Saturday started off with wind, followed by rain. We had a cooked breakfast, said goodbye to Jane (our landlady) then set off to drive the coast road round Wellington harbour.
The wind was incredibly strong, but at least the rain had disappeared and the sun was shining. We made numerous stops round the bay, during which we sorted out our lodgings for the next few nights. Tonight with Steve and Rob, Sunday in a B&B in Hastings then Monday in Napier with Joy and Graham.
Like a lot of NZ, the hills came down right to the waters edge in many places, but this was the first time we had seen personal cable cars and funicular railways to individual homes. Garages were squeezed in at the side of the road, then the house was high up on the hillside with a fabulous view over the harbour.
At several of our stops we saw scuba divers changing in the car park or actually in the water. There's a marine reserve around that section of the harbour, plus several wrecks. Not surprising given the normal windy conditions and the number of rocks just off land.
As we left the water's edge the rain started to drizzle, but then stopped long enough for us to play a round of crazy golf at Carlucci Land. Craziest golf we've ever done, including many rusty art works made out of old mining and farming equipment, and all run on an honesty system. As we finished hole 18 the rain started to get heavier, then, as we were driving north towards Porirua, it came down in torrents.
Mick could barely see the road for the next few kilometres of motorway (yes, a real motorway!) and lots of cars pulled off the road to wait it out.
At Porirua we stopped at Pataka, an art museum and gallery which Jane had recommended to us. We had lunch in their cafe then wandered around the two main exhibitions. One, "60 Women at 60", was a series of wonderful photos of women in their 60th year of life. Heather and Dianne, you would have loved it!
Our next stop was at Paekakariki at the home of our friends Steve and Rob. They were only just back from Nelson having stayed on for a few days after the end of the TR tour, but generously had invited us, plus Grant and Bev, for a BBQ. It was as though they were old friends and we were very happy to see them all again. A great BBQ, then a peaceful night. Wonderful house with views of the sea, but it was thundery and heavy rain all evening so we will have to wait for tomorrow morning to appreciate it in full.
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