Sharing a seat with Elijah Wood

After twelve incredible days in the South Island we returned via ferry to the North Island somewhat glum. This didn’t last long though as we’d only just sat down on the ferry when a lady on the table next to us asked Alex for technological assistance. Before we knew it we were sitting at their table discussing everything from the role of the English monarchy today to Obama’s election campaign. They also told us about their religious beliefs and the role God plays in their lives. They were incredibly interesting people to talk to and June even gave us a copy of her book, which she signed to the both of us and we were really glad to have met them.

When our feet were planted firmly on Wellington soil once again we did what we spent most of our previous Welly time doing: visiting the Te Papa museum. We managed to see a few more exhibitions but still didn’t manage to finish it and this was our third time!

Back on our LOTR tour, (A day in Middle Earth) our guide had told us about the Embassy Theatre that had hosted the LOTR world premieres and how the seats had plaques that showing the seating arrangements during the screenings. After some gentle probing one of the Embassy staff members we found out which screen the plaques were in and so we picked a film showing in there, Looper. Barely able to contain our excitement we practically ran into the screen, did a quick scan of the plaques on the way to our seats, which were K.J.Halloran and Keith and Mary Kenderdine (any ideas?) before relaxing enough to watch the film which was absolutely amazing!

After the credits we managed a quick run around the seats as the staff cleaned for the next performance and managed to locate Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortenson, Orlando Bloom, Sir Ian McKellan, Liv Tyler and Hugo Weaving and the picture below of us is in Elijah and Sean’s seats. We couldn’t find Peter Jackson's though so not sure if he was sitting in one of those marked ‘New Line Cinema’ or ‘In memory of.’ However even if you’re not a LOTR fan , it is still a gorgeous cinema to go to.

Our excitement for the night didn’t end then however. We parked up to camp by a reserve in Pentone and had just pulled up and started putting down our blinds when we glanced out and saw a guy in a hood, nose pressed against the window, staring in at us. Needless to say we didn’t stay there and spent a long night trying to find somewhere to camp. We found ourselves parked up outside of Harcourt Park (illegally). This meant that we woke up this morning and got to stroll through the gardens of Isenguard contemplating the monster drive ahead.

And so here we are once again outside of Rotoura after a 451km drive taking up the entire day. Both stiff and tired we are however glad that we took the chance to shower at the Superloo in Taupo, so at least we both feel a little human again. Hopefully our backs will have straightened out enough by tomorrow to visit one of the Maori villages in area.

Rex’s Rules of the Road

* Wellington’s nickname Windy Welli is not undeserved so if in a flat-sided campervan watch for sudden gusts.

* Journeys in NZ can be long and radio signal is tenuous at best. We found a great way to keep entertained was to read short stories to the driver.

* Don’t be creepy and peer into people’s campervans, not a good look.

* Of course Rach has done a review of The Embassy Theatre and has also thrown in one for Wellington iSITE Visitor Centre.