It hadn't stopped! The rain I mean. All night it continued and well into the early morning. "This is not normal for the time of year" was the reply to those we asked. Oh well, it's a good job we have an extra blanket and warm garments 'cos it looks as we will be needing them on the colder of the two islands, South Island. So spending the day in Wellington in the pouring rain at first didn't appeal but by the time we had driven to see Roger and Pat, had coffee and tea, the rain had eased.
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| Cloud over Wellington |
Then the sun came out and we all wished we hadn't dressed quite so warm. Seems one just can't win on this North Island! Anyway, we left the van at Rogers, bundled ourselves into Rogers car and drove to the Botanic Gardens. From here it was easier to walk into Wellington and very pleasant it was too. The place was almost deserted. Of all days to choose to go into town turns out it is Wellington Anniversary Day and is celebrated on the Monday nearest to 29 January. The holiday commemorates the arrival of the first settler ship to New Zealand on 22 January 1840. Nearly all the shops were open as was the attractions and our first stop was to Te Papa museum filled with the nation's art, culture and sciences. Best of all it is free and there was a bug exhibit to walk around.
Lunch came next followed by a trip on the cable car.
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| View from the top |
By mid afternoon we walked back to the Botanical gardens for coffee at the rose garden cafe. Just as we finished the rain started again! Time to leave and head off to our last free campsite on North Island. It was a real pleasure to meet up with them especially here in NZ. Hopefully, when we are all back in the UK, our next meeting will be on our respective boats.
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| More like a car park but great to look out of the rear window onto the water. |
And seen swimming in the harbour,
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