Some big distances in the North Island (or perhaps just having less time to do it).
Before that, though, a bit of learning Kiwi ( or not). The best way I can describe it is that when there is an “e” as in “test” it is pronounced about 75% “i” and 25% “e”, so closer to “tist” but not completely. Haven’t fully mastered “i” as in “tin” but a similar concept.
So when paying for a meal with a credit card in Nelson and the waitress asks if I have a pen, I start rummaging around in my bag, wondering why she doesn’t lend me hers. Then it dawns that I need to key in my PIN.
And on the ferry when parking up the lady says do we want to go to the left, there’s me thinking I need to move the car a bit. In fact she obviously thought I was too infirm to use the stairs and was kindly offering an alternative!
So there you go – you don’t need a foreign language to find ways to be embarrassed.
Anyway, off to Tairua which is in the Coromandel. Arguably less spectacular than some other places, but I think we’re past caring. More fabulousness!
View from the house ..
… and the beach about 5 minutes walk.
Hot Water beach. When most people say the sea is warm, it means that there is always that first “oooo” as you get used to it. On this one, the warm springs mean it really is warm.
Then a short ferry ride to dinner of wine and fish and wine ( in that order)
.. before more views on the way home.
And a sunset to cap it all.
