We left Shelly Bay and passaged south down the winding cliff edge west coast road (described by a kiwi as a monkey of a road) to Thames where we bought a replacement toaster as the one on the van was tripping the electrics. We then drove on south to Katikati where we found a "freedom site” at the Tuapiro Reserve. 

We were in the north part of this sheltered bay; the channels are well marked with some moorings. It is all very well sheltered from the open sea.

We are now in wine country, and we are doing our best to ensure that there is no surplus. There are miles and miles of enormously tall hedges protecting the vines—we felt sorry for the hedge cutters!

The overnighting works on the basis that you can either go to a camp site and pay about 22 dollars per person for a pitch with a “hook up” i.e. electricity. Water, communal BBQ, kitchens, launderette, showers,WCs etc are all provided but you do have close neighbours! Alternatively one can “freedom camp” at authorised places but the motorhome must be self contained i.e. have a loo and shower with grey and brown water holding tanks. There is no charge. Essentially it is like sailing—you can anchor away from everyone or you can go into a marina and have all mod cons! Battery recharging dictates that a visit to a camp site is required about every third day for a deep cycle recharge!! We are now into all the jargon!

We had a good walk around the estuary and saw a lot of birds which we were now able to identify, Helen having bought a bird book.

Finally look how Renee Vorstman of Sotheby’s describes himself!