I’ve forgotten to start on the first day – Auckland to Otorohanga was without incident – just a sunny rural wander south and long afternoon reading in a sleepy little town.

Otorohanga holiday park – $30

Today I left early and stopped at Te Kuiti just down road for coffee and scone.

Bosco’s cafe

Then it was a pretty winding drive of 2 hours to New Plymouth. I caught a glimpse of Mt Ruapehu in far distance with snow capped top and later, Mt Taranaki above clouds. Lunch at NP was down by docks in the Bach. A chicken salad.

New PlymouthThe BachKai Iwi Beach camp

I am now settled for the night just above Whanganui. $25 for powered site.

I started the journey with 264200 on clock. Currently on 264721.