DAY EIGHT – STRATFORD – HOME

Taranaki Maunga - Mt Taranaki - snow down low with cloud covered peak

Last day of “Wellington Away“

Homeward Bound

#smilingontheinside – Sunday 08 June 2025

We woke up to a frosty morning in Stratford but were very nice’n’ toasty warm inside. Thanks to having two LPG cylinders. The second cylinder was the most important – hahaah – we needed to commission that as the first ran out!

Morning Walk in Stratford Photos

Brunch at Sgt Pepper’s – Broadway – Stratford

Whenever we’re in Stratford at brunchtime, our pick is always Sgt Peppers – near the public library. Their breakfast stack – aka Eggs Benedict – is yet to be beaten.

Via Tongapōrutu – SHW 3

We hung a left when we got to Tongapōrutu and the Three Sisters on SHW3. You can walk to the Three Sisters but you need to time it around the tides (otherwise you’ll get caught!).

The road isn’t very long and it’s a quintessential kiwi bach scene. This jandal covered wall caught our attention.

Tongapōrutu - jandal covered fence along the Three Sisters road

Via Big Azz Fruit Shop – SHW3

Our first choice for real fruit icecreams is the Piopio Berry Farm – but that’s not an all-year operation. Our second choice is the Big Azz Fruit Shop – SHW3 heading north out of Te Kuiti.

Fully-fledged real-deal icecream for Alan and mixed berry yoghurt for me.

“Wellington Away” Summary

Distance Travelled	1,616km
Nights Away	8
Dates – from to	31 May > 08 June 2025
Total Fuel ^{(including RUCs)}	$431.99
Total Accommodation	$180
Nights Freedom Camped	6
NZ Regions Visited	Central Plateau, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Tararua, Wairarapa, Wellington, Taranaki, King Country, Waipa

My World Today

Here’s to safe travels…

Here’s to our first “away” in our new motorhome…

Here’s to another stitch sewn into the tapestry of my ordinary married life!

Here’s to SmilingOnTheInside!