Yep, we finally left Charisma and got in the car to go south.

Today we drove four hours and are south of Auckland in a city called Hamilton. Seems like six hours when you’re on the wrong side of the road at 100 km/hour on a small two lane, flying what seems like just inches past huge trucks coming the other way that barely fit on the road. But we made it. We’re staying in a nice little motorcourt called the Colonial. Walked down the street for Sushi for dinner (after enjoying a couple of “Charismas” on our front porch-yes we brought essential supplies like rum and ginger beer) and now Ann is planning our next leg.

Heading south past Auckland

Our car at the Colonial Motel in HamiltonWe took a walk along the river in Hamilton. Beautiful town.

We took a walk along the river at Hamilton. Beautiful city.

The botanical gardens...

...botanical gardens were gorgeous...

...and an amazing attention to detail

We’ll see what tomorrow brings…we’re planning to be gone a week or so as we loop across the south end of the north island.