Sunday 6th January – The return to the North Island

Our tent on the hill...

We said an emotional farewell to Libs as we left her at the house. 

.... and the stunning view from it!

Saying farewell to Libs

We gave ourselves enough time to pop back to the Edwards for a lovely brekkie and to pick up a TV that they were generously donating to the Kellas’s gaming den and we were transporting on their behalf.

Our return ferry across the Cook Straight was booked for 145pm.  We drove there via the scenic route as we had the time:

The view from Cullen Point.....

..... and on around to Picton

 

Farewell sunny Picton....

Crossing the Cook Strait - back towards the bank of cloud over Wellington!

A seabird!

This ferry crossing was a bit windier than the last, so we stayed inside for most of the crossing, though we kept an eye out of the window - but no Orcas again!

We had another place to stay in Wellington this time.  We met with Vernon Puddick, his wife Kirsten and their children Anna and Evan.  Vernon had grown up in Southend with Simon, but they had not seen each other for about 20 years!  Contact had been regained thanks to Facebook and this was a lovely opportunity for a reunion in New Zealand’s capital.  The family were extremely welcoming, Anna had even vacated her bedroom for us to use and handmade us a ‘Happy New Year’ card to welcome us. It was a lovely evening.