Monday 17th November 2025

Monday 17^th November

SHE SAID:

More of the family are departing for Auckland & Melbourne today. We headed to Molly’s to say goodbye, then took off on a “Tiki Tour”, as the locals call touring here. I suggested Cape Reinga, the most northerly point of NZ. Geoff & I did it 25+ years ago.

It was about 2 hours away, just under 200km; a nice scenic drive in lovely weather.

I didn’t recognise the place. I assume it has changed since we were last there! The lighthouse was vaguely familiar, & unlike Australia, it was free to access. A nice change!

We had a walk on Tapotupotu Beach, & had some crisps to keep us going till we found food on the trip back.

We dropped in at Molly’s again, finding the final 3 family members, Merrill, John, & Joline there, along with Molly. They were awaiting the arrival of the plumber, as Molly had a leak from her 30-year-old dishwasher that she never uses. He turned up a short while later & sorted it out.

Cape Reinga

The meeting of the Tasman Sea & Pacific Ocean

HE SAID:

Jenny’s husband, Mike, reminded us that Cape Reinga was a long drive. But, as it was only two hours each way we weren’t worried. The Cape, and the drive up there, are good to see.

It seems that Molly and Evan share the idea that 30 year old appliances are still relieable. But they're not. And now it gets expensive, as calling out a plumber is not cheap.