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Again we drove along the highway along the east coast past the seal banks. And again we have discovered a lot of new things. For example, a fish letterbox in Rai Valley.

In Rai Valley we also had a coffee in a trucker's pub. In the dining room, hunting trophies hung on the walls, a TV played 90's music videos and two men were at a pool table. A discarded transport plane is set up for inspection in Woodbourne. Of course, we climbed into the pulpit once.

Immediately on the neighbouring property there were delicious blueberries to buy.We landed tonight at the TOP10 campsite in Kairoura. We grilled and met a nice German couple with whom we talked.

Silke

Radiant sunshine accompanied us today after our tent night in the Abel Tasman National Park. From Bark-Bay we went to Medlands Beach to deposit our luggage for the return transport.

Then we walked along the coast again and through the forests. At Torrent-Bay we were splashing around in the sea.

One section also led barefoot across the seabed, similar to mudflat hiking. You can choose the High-Tide Track or the Low-Tide Track. Depending on the water level or tides.

After about 10 km we reached Anchorage.From there we took the ferry back to Kaiteriteri at 3:40 pm. On the way we could still observe a little blue penguin splashing. Unfortunately, our backpack had not yet arrived in the harbour, so we had to wait until 6pm. Then we set up our tent again on the campsite and made a salad for dinner.

Silke

In Kaiteriteri we made packed lunches in the morning and then went to the beach. A Wilsons ferry took us to Rotoura. We have checked in the luggage separately. The boat trip was very nice. In bright sunshine we passed interesting rocks, as well as some seals. The hike led mostly along the coast, but also through forest sections and over bridges and rocks! The sea shone from rust-red, over emerald green, to sky and dark blue.

Many waterfowl and forest birds crossed our path. After about 12 km we arrived at our overnight destination, the Bark-bay. Reiner still took the backpack with the tent from Medlands Beach, 250m away.

We were swimming in the sea and then we enjoyed our lunchbox dinner.

Silke

After breakfast we booked a flight and a rental car. Then we headed north. In super summer weather we camp today in Kaiteriteri.

Silke

Today we spent the day with recheche, ESTA visa, sorting photos and laundry on and off. Must be. At Bouncing Lamb we hung on for a night.

In the evening there was quiche and tomato mozzarella.

Silke

At breakfast we had to hold our coffee cups, because otherwise they would have been blown away by the strong wind! Reiner has maintained our hiking boots. Then we drove further north. In the town of Havelock we took a coffee break. At the Pelorus Bridge we went swimming. The water was crystal clear and warm. You could jump in from the rocks.

With 100% rain forecast for tonight, we sleep today at the Bouncing Lamb in Nelson at Tahunanui Beach. In the countdown we bought a bit of salad and vegetables and cooked a delicious curry rice pan.

Silke

After a night in the jailhouse we left for Christchurch Airport at 4:00 in the morning. Janik and Melina unfortunately had to let us continue on our own, because their holiday is coming to an end. They fly to Germany via Auckland, China and France and arrive in Bremen and Frankfurt on Sunday morning. We are all a bit sad that the beautiful family road trip is now over, but in half a year we will see you again. Luckily, you can activate FaceTime in between.

We enjoyed the time with you both of you very much, and wish you a good flight home! In any case, a weird feeling is now so alone, as a couple! And without the fat camper and without discussion sit on which music to listen to now, etc. .

After we had ordered all our accumulated stuff in the jailhouse, Reiner and I were also "dismissed"!

Today our way took us back to the north of the south, to Blenheim on a Kiwi camp. We did a leftover dinner at a picnic table and slept in the tent.

Silke

This morning we did a wonderful Wildlife – Charter Cruise in Akaroa. We were absolutely thrilled and experienced penguins, albatrosses and dolphins in the wild. John, the guide, and his son Ollie have snipped us through the waves with their red sports boat and 300 hp Yamaha engine and showed us a lot. We have also learned a lot about the history of the country. The highlight of our tour came when a group of dolphins swam right next to our boat.

Akaroa is really worth a trip.

In the afternoon we had to give up our campervan, which accompanied us about 4000 km through the country. We have received a refund for the 2 days repair. Since the office closes at 5 PM, but we had assumed that we had 5 o'clock delivery time, we had to pack our things in a hurry and off the yard. Didn't fit everything right away into the small Toyota that we rented in the meantime. So Janik and I drove to the hostel and cleared the car, and then Made up for Reiner and Melina. Today we are "punched in" again and sleep in the Jailhouse Accommodation in Christchurch. After a pizza at Domino's, we sat together a bit in the foyer. By the way, the police came "in real" and arrested a rioter who had previously loudly threatened someone with a gun.

Silke