We’d decided to find a motel in Pukekhoe, half an hour south of Auckland airport, where Julie and Gordon would stay overnight after putting me on the homeward plane. After lunch in the Atrium at The Domain, we abandoned the idea of One Tree Hill and headed for Pukekhoe, determined to banish the motel-hunting demons from the previous night.

Pukekhoe is a farming community, and we found a lovely garden centre for our final coffee (Decaf Soy Flat White, naturally!) of the holiday, with a piece of lemon slice and cream as a treat. The motel was perfect, with a swimming pool and space for me to sort my luggage finally, shower and change.

Gordon’s train up from Palmerston North was delayed by an hour, but that still left us plenty of time to find the airport. Road changes and continuing work since the last set of visitors meant the way was knew to them as well as to me. I checked my luggage in, and we headed up to Spinnaker’s restaurant for a farewell meal and to kill some time before my flight.

Goodbyes are never easy, especially to family and after such a wonderful holiday. Still, I’m certain I will be going back again, and hopefully family will come over here in the meantime.

The flight home? Ah, yes, the flight home! Fabulous as far as Hong Kong. I slept through Australia – what a great result!! We’d set off from Auckland at midnight, and arrived in HK about half an hour late, just before 6am. Not my favourite airport – rather sterile, and with nothing open before 7am. Couldn’t even log on to update my Blog.

Back on the plane for the 13 hour leg of the journey, heading happily for take-off, when the pilot announces that the red warning light on the right-hand engine needs investigation, so we’re back off towards the terminal again. Shortly after that, he tells us that a hydraulic thingy has a crack in it, and they will try to replace it, which will take at least 2.5 hours, which we will spend on the plane. Sitting there, refusing repeated offers of champagne (being a non-drinker is SUCH a disadvantage at a time like this!), popping my No Jet Lag pills and glancing at my watch, I can see the time ticking away, and hope they can manage the repairs so that I make it home in time for Grahame’s 40th (sorry, Grahame!) party the following day.

We finally set off, 3 hours late, and I’ve managed to text family in UK to let them know I’ll be much later in than expected. The flight seems interminable, and I watch 2 movies, since I can’t seem to sleep through. The cabin crew have been brilliant, and there’s a round of applause when we finally land after circling Heathrow for 3/4 an hour for a landing slot. The luggage finally appears, and I’m back in the UK, to a cold, frosty English winter night and a warm family welcome.