Xmas in NZ

With only one boat on the roof we left the South Island. For the weekend we checked in at Simon's place in Wellington. It was time to check out the nightlife of the capital. It was also time to enjoy some regular showers and to wash some cloth. It felt like coming home for a few days.

On monday we head north to the Blissstick factory to pick up a new boat. Thanks to awesome support I was looking forward to a new boat for Xmas. A short breakdown of the van forced us to stop. Which looked like a blown head gasket on the first sight was fixed by replacing the broken radiator cap. We arrived late at the factory.

Just arrived Coke and Charles invited us to join the Blissstick Xmas BBQ the next evening. The next day we helped at the factory and where getting supplies for the BBQ. In the evening most of the Blissstick Team showed up and the BBQ turned into a smashing party until early morning.
The hangover followed shortly after. A mellow day with some kayaking on the local run with Nils who showed up a day to late. The next day we started early in the morning and worked a long day to finish three boats we should take with us. I was able to do most work on my boat myself what was great. I also had the option to customize my kayak.

Finishing another boat the next morning we left the factory with 5 boats total. Well just two boats where ours.

We were off to check out Huka Falls. After a safety mission where we had to rope out Oscar it was time to hit the Hot Springs.

The next day we wanted to run Huka. But while we are having breakfast the river came up to a level we didn't want to attempt. So we drove to the Kaituna. This river is a blast. It's just fun! We stayed there over Xmas and run it 4 to 6 times a day. Never got bored.

From the Kaituna we drove to Mount Maunganui. This is where Simon grew up and his parents still live there. They welcomed us Kiwi-Style.

We had some relaxing days on the beach before it was time for us to hit Auckland to sell the van. Again it broke down on us overheating.

We thought we are fucked when the mechanics told us the head gasket is blown and there is no way we can drive it somewhere. Shortly after they offered us to buy another car and they would keep ours. This is when we realized something is wrong. Well we still could drive to Simon's place. There we found out the cooler is clogged. 12h later we had fixed the problem and drove to Auckland. 2,5 days to sell a van might be short but we managed to get rid of it the first day.

A wild night followed it was time to celebrate.