We are on the move again - having left lovely Matauri Bay and Keri Keri, which must be one of New Zealand's loveliest small towns, and are on our way south again, first to Waipu where Warren has a short term contract. Money is a priority sometimes.

One of the most fantastic things about life on the road is all the people we meet driving a wide variety of rigs; caravans, fifth wheelers and buses big and small. Some have another home to go to but others don't.  Some committed life stylers have been on the road in NZ for years. Most are retirees who have realised they don't want the hassle of a house and garden any more, and prefer the freedom a motor home provides. Every day we meet someone new, someone we would never have known if we had stayed home. Matauri Bay was no exception, in fact it was one of the friendliest places we have been.

Larry and Jenny from Napier have been on the road for the last three years. They live in what most would consider a very small motorhome, but they make it work, and they even carry their musical instruments - two electric guitars, mics and sound mixing system. Its a mystery to me how they fit it all in. They do tow a trailer for their fishing equipment. Their music was much appreciated at Matauri Bay happy hours.

Andrew and Carolyn have a Winebago Vectra which is like a purpose built bus. It has all the acoutrements of a very nice one bedroom apartment. Carolyn told me they have been on the road most of the time for the last for nine years, in several different vehicles, though they do have an apartment which they occasionally return to. They started by setting off on a four month holiday to the South Island, fully intending to return to their business, but had such a good time that they decided to keep going. They wanted to enjoy doing the things they love, fishing, tramping and hunting while they were young and fit enough. " We kept meeting people who weren't couldn't do these things," she said, and realised it was important not to leave it too late.

We also met some fellow Rotoruians escaping the cold.

Many have small boats and fishing gear, which keeps them occupied when the weather is decent. Changeable weather is one of New Zealand's notable features, so stormy days sees us all tucked up our vans with books, cards and TV for company. No one is complaining.

I'll probably be off line for the next couple of months as we'll be stationery for a while.