With a practiced military precision, the group of intrepid hikers worked as one to clean up our cottage and depart on schedule for our various next missions. George made quick work of getting us to Christchurch airport, where we checked ourselves in and then enjoyed a flat white and a scone. Interestingly, our flight did not require that we go through security. We walked right out on the tarmac and then up the ramp to the plane, a propeller plane (ATR 72) with two seats each side of the aisle, almost like a throwback!
We landed in Wellington to a beautiful day and then headed up the coast in our rental car to stay the night with friends Jan and Jock on their deer farm in Te Horo. Just a splendid evening of catch up and connection and that wonderful sense of being home, even a short stroll to check out the animals.
We got caught up with laundry and after both a good breakfast and lunch, set out for Lake Taupo, where we are spending tonight and tomorrow. We have a comfy apartment right on the edge of the lake. Nothing much on the agenda except to get caught up and refreshed.
We drove through the central volcanic plateau of the North Island and then up the East side of Lake Taupo. Astute blog readers will remember that previously we drove down the West side of Lake Taupo.