Second day out when we take a side trip to Matamata (Hobbiton) for a tour around town and a visit to their new 'I' site featuring Hobbiton from the Lord of the Rings.

On a hot sunny day just north of Taupo about half way to our destination problems arise.....Sue and Brian's SUV has serious overheating problems. After adding transmission oil we creep into town and set up camp in a park by the lake. The following morning their SUV is towed away to the car doctor and we move both of our caravans into a very pleasant and well run RV Campground.

With most of N.Z. on holidays in January it will be more than week before we are back on the road. A new radiator and rebuilt transmission have been installed in this time.