Leaving day for Ma (think Bristol accent). We drove up to the Bluff Lookout over Napier and watched the docks at work, then continued on to Taupo for lunch.

On the way to Hamilton we stopped at Te Waihou Walkway as recommended by Tim's folks and Auntie Jean. The river Waihau was a beautiful blue-green and amazingly clear. Scott and I paddled, but Ma was too worried about her flight to do the walk.

Next we stopped at Hamilton Gardens for a stroll and to cool off (we'd all worn grey day gear after the day before's showers, but it was scorchio!) The gardens looked beautiful, but we didn't have time to explore them properly. Instead, we ambled round the lake and up to the highest point.

At the airport we had a final cup of tea with Ma before saying goodbye. The rest of us went back to Tim and Cindy's for a simple supper and bed. The end of a great trip.