Team Kiwi wanders south from Auckland to Wellington

After three full days in Auckland catching up with friends and a memorable afternoon tea at Pt Chevalier with Mary and friends, it was time

Time to head home

South via Paeroa, Hubbard territory

To Waihi Beach for lunch with cousin Marie, and on to cousin Brian in Ohope.

Arriving just as the fisherman arrived home with his bag filled with flounder, my favourite.

Fresh fish for dinner and dawn-caught flounder for breakfast...

Then south through the Waioeka Gorge,

We were lucky because flooding had closed the road the day before.

For us the sun was shining, the road was cleared, hallelujah.

Through myriad types of landscapes

Farm scapes

Seas scapes and threatening cloud scapes

To Masterton for the night

An early start, over the Remutakas (the new road signs spell it this way)

Over the Hayward Hill to cousin Margaret and Jim at Titahi Bay

To Karori to catch up with Team Kiwi originals Shirl (Ken was away fishing)

Down the hill, past the Beehive the NZ seat of government

To the InterIslander Ferry terminal and another calm Cook Strait crossing

Pimms to follow a marvellous Sri Lankan Dilmah afternoon tea with Mary and friends - most of whom have been blessed to have been on food tours to Sri Lanka with Mary at some time. 



Brian, the fisherman. It doesn’t get fresher than this. Turmeric and lime fish fillets prepared by Donna. The Lauraine Jacobs recipe is a treat. 

Waioeka Gorge, slow, winding road, gorgeous views. 

Lovely stop at Matawai for coffee. EVehicle charging available here. 

A fascinating conversation about what’s happening in the Manuka Honey industry and the impact on small bee farm operators. Not all good.

Many examples of land use. Sheep farming dairying, cropping and vineyards.