Nelson here we are!

Awning up for the first time at Matata.......only 3 hours t put up!

House and Car package

'KRAKAFUN' Trial run to Matata

Curtains and all

Sid and Viv's at Otaki Beach. First narrow backing in 1 go!!!!

Allan and Shrek on Otaki Beach

Allan and friend in Wellington before boarding the big ship....Nervous!

First in line at Bluebridge, All excited

The new Bluebridge ferry 'Straightsman' only the 5th crossing. Came from Denmark (Got to be good)

Perfect conditions for our crossing

Jester House Eel feeding. Motueaka

Grab one for lunch Bro!

Time to say goodbye at Nelson airport.........until next time. XXX

Left Tauranga on Monday 13th December fully loaded with caravan in tow, Allan and Shrek. Stayed the first night in Taupo at All Seasons camp. The Isuzu was a bit sluggish on the hills and got pretty hot with red lights coming on. Luckily I had my Bro with me.
Tuesday 14th Dec
Headed for Otaki to stay with friends. Sid and Viv. Murray crewed back from Vanuatu with Sid in Oct 2008.
We arrived and were welcomed into their home. They are one back from Otaki beach. very nice and Shrek was able to run along in the sand. We stayed two nights here and had to back thr van up their narrow drive, in one go I must say, with the help of the guy's guiding me. Thanks.
Thursday 16th Dec
Packed up and headed for Wellington.
Made it there in plenty of time for the Bluebridge ferry. We were first in line!!!!!!!!!! Yes amazing for me I know. But we were last on which meant we were first off. So all I had to do was to drive on and around. We left Shrek in the wagon. Headed up the lift and had a beer and a bite to eat. We went on the new ship, 'Straightsman'. Very flash. Cabins for drivers and reclining seats. 3hours and 15mins. Absolutely flat calm and a little drizzle.
Shrek seemed to be ok i think he did a lot of sleeping. Did a pee stop out of Picton and off to Nelson. Very steep hills and the poor old girl was strugling a bit. We were very curtious letting the traffic past.
Made it to Bernie and DJ's at 7.20pm. It rained most of the way. Backed van down another narrow entrance! All good in one go!!! Yay.