We start our day with an amazing flat white at https://proofandstock.com/ before heading over to Pukekura Park. What a glorious, lush park with native trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, lakes and a waterfall that turns on and off! Oh and a fab Tea House!

After stopping at one of Don’s childhood homes, we head up to Mount Taranaki. Don is driving this bit and thank the lord as it is twistier and turnier than a twisty turny thing! But what a view! Mt. Taranaki is hiding behind cloud but it’s beautiful and we go for a short bush walk. It’s blowing a gale and very chilly. The bush here is referred to as Goblin Forest because all the trees are draped in moss and lichens. At the end of the walk, we come across the old tramping hut. We decide to camp here on the mountain for the night and as we settle in, the clouds disappear and she finally says hello…