Chilling in Kerikeri

Friday 19 September

After yesterdays blip on the weather radar, we woke to chilly temperatures but lovely northland sunshine. I popped out of Banjo to get my early morning Fitbit steps and was promptly waylaid by a video call from Ella and then lots of smooches from campsite pusskin (Rory Gallagher) and campsite pupster (The Captain)!

Late morning we headed to town to visit the Stone Store and find another waterfall. Opened in 1835 the stone store is the longest running shop in NZ and now sells lots of posh & nouveau retro homewares, gifty things and fun cards.

I was wearing my Proud Parent T-shirt as I was over all the hatred and bigotry in the wake of Charlie Kirk's shooting and was pleased to see the Stone Store offering itself as a safe space. We have to fight back one act of kindness, inclusivity and recognition at a time.

The route to the bridge to the waterfalls path went via the next door house which is now a cafe so we had to stop for a date scone before setting off on the path to Wharepuke Falls. Oh, and there was a bit of duck avoidance - so many ducks on the lawn that are clearly fed by tourists as they came bowling over to check out any new visitors in a slightly threatening fashion!

On the way back we went to visit the Māori museum and waka, but like many of the public toilets in the region, it was closed for the season.

Back at Banjo I rustled up a quick lunch with more Black Box product then we did some caravan chores, popped next door to check out the winery and make a provisional booking for Sunday lunch.

Then back into town to see the Downton Abbey movie which did just what it said on the tin! Snack dinner then early bed - alarm set for 6am to watch Black Ferns v Canada in RWC semi-finals.