On our return to Wellington we planned to spend it at the top of Mt. Victoria which overlooks the capital city and the bay. However, would you believe it they celebrate bonfire night here, a little late, and they had closed access to the mount to residents only. Instead we returned to our previous free camp area on the banks of the bay. Last time we were here it was peaceful. However, when we arrived the car park was filling up with locals setting bonfires on the beach in preparation for the evenings 9:30pm bay firework display. Luckily we got a spot to camp for the night but needless to say it wasn't peaceful with festivities continuing until past midnight (Dave wouldn't know as he went to sleep and drowned out the fireworks with the sound of his snoring).
We traveled northwards the next day to a place called Whanganui. Sarah took on the role of historical tour guide once again. We were surprised to find out that Whanganui had links with The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) which my Great Grandfather, Major Herbert Barker MBE, had served in. The fire watch tower below was built by the KOYLI in the 1860's when the battalion was stationed here the bell in the top of the tower was made in Sheffield and the clock that was later added from the town hall was also manufactured in Yorkshire. This area on top of the hill was the original locations of a Moari Pa (fortified village) and later the first European fort.
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