It was just as well we were up bright and early while overnighting at Cvana, in Tauranga. We had parked the van in the workers car parking area and needed to depart. The factory is situated in a busy industrial area and cars and trucks were tooing and froing, arriving for work and going about their business. The helpful staff guided us out and in front of their workshop, the car was unhooked, and once again we were free for several hours. Taking Gemma with us too, of course.
Where to this time? We weren't too far from The Mount (Mount Maunganui) so drove there and found a parking spot overlooking the beach. What a busy bunch the locals were. There were people climbing up the pathway on the Mount, tiny dots in the distance. We watched as a never ending stream of people walked, jogged, ran and cycled along the pathway adjacent to the beach. Fit youngsters effortlessly ran by, older couples walked together, young Mums wheeled their babes in pushchairs, it was great to see many people out and about enjoying the morning.
Mt Maunganui and the beach
After a couple of hours we got a call to say the repairs had been completed, so back we went to collect the van and get on our way. Our stop for the night was not too far away, a 14km drive to Welcome Bay NZMCA Park. This park has plenty of room, with large grassy areas for parking.
Welcome Bay NZMCA Park
A couple of the nearby properties have peacocks, and their distinctive calls rang out. It's almost as if they are crying "Help". There is a large meeting room with books to swap, and several boxes of kiwi fruit had been donated for the members. "Help yourselves", we were told.
Zespri kiwifruit on offer
I don't remember seeing the "Tree of Knowledge" last time we stayed here, complete with a swing, but here it is.
The Tree of Knowledge
In the evening we met up with friends Louise and Robert who live in nearby Papamoa, and went out to dinner at the local RSA. The meal was very nice, salmon for me, and a lamb shank for Robin. For some reason, not a single photo was taken. The weather changed overnight, and we woke to wind and rain, not at all nice after our days of sunshine.
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