The people at the Grance told me there was not a lot to see and do inbetween Napier and Carterton, so no additional stay. Meaning I have one day extra at the South Island.

I visited the Te Mata Peak which gave a perfect view over the total valley and Hawke's Bay.

From Napier to Carterton it is partly a rather dull road, so I was glad I arrived in Carterton. It is a small town like so many in NZ, shops near the highway and houses a bit further from it. Not teh nicest tonw I have seen, but the region itself is good for wine tatsing again in Martinborough.

I found the house of the family easily and the niece of my mother invited me to their home. Many personal thing to tell, even more to listen to, so rapidly got the story on how they got to NW 55 years ago and how life was rather difficult at the start. A bit later her husband arrived and the evening was ended near the fireplace ...

The next day we went to walk at one of the mountains near by, it's just a few minutes to get in the nature again. And in the afternoon we visited one of her daughters living in the countryside.

Overall two interesting days and I will even meet one of their sons today in Wellington and possible backpack at their place.

Due to the extra day and also due to the ok weather it seems to be possible to go further south than I was anticipating at first. Meaning I will will cross to the South Island tomorrow and from there will try to get to Queenstown and will try to use one of the passes to get to the East side in Christchurch. Let's see if I can maken it, if not I have to travel some days back along the western coast and try to get the plane in time :-).