Our Final Days in New Zealand

A Grey Heron takes flight in Raglan, New Zealand

We returned to New Zealand's north island on the Picton to Wellington ferry, arriving around eight in the morning for our 10:45 departure.  The check-in lady was surprised that we were so early... they were only boarding for the 8:30 ferry.  She kindly put us on it.  Although we were the last to get off, we had still gained two hours of driving time.  We had planned to take the west coast of to Auckland and figured we would need nearly twenty hours of driving over the next three days.

We had difficulty finding a camping spot for the night.  Our maps and apps were spotty, and we couldn't find the initial campground David had chosen.  We had to drive on.  It was getting late in the afternoon, and we were both tired.  David found a tiny tent on the map, another forty minutes up the road.  We had no idea what we would find but determined that would be our campsite, irregardless.

We arrived at Wainui Beach.  It almost took our breath away.  We were the only ones at this tiny community campground.  It was right on the beach and perfectly beautiful.  In the distance, we could see the south island.  We had some dinner and strolled the beach.  What a wonderful place!

Our camp at Wainui Beach

Wainui Beach, New Zealand

Our next day's journey took us around an inactive volcano,  Mount Taranaki.  The mountain stands alone among the pastureland, making it quite distinctive.

Mount Taranaki, New Zealand

We camped that night at a holiday camp in Otorohanga.  The following morning we drove through the small town of Kawhia, stopped for coffee, and visited their local museum.

Kawhia, New Zealand

Moari sculpture in Kawhia, New Zealand

Our final night on the road, we spent in Raglan, New Zealand, a small, beautiful resort area.  After lunch in town centre, we camped at the airport campground.  It had beach access, so we went for a stroll.  That evening, one of the park's caretakers suggested that we return for sunset.  Wow!  It was absolutely spectacular.

Grey Heron at Raglan, New Zealand

Sunset at Raglan, New Zealand

The following day we drove into Auckland, returned the camper, and spent the night at the Holiday Inn, which was walking distance to our camper return.  The staff at the motel was so helpful, making sure we had a ground-floor room near the door.  We rearranged our gear and repacked it into its original two duffle bags and one box and enjoyed a lovely meal in our room of fish and chips.

The next morning, we stood in line for our 6:50 am airport shuttle.  People kept coming, joining us in line... and they all carried extremely large bags of luggage.  We were expecting a hotel shuttle but instead a large airport bus arrived.  Unfortunately it was already over half full.  We all piled on, including all of our respective pieces of luggage.  David was able to find spots for our three pieces near the front.  Most people just placed their luggage on the floor under the area around the free-standing grab bars.

As most of you know, I'm a bit claustrophobic.  David and I were separated by lots of luggage, and I had no grab bar as the driver pressed the gas pedal to the floor.  I lurched forward, almost falling into a man's lap.  I began inching up to David until I was close enough for him to grab my hand.  He pulled me to the luggage rack so I would have something to hang on to.  The bus driver took turns like he was driving a sports car.  Every time he did, luggage slid across the floor, bashing into seats and people.  A small rolling bag, slammed into the back of my calf.  I still have a bruise.

Meanwhile the driver was on his radio, telling the dispatcher he was at full capacity.  The dispatcher insisted that he stop by two more motels.  We picked up one lady at the first stop.  With no room to spare, she stood next to the driver, right next to the "no person beyond this point" sign.

At the second stop, however, nearly 30 additional people stood in line... all with an exceptional amount of luggage. The driver opened the door to tell them he was full and another bus would arrive in approximately five minutes.  It didn't matter.  They began to pile on with us.

It was shocking.  The bus driver lost complete control.  People were yelling at him, angry that there wasn't room for all of them to board.  Others began cramming themselves and their luggage on the bus.  Most of us were simply squashed between people and their bags.  At least we weren't afraid of falling anymore... there were too many folks aboard for any of us to ever hit the floor.

The driver actually stopped at one more motel... for what reason, I still don't understand.  Thankfully, no one was there.  He then made a full dash for the airport, driving at breakneck speed.  Every corner he made, folks bounced off each other like we were in a giant pinball machine.  A German shouted, "Slow down!"

Asians began yelling in their respective languages.  Everyone became even more upset.  We finally arrived at the airport.  Unfortunately the driver stopped at the domestic gates first.  How those poor folks in the back of the bus managed to squeeze through all of us... with their luggage... was remarkable.

When we made the international gate, I literally fell from the bus when someone behind me pushed too hard.  The lucky bloke in front of me made my landing easier.  Thankfully, we both managed to stay on our feet.  I dashed for one of the last luggage carts.  David stayed aboard to pass our bags to me.  I don't think I have ever been so grateful to be out of a bus and on solid ground in my life.

What an end to our trip to New Zealand!  As we settled into our seats on New Zealand Air, we wonder... what does Australia have in store for us?