From Akaroa in the Christchurch area, we cut northward back through the central hills of New Zealand's South Island. The spring flowers are out in profusion, especially Scotch Broom an invasive plant from Europe introduced by early settlers. Scotch Broom is especially difficult to eradicate as both New Zealand and California have discovered the hard way.
Yet another winding NZ road
Typical farmlands along river basins
Still, Scotch Broom does make a beautiful spring show.
Glacier melt river with Scotch Broom
We end up at the Tahuna Beach Kiwi Holiday Park in Nelson and are happy to find campsites close to the beach, that is, until we try walking on the beach only to be sand blasted by strong wind.
Blowing sands on a Nelson beach
where Mark's hat goes flying down the beach.
To escape the wind we walk inland through public parks, which include a go cart raceway and large open grassy areas. Being a Sunday afternoon, many families are out enjoying the sunny day especially at the Gypsy Fair. Looks like Nelson is to New Zealand as Santa Cruz is to California, or Eugene is to Oregon.
Go cart race track
Gypsy Fair
Families are out in full force as the Gypsy Fair is a big draw for children.
We get a kick out of the many colorful food booths.
American donuts & hot dogs?
The "Ice Cream" sign attracts me to the Lucky Star
where I order a mango smoothie
As far as we're concerned, the main stars of the show are the handmade gypsy house trucks. Each one is individually made with loving craftsmanship and creative amenities. We especially enjoy seeing the inside of those for sale or ones we are invited into.
Several are for sale... and while tempting to consider, if only for a moment, they are completely impractical. So instead, we release our inner hippies by buying tie dyed tee shirts.
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