North Island trip 2018-19

Day: Weather: 23, Overcast, drizzle Overnight: Dean and Clairs at Raurimu Activities: Waitomo caves

Weather: 23 Overnight: Otorohanga NZMCA park Activities: Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan Surf Beach, Shops, Wharf, Woke to a warm morning. Had an early morning wake up at 7 to loud mmusic from over the fence. Millie and I went for a walk down town. Had a coffee and cake. By the time we returned the others were up. After breakfast we all ventured out to the shops, wharf and beach. Decided to go to whale bay to watch the surfers. Headed off for Waitomo stopping at Bridal veil falls on the way. Decided to stay at the NZMCA park in Otorohanga for the night. A very pleasant spot with a large grass area and gravel in the middle with a small office. Quiet, secluded by the river. It is intended that it is near to the caves for our tour tomorrow. Had another game of settlers with the girls tonight. Both are loving it. Still lots of learning around proper game etiquette though. Bed at 10.30.

Weather: 23 Overnight: Raglan RSA Activities: Hamilton Gardens, Raglan shops, beach and wharf.

Day: Weather: Drizzle, 25, Fine Overnight: Andrew and Alicia and Fin Havil Activities: Church, Swim, Birthday Party at Andrews. A drizzly morning that did not last long. Following the hot and noisy night the morning came around too quickly. Breakfast at Brian and Annas. Brian had to go to church early as he was playing the clarinet. After breakfast we all did church at the Baptist with Brian and Anna. Following the service we made a quick exit due to the need to tidy the camper van and remake beds, etc after doing the washing yesterday. We all had lunch together before heading off for a swim at the local pool. We had a short swim and started on to Opoupo where Andrew lives. It is just past Hamilton, 10km before Te Awamutu. Had a great birthday tea and parked up here for the night. Andrew started work in the morning at Fonterra at 4.00. WE went to bed around 9.30

Day: Weather: 27, Sunny Overnight: Anne and Brian Huntly Activities : Pete and Maree, Mission bay swim, French Market, Huntly A warm night and hot morning. Left Heathers at 10.00 and got to Pete and Marees around 10.30. Left at around 12.30 and stopped of at Mission bay for a quick swim. Not very appealing so decided to give it a miss. Found a French market just around the corner so made the most of it and got some lunch, Drove on to Huntly with a brief stop at the dump station at Te Kauwhata. Got to Anne and Brians around 4 and went for a walk with plans to have a swim at local pool. Got there to find pool was just closing so went for look around Huntly with Brian while others grocery shopped. Had a great tea outside in the warm evening air. Girls made brownie and served it up well. There was a birthday party next door so a bit of noise but not too loud. Bed by 10.30.

Day: Overnight Heather Parks driveway Weather: 23 overcast Activities: Maraitai, Fraser and Yan tea. Woke to an overcast day. Warm but no sun. Decided to drive out to Maratai for a swim, coffee, walk. Girls had a swim in pool first and left togs on. Drove out, had a walk, coffe, swim. Too many jellyfish in water so girls gave swim a miss. Drove home via supermarket. Fraser and Yan came for BB Q tea. Bed by 10.30