Off to Napier

We’re up early as we have a long drive ahead of us.  Because of Cyclone Gabrielle several major routes are impassable.  As a result we have to take a roundabout route which pretty well doubles the distance from Rotorura to Napier.  We go through a town called Taihape where we grab a sandwich and stretch our legs.  

We have to drive to Palmerston in the south and then back up to Napier.  It is gorgeous country.

Along the way there are detours and many road construction speed zones so even though the map says 6 hrs. 11 mins. it takes 10 hours!  We arrive and check in to our hotel, have dinner and then it’s time for bed.  We’ll explore tomorrow.