We are slowly creeping down the East Coast of the South Island, New Zealand, and have stayed in some great places. Four nights in Ashburton, two at CAP 7768. A good stop with loo, and washing machine. Robbie, the host is very friendly, even inviting us into his home for a final morning tea before we left. We then went to the southern side of Ahburton (7775) for another two nights. The stops are very different but the host here, Rick, made us very welcome also. This stop has a covered area for happy hour etc and the parking area is covered in metal. So all weather.
From Ashburton it is a short drive to the Ealing NZMCA Park. Lovely grassy area with a converted school room/church. The park is dedicated to the McKenzie family, of the McKenzie Shop fame and the McKenzie Trust, who used to live in Ealing.
A generator can be connected to the building for lights etc.
A couple of nights here and then down to 7932, the Old Seadown School just north of Timaru. The school is now in private hands and the buildings have been converted into a comfortable home.
Lewis, the host came out when we arrived to welcome us and inform us of all the amenities. There is a toilet, shower, washing machine and fresh water. We plan on moving tomorrow, (8th Feb), after three nights. We will miss this place.
We took a trip into Timaru for a good explore and also down to the Opihi river. There were several banded dotterels and a pied stilt on the stoney river banks.
Seen near the information centre. This sculpture is of Captain Henry Cain, born 1816, went to sea aged 13 and settled in Timaru in 1857. He was a prominent business man and Mayor of Timaru. He died in 1857, poisoned by his Son in Law.
A mural also sighted at the information centre.
Timaru is a nice city sited on some rolling country side with plenty of character. Apparently there was a fire in the early days which meant that all the larger buildings were constructed from stone.
South Island and Return 
How has the weather been lately for you? Guess the farmers are needing rain.
Sounds like you are meeting some lovely POP mainlanders and soaking up the local history.
Enjoy !
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Hi Carolyn. Thanks for the comments. It is really dry down here. We haven’t had any significant rain since we left home. Hills have been very brown. Fire warning out for Sth Canterbury and Otago. That’s where we are off to so fingers crossed. Everyone has been very helpful to us. C
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Hi to you both, glad to hear that you have found Southlander’s helpful. I think most campers are anyway. That has been our experience either to help or be helped.
Keith and I Toured the USA in a nylon tent. Tell you the story why, some other time. We had hoped to buy a small
van but a big argument with all Insurance companies meant, they were not taking new clients
Doris Brading
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