We are heading south and finally getting back on the trail. We have enjoyed our time with the family. Kindly they offer to drop us off. We get to Lake Mareatai in the afternoon. There is a freedom camping area right on the lake. You are allowed here 2 nights.

We say our goodbyes and set our tent up. Rowan confesses he is feeling like crap. Eek we thought we got away with not getting sick, but it looks like he caught something. We meet a lovely couple in a camper and they make me a cup of tea complete with a gingernut biscuit.

The next day Rowan is full of the flu. We achieve precisely nothing. The fog is incredibly thick and lifts around lunchtime. We have breakfast at the local cafe and get some supplies for dinner. My camper friend makes me another tea!

Still unwell and about to be here a third night. I suggest we go stay somewhere like a lodge. Rowan doesn’t want to, but I find a cute airbnb and book it for two nights. I achieved finishing my book. I must say it has been rather cold here. I have been sleeping with socks to stay warm.

I am looking forward to comfort, a fireplace, a hot shower. Loosing those comforts we come to expect has been quite liberating. I appreciate a lot of different aspects of life we just take for granted. Look at this arty, quirky, cosy cottage.

The place feels like home. Deb is a great host and the property is meticulously clean. I relax straight away and cosy up by the fire.

That bed is amazing. Staying here turns into 4 nights. Rowan finally starts feeling better and we enjoy our stay. Mangakino has a really good vibe. The community look out for one another. It has seen a lot of growth property wise in the last 5 years. My curiosity gets the better of me and we go check out a house. The agent unintentionally talks us out of buying here. The market has risen x5 in the last 5 years. The agents here have decided with the downturn market not to drop the prices of properties in the area. There has been one sale in the past 6 months and that is because the owner was desperate and took $200k less than advertised. The agents have successfully cornered the market and would rather sell no houses than let the property prices drop. There are roughly 40 properties for sale and some have nearly been on the market for two years. A subdivision was put in and available from October, yet not one section has sold. In saying all this, we wouldn’t say no to buying here. It would just need to be at a lot less than the agents are telling their vendors to wait for.

Our last day here is super relaxing, I potter around and get us organised for the trip ahead. Rowan prepares our meals. I am just about to hop into a hot shower (won’t have one for a few days) read my book and aim for an early night.