A tale of two playgrounds

A day off to enjoy the breezy sunshine. A slow morning, including me and Jemima doing a Cosmic Kids yoga DVD together; and a drive through more rolling farmland - only getting lost once - to a nearby recommended beach, too windswept for the planned swimming and sand castles, but with the unexpected bonus of a great pirate ship playground and a lovely picnic area for lunch.

Then a drive down Whanganui's Main Street ("specially designed for ladies to spend money!" says the tourist map) to Kowhai Park, chock full of amazing children's play stuff, and happy Whanganui families. (It was free to enter, and there wasn't even a cafe to make money from you - an amazing investment by the local authorities, and it feels very New Zealand-ish). Then back to the campsite for more kid gang playing, and our first NZ barbecue - they have them available to use at all campsites and most public areas (our lunch spot had three). Steak, coleslaw, potato salad, broccoli, avocado - everyone was happy. And a final bout of playing before bed. On the road again tomorrow, but it's been a good pit stop - I wouldn't rush back to Whanganui, but this campsite has worked amazingly for us. Back to a city (Wellington) for a few days, then we'll see what the South Island has to offer. 

 

The road (we got lost on, on the way) to Kai Iwi beach:

 

The beach:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pirate ship playground:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kowhai Park:

 

Walking on the moon:

 

 

 

 

Daddy bear and baby bear:

Dinner outside the camp kitchen: