Wednesday 11th Nov
A bright and sunny start to the day that soon turned into a cold and wet day. Although the sun was shinning there was a strong cold head wind and after a few miles the sun gave up and the rain started to fall. I stopped several times for a warm up and a hot drink and my camera never left my pocket all day. I was on my way to stay with Matts Mum and her family and glad not to be camping in this weather. When I arrived Liz was still at work and I was welcomed by Mani and Matiu, Later Matiu took me across the road to their community building where 2 Waka's (Maori canoes) are on Display. The waka named Te Raukura is the one that Steve used to row and taught teams of people how to use. I was planning on getting the ferry tomorrow but Liz talked me out of it and insisted I stay a second night as the weather was still going to be bad and the crossing wold not be a good one.[PHOTO_ID_L=waka.jpg] [PHOTO_ID_L=1-waka.jpg][PHOTO_ID_L=morae.jpg] [PHOTO_ID_L=inside-the-morae.jpg]

Thursday 12th Nov
I am glad I was not booked on the ferry as the wether was still bad first thing. After Liz and Mani had got all the kids off to school, Liz took me over to their Morae and gave me a tour around, meeting many of the locals and more of her relatives as well. Liz was a great tour guide and explained many things about Maori culture and customs, the Morae and how the carvings at the front of the building represent the body the top being the head with the arms extending out and the the main roof beam is the spine and the rafters are the ribs, the main hall is the body. Her Grandfather who was the main force behind getting this Morae built is buried in the grounds out front. I felt very privileged to have had my own private tour and have had a great insight into Moari culture and customs. 
 
Friday 13th Nov
After some whitebait fritters for breakfast I loaded up the bike and said my good byes to Liz, Mani and the children and set off in to Wellington, it was bitter cold and very windy. So much for the wether forecast. I stopped off at an AA shop to pick up some free maps of the south island and then went in search of a laundrette before getting on the ferry. Once at the ferry the bikes were all bunched together and I got chatting to everyone in a small bus like shelter provided for bikers in case of rain. We were loaded on quite quickly and had to strap our bikes down our selves. Once the bike was secure I ended up sitting down with one of the other bikers from the queue. And now have another place to stay in the north island. The crossing started off a little rough but got better It was too cold to go outside and take photos I'll have to take some on the way back.