Things didn't go according to plan as Jon had to go into the office to sort out some problems and didn't get back until gone 11.00.
We got to the kennels to find the gates locked and saw that they only take dogs in between 8.00 - 10.30 it was now nearly 12.00. A lady drew up and said she was the sister of the owner and had a key to the electronic gate and said she would ask her sister if she would allow us in!!!! Fortunately, the husband came down to the gate and explained that the dogs are all put out in the exercise pens after 10.30 and it upsets them if cars are coming in and out all the time but by this time I think he could see how upset I was becoming and said he would let me in but the car had to stay by the road! I walked up the drive with Totty into a really beautiful garden and house with lovely kennels to one side. He checked all her papers and took her in and she went off quite happily while I walked back down the drive to the car. We'll make sure we are on time next time!
Now all we had was a seven hour drive in front of us. Driving down through the country was lovely, the scenery changes by the minute. We stopped in Taupo for lunch and had a toasted panini with chicken and avocado before setting off again. Taupo is beautiful and the lake is huge being the biggest in NZ and was formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions ever. You drive along the lake's edge for a long way and then you see the snow covered peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe - it was beautiful. You then drive through the Rangipo Desert with Mt Ruapehu on your right for many miles and there was a big sandstorm blowing as we went through. This is a big military exercise area and you are advised to stay on the road!
After all that excitement you drop down to flatter land with sheep and cattle herds but still very beautiful in the region of Palmerston North. We were making good time and the roads were really clear and not so windy as around Rotorua and Taupo.
We finally arrive in Wellington about 7.00 and found our hotel quickly and were ready for a warm shower and a cold beer. It was by this time raining and so we had dinner at the hotel which was very good. I chose the fish of the day and Jon had lamb. I can't remember what the fish was called it certainly wasn't cod or hake! but it was good.
After a flat, white decaf coffee (that's a cross between a cappuccino and a white coffee that I don't think we have in UK and it's not a latte but Jon and I are hooked on them) it was time for bed and hope for better weather tomorrow.
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