Well we set off to take Tot to kennels very early and not looking forward to the drive as the forecast was for heavy rain! After leaving Tot we carried on down to Taupo and no rain. We stopped at the Prawn Park for coffee and muffin and then went on to Huka Falls where we did have a few spots of rain.
We then went to look at the bungy jumpers before carrying on to Napier. We stopped at a lookout and found a beautiful waterfall that we hadn't seen before. Although the rest of the trip was cloudy at least we didn't have rain.
We arrived in Napier at 2.00 and checked into our hotel which was old but all Art Deco and not bad for the price. We went for lunch at a place across the road and then to the Tourist Information to book a wine tour for Sunday. We then played 18 holes of mini golf which was fun. We took a drive up to Bluff Hill which gives lovely views across the bay.
For dinner we stayed in and went to one of the hotel restaurants and had a really good meal before going to bed at about 10.30.
We woke to the forecast heavy rain on Sunday and after running across the road to the cafe spent a long time over breakfast. We then went to the Art Deco shop and watched a film about Napier. Unfortunately, the museum is closed for rebuilding so Heather and Malcolm could see it which was a shame as it is a good little place.
We took a drive out to Havelock North but all the cafes were so busy we couldn't get a seat so we drove back as we had to be at the Information centre by 12.50.
We were picked up and the rain was still pouring down. The wine tour was good but would have been so much nicer in the sun. We visited four wineries and tried a total of 31 wines and one port. We had cheese and biscuits at the third place which was just as well as we had no lunch and were very hungry. I had to give up at the last place so didn't try the last seven!!
We got back and I went for a little sleep before we got ready for dinner.
We went out to get a taxi to take us to West Quay where we had a lovely meal at a place recommended in the Lonely Planet before getting a taxi home. I only drank one small glass of wine with my dinner and lots of water!
Monday morning was a little cloudy and I rang the office about the gannet tour and they said it would go ahead so after breakfast and checking out we drove along to Clifton where the sun came out Yeah!! The trip has to wait till the tide is going out to take you along the beach on a tractor and trailer.
Three tractors and trailers set off and the tide was not far out. As I have been on the trip before I said we should sit on the shore facing side of the trailer and were so glad we did as the other side got very wet as the driver liked to take the trailer into the water. After all the rain on Sunday there were lots of slips and we got stuck in soft sand and we all had to get off and one of the other tractors helped get him out. Another time he stopped the tractor but didn't put the break on properly and we drove into the sea and he had to quickly jump back on and we had to get off and be pulled out again!! He had been telling us about a golf course up above on the top of the cliffs and said there are usually balls on the beach, he saw one and jumped off to get it and of course the result was as above!! All good fun though and we had a great time.
We reached the bottom of the path were you go up to see the gannets and we climbed up, about 25 minutes. Last time I went there were no chicks. This time there were lots but with that come the most disgusting smell of poo and really strong ammonia!!! The chicks were lovely to see but we didn't hang around too long.
The ride back we were facing the sea which although it had gone out a little was still rough and waves breaking over the tractor and I got very wet feet. I was so glad we had gone ahead with the trip as the sky was clear blue and so hot. After four hours on a tractor though I was ready to get off.
We drove to get some lunch but as it was late had to make do with BP sandwiches which were actually very good.
The drive home took till 6.30 and I had to call the kennels to say we would have to pick Tot up tomorrow.
We were all really tired and hungry so we had some of the new leg of ham I bought last week with chip shop chips and fried egg and it tasted so good.
We are all feeling the affects of a lot of sun and Heather is a bit burnt on one shoulder but a really good weekend. I am feeling like I have been on a boat trip though and looking forward to my bed.
WEATHER
Saturday - Cloudy and dull 22 degrees
Sunday - Heavy rain till evening 21 degrees
Monday - Beautiful sunshine after a cloudy start 24 degrees
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