We awoke with the rain pattering down which seemed an omen as we intended to visit Weta,the studio that brought you all the special effects in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. We managed to find the studio tucked away in suburbia and went on the guided tour of the studio. We were shown many of the armour and weapons they had created for the films. We even got to hold a sword used by Elijah Woods. No photographs are allowed as the images are all owned by the film companies and are only on loan at the place of origin. There were many items from other films they had made and we saw a sculptor trying out her skills. Our guide had also help make the huge models in the Gallipoli exhibition which was one reason they were so lifelike. He also had painted the feathers on the giant eagle that hangs up in the airport with a huge gollum. As we had to pass the airport on our way north we popped in to see them. We weren't the only ones doing the same thing either.
After the airport it was straight onto the main highway 1 to visit Jane,an old primary school friend of Kate's who she hasn't seen for over 30 years. They showed us their first house they rented,right on the beach with a view of Katiki Island and then we had lunch in one of the many excellent cafes for a good catchup. Soon it was time to head further north as the rain fell again so we were wetter again.