By 10:30am it was warming up and we had a hike with Andy up the Conical trail. Andy grew up not too far from Hamner Springs. As we hiked, he told us he has been hiking this trail for 50 years! It was 20 minute climb to the top, but worth every step to see the full 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains.
Taking a different trail down from the top, we found a frozen pond with 1-2 inches of ice on the top. It turns out skipping ice on ice is very satisfying. Down from the pond was a beautiful stream gently flowing down into the New Zealand wilderness.
For lunch in the quite town of Hamner Springs, we found a nice fish and chips shop. Well, I got fish and chips. The children all enjoyed a fine kiwi burger with pickled beats, eggs, pineapple and all the other hamburger fixings. By lunch time is was perfect temperature to sit in the sun with Andy and Barby outside. Following lunch we went our second day to Hamner Springs Pools https://hanmersprings.co.nz/. This is a waterpark none to match. It included 4 great water slides and a ton of natural thermal heated hot tubs. It was no problem spending the whole evening from hot tub to slide and back again. I even got a bunch of laps in the pool.
Last night we parked in free camping spot in the woods by the NZ parks. Tonight we upgraded to a great campground with a game room! You might notice in the corner there are two old school video games for free!! These proved to be a fun conclusion to the day. The Lord has been good to us these days. We are about to head to bed.
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