at 14:29, 20⁰C, partly cloudy. The kilometres we have done since end of last trip were to organise: 1) gas heating, 2) organising the signwriting and getting that done, 3) getting our Self Containment Certificate and lastly giving Maggie a full service and having the bearing on the alternator pulley replaced to finally fix the knocking at idle problem. Oh, and we are now NZMCA members (no. 36264) but refuse to drive along with our wings displayed, as we are just not into that side of the organisation!
Stopped in Omarama to put petrol in jetski (which Chris has kindly “loaned” to us while he’s overseas – thanks Chris!). Slower trip over the Lindis Pass this time, but not due to jetski as we have already towed that over the Pass – due only to the fact that we are full of food, water, diesel and liquid refreshments! All set up at our “usual” spot below Ohau C at 17:10. Sat and chilled, had Chinese Honey chicken drums and home grown new spuds for tea, bed at 21:18 as we are both quite tired.

26 February 2009
Up at 06:50 (what do you expect after such an early night!) after really good night’s sleep. 11⁰C, cloudy. Took dogs for nearly hour walk and now 9:16 and off to launch the jetski round the other side of the canal.
We went for a nearly 2 hour jetski down Lake Benmore, stopping to check out the film set for “’Til Kingdom Come”, then off down the Lake even further ‘til we got to the island where we picnicked and read the paper when we first had the boat. Got back, spoke to Bob and Joy Mason (Bob works with Mike and comes over here heaps – he actually put us onto this place) and had a yummy bacon and salad buttie for lunch. Mike went off for another blat on the ski while I did some housekeeping stuff. Now 14:54 (259904 kms) and moving a little further north as the weather looks like it’s going to pack up. Arrived Lake Opuha and all set up at 17:11. Walked round to check out area, started to really rain at about 18:30. Gas heating working superbly though, so toasty warm inside! Ok, it’s not freezing cold outside (13⁰C) but with southerly blowing it’s a bit nippy, so we are really appreciating being warmer than ever. The gas heating is on thermostat and seems to provide much warmer and definitely faster heating than the old 2kW electric one we used – and there’s the added bonus of not having to go outside in the rain to start up the gennie. Bed at 21:50

27 February 2009
260044 kms. Up at 07:30, 11⁰C with very, very low cloud after drizzle and rain pretty much all night, but now not raining. 08:56, moving, after breakfast of muesli and yoghurt. 260135kms filled up with 60.03L at Mayfield Caltex Fuelstop at 11:35. We earlier stopped in Geraldine to get some groceries, and also to check out the weather forecast – horrible everywhere for next 2-3 days! Oh, and we bought some Camembert and some Maasdam cheese from the Cheese Shop in Geraldine. Had lunch at Bowler’s Stream of ham and salad sandwich and mushroom soup. Low cloud everywhere but it almost tried to clear and we almost (not quite though!) had sun coming through while we ate lunch. Left lunch stop at 12:44.

And then we got to the exciting bit – at 14:09 we hit new territory! Last time we turned to go to Rangiora at Waddington, this time straight on – to

Arthur’s Pass and beyond. The drive through to Arthur’s Pass was cool – some terrific climbing, awesome views and the incredibly weird rock formations at Castle Hill. But the drive through the Otira Gorge, down across the viaduct was a real experience. Very steep – 2nd gear all way down and still occasionally having to touch the brakes. The whole thing is an amazing feat of engineering and we marvelled our way down! We stopped at Otira Hotel for a beer – only one, ‘cause what a dump. Left there at 17:25 on way to Lake Brunner, which is only another 40 minutes on. Spent ages in Moana trying to find the way to what we thought looked like a cool camp site, across the Arnold River, but gave up in the end because it was getting too late, so at 18:55 we parked up for the night at Lake Brunner Country Motels and Campervan Park. They gave us access to the tent site area, so all on our own and a fenced paddock for dogs to run in. Big day, many hours driving, but an experience. We had dumped grey and toilet in Methven, but couldn’t find water, so left without filling as the NZMCA travel guide said there was stops on the way with water. Well, we couldn’t find two of these stops, and the other 2 had no water, but finally, and thankfully as we were starting to despair, we found water at the Avalanche Creek Shelter in Arthur’s Pass Village (as stated in the Travel Guide) and filled up.


Up at 07:30, muesli for breakfast and then made use of the camp facilities and had showers etc. Nice to not have to turn off water between wetting and rinsing, and nice to be able to use shampoo and conditioner! Left camp at 10:03 and checked out the spot we had seen from across the other side of the Arnold River, called Beechwater – it’s a new subdivision and no way of actually getting down to water in Maggie. Took dogs for a walk across the footbridge back to Moana, and checked out the boat ramp, but thought it too steep to try. Walked back, had ham sandwich and left at 11:25, heading in direction of Stillwater. Stopped along the way to check out Arnold River Power Station (tin-box little thing, built in 1932 though, and still going strong!) and walked the scenic walk to the weir and intake. A bit of a climb, but well worth it as the views were really good. As we were walking it started to rain, and by the time we were ready to leave (12:55) it was raining quite heavily, but not at all cold – around 19⁰C. Turned right at Stillwater,and then right again at Ngahere, as we’ve decided to go and check out a couple of parks at Haupiri. Got to the last possible one at 13:55, had ham and cheese sandwich and soup. Rained heavily, but now easing. We also carried on down the road a bit further (the whole road is no exit) to Kopara Village – to discover the whole village is up for sale, so we thought we’d have a look. The real-estate sign made it sound quite appealing, but the picture of the village tells a different story! What a joke. It's a derelict "wild-west" town, almost everything is falling down and not at all what the sign indicates! Rain actually stopped, so Mike lay in bed and read, while Marielle went for a fish, but wind got up too much, so now Mike’s still reading and I am typing the blog! 21⁰C! Had left over green curry for tea – outside! Beautiful mild evening, and had dinner by candle light – citronella candle, that is, as the black bitey things are a bit thick. Bed at 21:30.

1 March 2009
260506 kms. Up at 8:09, after somewhat restless night as it blew quite a bit, and rained off and on. Now 15.5⁰C and pouring. It was still warm all night - 17⁰C at 01:30. Now 10:15, had breakfast of muesli and yoghurt and went back to bed for a while hoping rain would ease – no such luck – absolutely pouring on and off. Temp now 14⁰. 10:39 – motor running, waiting for aircon to clear misty windows and then we’re going north!
260593 kms – at Reefton 12:05 to fill up at Mobil with 64.2L. Also did some shopping and water, not raining just drizzling. Stopped for lunch just past Inangahua, after checking out the Earthquake Museum. Then on to find one of the promising looking campsites.
17:36 – St Arnaud. What a disappointment this afternoon has been. The possible sites the Travel Guide talks about are, to put it bluntly, mostly crap. One that wasn’t listed and looked really good from the road was not accessible due to the heavy rain over last few days and big bog holes at bottom of track. Otherwise it would have been perfect – right beside the Buller River and room for us and dogs aplenty. The one at Owen River is in a carpark, miles away from the River, and then we went all the way down the Howard Valley Road to what was described as Louis Creek Camping Spot. Sounded good, but wasn’t – a hole. No access to creek that we could see, and just a dump. So, on to St Arnaud. Checked out Kerr bay – beautiful spot, perfect boatramp – no jetski’s allowed on lake and no dogs anywhere! So back to West Bay – no dogs allowed either, but now no choice, so parked up out of way, and have dogs tied to running line tied to jetski and tree if they want to go out. Ok, it is a kiwi area, so we’re doing the right thing by not letting them run. Oh, and the sandflies are wicked here – worse than anywhere down south. So we are not going to park here for a couple of days, like we’d been planning, tomorrow, further north towards Nelson. Oh, and it has rained pretty much all day, but now at least dry. At 21:00, knock on the door – DOC Warden, to collect fees for the night - $20. So after we’d counted up all our change, we moved to a powered site – if we have to pay that much, might as well use the facilities. Raining again. Bed at 22:30, after a tea of cheese on toast (had cheese and crackers earlier, and we are so over this place that we just wanted to get to bed so we can move on early tomorrow.). And so over this place, we even forgot to take a photo of our overnight spot!

2 March 2009
Good night’s sleep, up at 07:10 and guess what – it’s raining. Had showers (used Doc’s facilities – and not very good showers as there is plenty of cold water pressure, but no hot to speak of, so a bit of a dribble!). Dogs not understanding why they can’t run! 260768kms 10:25, just had breakfast beside Wai-iti River – lovely big rest area – and it’s WARM and SUNNY! Yeah!! Stopped in Wakefield for some supplies – what a lovely little village. Then on towards Motueka over the Takaka Hill – which was more of an experience than the Otira Gorge – very windy and steep and a hell of a climb, followed by one hell of a descent – and we were overtaken by a push bike on the way down! Ended up taken slightly wrong turn and going inland – not what we had in mind, but then again, we found this gorgeous little cottage called Somerset Farm Cottage – restored by locals and really worth the “wrong turn”. Then spent rest of afternoon looking for somewhere to park – went past Pohara Beach looking for Tarakohe – decided when we got to Wainui Bay that we’d gone past it, so stopped to have sandwich. Beautiful sea views and warm and sunny still, so we’re happier than we’ve been for days. Back towards Pohara we found Tarakohe – on the wharf, so definitely not what we had in mind. Checked out Pohara Beach Holiday Park – no animals. God, is there any place round here where you have some freedom? No dogs, no jetski’s, no freedom, no fun – give us the lower half of the South Island any day – oh, and the West Coast! 15:11 – at Waitapu River Bridge in a lovely big rest area, away from road enough not to have to worry about dogs, right beside river. 26 degrees, so now thoroughly enjoying just relaxing (both of us over driving!) and sitting in sun. Roxie happy because she’s able to run to her heart’s content! Had steak and salad for tea –yum. And hit pit at 21:45. 260997 kms.

3 March 2009
Up at 7:15, cool morning but clear skies – 10C, forecast for beautiful day. 9:32 Going into Takaka to do some washing, dump and fill, then on to find a beach! 17.5⁰C and climbing! 10:53 All chores done and rolling to find spot. 11:40 Golden Bay Holiday Park – right beside beach but in spot sheltered from decent sea breeze. 261024kms. Walked dogs along beach – coolish sea breeze but ok for T-shirt and shorts – for a while, then sat and relaxed, with both of us reading a book. Walked dogs again later on and then chilled some more – much needed after a couple of “driving and driving rain” days! So good to not be driving! We had discovered later on yesterday (too late to do anything much about it!) that the carpet by the door was saturated (any bloody wonder – 4 mammals getting on and pissing down all the time!), so dried it, plus the underlay out, this afternoon. Also hung out the washing we had done earlier between 2 trees on our little washing line – handy thing!. Sat and relaxed outside until it got too cold, then had Chicken korma for tea, bet at 21:45.

4 March 2009 Up at 07:00, 9⁰C but sun coming up. This is a cool spot, but we really, really want to go somewhere where we aren’t at all restricted by ANY rules, so at 08:15 we filled up with water and heading out towards Collingwood to see what we can find. 09:30 At Puponga and having breakfast. This place, plus couple of others mentioned in book along the way, are not doing it for us. Had bacon and eggs for breakfast, but decided against staying here, mainly because outlook of mudflats at low tide is just not what we had in mind. So at 10:21 we left and heading down what looks like dirt roads to Patarau River. 11:33, at Patarau River – AWESOME spot. Absolutely beautiful – rugged, wild, isolated – exactly what we’ve been looking for – only taken us 7 days! The trip here was quite awesome too – through Kahurangi National Park through winding, sometimes narrow, steep dirt roads and past endless mudflats – the Whanganui Inlet at low tide. Took dogs for a walk – just over an hour – along beach south then read and relaxed – that’s what holidays are about! Cloud burnt off at around 13:00, lovely warm afternoon with gentle sea breeze to keep it comfortable. Played on beach some more later on – erected our own Patarau Taniwha, had drinkies, talked to a couple of lovely old ladies after Mike had offered to take their picture and then just as we were really relaxing, a couple of Ozzies pulled up in car, offered them a beer and wine (which they accepted) so talked to them for a while. Tea of steak and salad, bed at 22:37. 261101 kms.

5 March 2009
Up at 08:00 – cloudy, 13⁰C – front coming in. Took dogs for 2.10 hour walk along beach – awesome rock formations in places – and then talked to old dude who grazes sheep here and thanked him for opportunity to park here. Then headed indoors (yesterday Marielle sat outside to read) and curled up with books. Read on and off all afternoon, started drizzling when we got back from walk, but started raining at around 15:00 and it looks here to stay, as per forecast we heard yesterday morning. 20:24 – been raining, heavily at times, all afternoon – but we are toast warm (14⁰C out, 26.3 in!). And a first was achieved today – we have been away long enough to eat stuff out of the fridge enough to have room for alcohol – which is necessary as Collingwood (what a hole, by the way!) didn’t have any ice and beers getting warm – and plug in chilly bin good for keeping stuff cool, not getting it there! Mince omelette (yep, a new Mike creation!) for tea then bed at 22:30. And once in bed, it started to blow – and how! In the end (at 01:40) Marielle decided that, despite earplugs, she could handle the noise no more, and moved downstairs. A lot quieter as the wind was hitting the front of Maggie. JD not happy at all to have to share his sleeping space! And thank heaven we carry an extra blanket – not that it was cold, 18⁰C at 01:40!

6 March 2009
Up at 07:30 – grey, grey, grey everywhere – sea, mist, sand, it felt like everything was grey. 18.7⁰C, so definitely not cold, just miserable. 08:10 – rolling, on to Collingwood to dump etc. 10:23 – had scallop pie for breakfast (we’d seen these advertised when we came through the other day, but weren’t warm!) - very delicious! Checked out Farewell Spit Tours and heard all about the “Gnome away from Home” weekend they run every year (this year will be the 3rd) in August – sounds like a hoot! Now on to Takaka to dump – couldn’t at Collingwood as bay a bit tight for Maggie plus ski. Raining! 11:21 – been to Pupu Springs. The light was from completely the wrong angle to actually see into the springs (except for the mirrors, but it was a bit windy for them to give a true perspective) but still awesome – definitely on our list of things to come back to – only on a good day! Then off to go and see the Pupu Springs Private Power station (of course!) but almost became our biggest mistake. The road is dirt, and really should be noted as a dry weather road only. When we got to the first ford we thought “uh oh”, but it was ok. Trouble is, the 2nd one wasn’t – way too fast and deep for us. And the real problem was, this 2nd ford was at the end of a bit of very narrow road, and boggy all around, and no where to turn. So no choice but to back up – which is easy enough, normally, but not with a jet ski that you can’t see, round blind corners, and with the sides so boggy you can’t afford to miss the road! Poor Mike – what a prick of a place to have to back a trailer you can’t see. He did it though, all the way back to the driveway we’d seen (about 200m). So we thought, phew, made it – and went to turn around. Trouble is, driveway was up a fair bit, and the spare tyre on trailer kept bottoming out on the hump – ‘til we got to the stage where Maggie and trailer right across road, and no room left to move. So had to unhitch trailer (after putting rocks in front of wheels to stop it slamming into Maggie), turn Maggie around in a very tight spot, and the re-connect trailer. We did it, but what a mission! 12:11 Dumped in Takaka, didn’t fill because we’ve decided to head back over the Takaka Hill (791 metres above sea level) and we so do not need the extra weight on board to climb that hill! 14:30 – been shopping, now off to find water before we park up for the night (in Motueka). Found water in Ruby Bay, awesome spot but no dogs allowed. And no spots, according to Travel guide, in Nelson that aren’t Mitre 10 carpark type places (yuck!), so decided to head back a bit to Wakefield, and now parked at the Edward Baigent Memorial Reverse – really lovely spot, got here at 16:15. Talked to Karen and Gary (who have bus and dog) for a while, dogs all happily playing, then had steak, corn (fresh!) and home grown potatoes for tea before hitting pit at 21:35.

7 March 2009
Up at 07:20 – rained all night and everything very wet – inside of Maggie now really damp and muddy. Sun out though, so hopefully we can dry everything out. 9:18 – walked dogs through here and Faulkner Bush Reserve which was really cool. They do have it sorted round here as far as walking dogs goes – you can pretty much take them anywhere, and they even provide “doggy doo” bags at various points. Beats signs saying “no dogs”! Now getting ready to move to some non-muddy ground for showers etc. 11:03: Showered, started the cleaning/drying process! Beautiful day, 21⁰C, no clouds and full on sun. We parked in the Wakefield Village carpark to shower – tarseal all around so no mud and good for drying out a couple of dogs, who both fell asleep in the sun on the tarseal. Dropped jetski off at Pru’s place (thankfully, as we didn’t fancy towing it round Nelson!) and went into Nelson to have a look around and have some lunch. Nelson’s really busy but a really pretty town. Very glad we didn’t bring jetski in, as parking is at a premium. 13:40 Heading back to Pru’s, in Richmond. We are going to spend the night parked on her driveway, and spend the rest of the evening catching up. Had a great night – lots of memories and yarns – Marielle hit the pit at 22:00, Mike followed sometime (when?) later!

8 March 2009
Up at 07:20 and waited for the rest of the place to emerge. Had coffees and sat and talked some more before hitting the road. Now 11:30, doing some shopping and filling the diesel tank (261382, 49L) and now heading off to Okiwi Bay. Nice day, sunny and a nice warm 23⁰C. Had (bad but yum!) Burger King for lunch. Arrived Okiwi Bay at 14:22. Beautiful spot but somewhat disappointing after the spectacular views on the way here. Very steep and twisty road – 22 kms of it. Just before we dropped down into the bay had magnificent views across the inlet, with golden sandy beaches. Blue sea and lots of sun and thought “yeah, this is it”. Unfortunately, the beach that is accessible consists of rocks, so no good for launching the jetski – well, ok for launching but can’t actually beach it anywhere. Arggghhh!!! Walked dogs, came back to camp (oh, another drawback – absolutely no view from camp at all, even though Okiwi Bay Holiday Park is otherwise not a bad spot) and sat and enjoyed the warmth and sun. Tea of pork steak and coleslaw, bed at 22:00.

9 March 2009
Up at 06:15!!! We have seen more sunrises on this trip than I have in the last 5 years! 10⁰C, not a cloud in the sky so it promises to be another good day. 09:20 – walked dogs for an hour or so – stunning views from the hills but no photo’s as we forgot to take the camera. Had showers and breakfast and now getting ready to move. 9:48 – rolling. 11:37 – have walked around Havelock and the marina – gosh it’s huge now! Had sandwich on side of road and now moving again. 15:00 261579 kms. Been round Queen Charlotte Drive looking for somewhere to park. Absolutely beautiful, but either “no dogs” or dogs ok but so many wasps it wasn’t funny. Tried a POP at Ngakuta Bay, but the lady who owns it is 99 years old, deaf and obviously having a sleep as we couldn’t raise her. Stunning spot, but she had a sign on one bit of the property saying no dogs – everyone we spoke to thought it would be fine, but we don’t like just assuming so we carried on. Ended up parked at the DOC site at Rarangi Recreation Reserve, about 30kms from Blenheim. Walked to Monkey Bay which was quite cool, as the water comes through a hole in the cliff from the other side. Read, played cards as there is quite a chilly wind blowing and not really that nice out. Mike talked to DOC guy for a while, about the layout of this reserve and the wasps at Aussie Bay. Dinner of korma chicken, bet at 09:30 – tried to delay sleep time by reading, but no luck, it only lasted 10 minutes before we were both asleep!

10 March 2009
Up at 06:30, walked dogs along the beach – a very difficult walk because the soft sand and pea gravel made it hard going, had showers and breakfast. Now 16⁰C (13 when we got up), clouding over after beautiful sunrise – another one! Blowing hard every so now and then and forecast to get worse. Off to Blenheim where we intend to stay until Thursday.

11 March 2009
Spent the day with Dad. Anne, Rob and Shelly. Rob, Mike and I went to Canvastown looking for a place to fish, drove down to Pinedale Motor Camp which is pretty much non-existent as there is no way you can get a motorhome down to the camp site because it’s so overgrown. No access to any fishing spots, so back to Wairua River and Rob tried his luck there. Several squalls came through, dropping temperature drastically. When we got back to Blenheim they had had hail. Spent rest of afternoon talking and eating Anne’s fabulous food.

12 March 2009
261735 kms. 8:59 off finding the Blenheim Truckstop. Cold this morning, 4⁰C when we got up at about 06:30 to say goodbye to Rob and Shelly. Filled at 261739 with 49.1L (7.27 kms/L) and also filled gas bottle – have used 3.2 kgs in 15 days for heating, water and cooking – not bad as that’s about 20cents a day. 9:54 – have done all chores and now heading west. Got to Murchison around 12:30-ish, not exactly sure of the time as we are still in shock – a great big rock hit the windscreen right in Mike’s line of sight – it was like a shotgun going off in the cab and gave us both a huge fright – not to mention JD! We now have several circles in the windscreen – right in front of Mike’s face. If we didn’t have laminated windscreens things would be a bit different now, as we were doing 90 in one direction and the truck from which the rock came doing who knows what in the other direction. Went to Murchison Panel and Paint where Craig told us it would be fine and would last ‘til we got home. He suggested we could try to see if we could get it fixed in Greymouth. After the shock, we decided we’d done enough driving for one day and parked up in the Murchison POP – our first experience of a POP, and probably our last, seeing as it just doesn’t spin our wheels. Handy yes, sociable and nice, no. We had stuck our "wings" in the windscreen with bluetack, but obviously not clear enough as another couple decided they had to investigate us at close quarters, to make sure we are actually members. That's ok, but it was so sneaky - why couldn't they just have knocked on the door and asked us? That would have been a lot more friendly than sneaking around! The POP did have a warning sign lying in the ditch, which perfectly described our predicament!! Anyway, we set our washing going at the local launderette and decided that we definitely needed to have a couple of beers at the locals’ pub – the Hampden. And what a rip off the local launderette is - $6 in the dryer for 3 times, and our washing still very damp! So took it back to the camp site and hung it up along the fence to finish drying it, plus some inside Maggie! Had not such a good night – the stress of the last couple of days plus the rock just didn’t make for a nice night. 13 vans in POP and at 19:15 we are still getting over the shock of our very close call. 13.7⁰C out, 22 in – gas heating on. 261909 kms.

Friday 13 March 2009
9:27 have had showers etc. and heading off to the West Coast. 12:01 Just had lunch at Charleston – left overs from last night (chicken and Murchison bacon pasta) and now heading south. 13:49, in Greymouth. Found Smith and Smith, no windscreen in stock. But they did have a step and some wire, ‘cause Marielle had locked all the doors and Mike hadn’t taken the keys – lucky his window was open enough to allow him to get the wire in and pull keys out. Couldn’t have happened at better spot, and a definite lesson for the future – imagine if that had happened in the middle of no-where somewhere! 14:20 at Cobden, Ocean Beach. 19⁰C, sunny and light high cloud. Relaxed – Mike read and Marielle sat on beach watching surf and playing with dogs. Popular spot – cars in and out all afternoon but all gone by nightfall – except the odd boy racer! Beef stirfry for tea and bed at 20:30 – both still tired after last couple of days!

14 March 2009
Up at 07:15! Good night’s sleep apart from one boy racer waking us up, and another car pulling up at around 1am – 2 people still sleeping in it now! Grey and overcast but 15⁰C. 262111 kms and 9:15 off to Greymouth after showers etc to do some chores. 10:45 All chores done, heading to Hokitika to fill at Truckstop there – 60L 262160kms. 12:22 Just stopped at Rimu – decided to detour off main highway and we are very glad we did. Very pretty area, with Lake Kaniere – which neither of us had ever heard of. We carried on past Hans Bay and ended up on yet another windy, narrow road and were getting a little concerned as we were leaving the lake behind when we came across Dorothy Creek Falls which were very pretty, and also gave us a place to turn. Had spotted a possible camping spot further back, so backtracked to there – Rose Creek. A perfect spot formed by the digging out of rubble from an obviously mighty little Creek when it rains. And there are no “no camping” or “no dogs” signs here (there are everywhere else!) so parked up here at 13:23. Awesome spot, really beautiful – just one drawback – the sandflies! But our favourite spot up to now. Fished (nothing) and battled the sand flies and really relaxed. Pork steak and coleslaw for tea, bet at 22:05.

15 March 2009
Up at “normal” time – 07:21. Fished, hooked one perch and hoped that the sun would come out to warm things up so that we could put jetski in at other bay. We really want to go for a ski, but too cold (13⁰C). So after waiting for a while, we are now on the move at 9:47. 13:29 Have driven to a couple of spots mentioned in the Travel Guide supposedly at the Wanganui River Mouth. Well, they don’t exist anymore as the river has washed them away, and just as well we asked someone before heading off down there – he had had to do a 15 point turn in his 4WD – let alone a 6m camper plus jetski! So on to Whataroa, which we liked so much last time. Unfortunately, the place is being used as a Tourist attraction, so full of people. So off down Whataroa Flat Road, then into Whataroa Gorge Road and there it was – the perfect spot. Ok, it is in a disused gravel pit, but right beside the river and just awesome. And, NO SANDFLIES! Sunny, light breeze and sea fog at the mouth to our west, but not worrying us. Started up the gennie just to recharge some things – mainly the house battery for the fridge, seeing as we haven’t driven far today. Marielle went fishing for a couple of hours and lost count of the number of fish she caught – all tiddlies though, but great fun nevertheless. Mike read and chilled. Oh, we do love the West Coast, especially in places like this. Chicken, bacon and pasta for tea and bed at 22:00. 262390kms.

16 March 2009
Up at 07:18, 7.5 C and mist around the place but clear here. Stunning views of Mt Cook. 11:43 – rolling after a very relaxing morning. Did try and take dogs for a walk towards the mouth, but couldn’t as the river cuts off the bank. 12:29 Franz Josef. 14:43 – done washing, dump, fill, shopping and had the most expensive fish and chips ever for lunch – at the Landing. Ok, it’s a great spot, and we were really hungry and really fancied some fish – but $41 for 2x fish and chips and 2 x beer is fairly hefty on the price tag, to say the least. Oh well, we are on holiday! 15:39 At Bullock Creek, about 10 kms south of Fox Glacier. Wanted to park up at Clearwater Stream, but every man and his dog had the same idea – about 10 vans there, and one lady had 3 labradors, so we decided we would keep moving. This spot is beside the road, but fortunately tucked down behind a little bank so still ok for dogs to run around. 262485kms. Heaps of vicious black bitey bastards around, and we are so over them now. Sat outside doused in Bushman’s and tried to enjoy the sun - 34⁰C in the sun. Tea was last night’s leftovers – we weren’t hungry anyway because lunch was quite big! Walked up the Creek a bit with the dogs – quite amazing, as despite a reasonable flow of water, it disappears underground before the bridge so when you cross the bridge it looks like it’s dry. Obviously had massive rockfalls in the Creek just recently as the sides have been bulldozed back into shape! Did have company for a while – someone sighting in their rifle, which spooked Roxie no end as the shots echoed all around so she couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. Bed at around 22:15.

17 March 2009
Up at 07:00, rolling at 08:31. 10⁰C and sun about to hit the spot we were in, and it looks like it is going to be another glorious day. 10:22 had breakfast beside Paringa River and walked along the shores – beautiful clear water but no sign of fish. 16⁰C but feels way warmer in sun. 11:16 Haast. 12:20 Haast Beach 262612kms. Walked dogs – in bare feet, which made us realise later on just how tough sand can be on feet! Read, enjoyed being back here again – apart from the hoards of really hungry sandflies! 22⁰C, sunny, light breeze – still our favourite spot of all time, despite the sandflies. We have decided that this trip’s saying has to be “GET OFF MY EAR” as poor old Mike has been plagued, everywhere we’ve been, by sandflies persistently having a go at his ears! Steak and sweetcorn for tea, bed at 21:40.

18 March 2009
Up at 07:36, 11⁰C and raining. So had showers and moved – picked up jetski which we’d left at Doc and Sue’s place (we knew it wouldn’t fit on the beach!). Today is 3 weeks since we left, and it looks like we’re heading home, because the rain is getting heavier and doesn’t look like clearing. Put some more diesel in the tank (29.96L, 262618kms). Got to Hawea and bought a paper to look at weather forecast – not good, so going home. Arrived home at 13:20, 262837kms, which makes 3118 for this trip. And we have decided that it was cool, especially Golden Bay and over the West Coast there at Patarau, but that really, we are more than happy to stick with anything south of the Waitaki Valley. It is all so much easier down here, and more fun. There are more places where we can go, dogs and all, they are generally easily got at, and there aren’t thousand’s of rules that are there simply to stop you having fun – or so we think! So we won’t be in too much of a hurry to travel far again – Ohau C, Poolburn, Queen’s Reach, Galloway and Haast suit us fine. We don’t actually need to travel too far at all, because we have everything we want, right on our doorstep. And we still have the whole rest of the lower South to explore. And the best thing about this whole trip? Putting in gas heating before we left! We used it almost every night, sometimes to dry the place out, sometimes because we needed it, and sometimes just because it felt good. The gas heating actually helped dry out condensation and really did make Maggie a very comfortable home away from home. And it is so much cheaper than using the gennie. And so much more convenient – no running outside in the pouring rain to protect the gennie and try and get some heat – just flick a switch and 5 minutes later you’re warm. Worth every cent and then some!