It was suggested that Brian Lettis take his loving wife on a Sunday drive.  The first place they called in at was Taieri Mouth.  As the name implied, it is at the mouth of the fourth largest river in New Zealand, the Taieri River.  There is a fishing fleet, but is in essence the place was a holiday destination, where people usually go for weekends, or a days outing.  Cribs, which were holiday houses were built, catering for the weekend visitor were extensive  There were also a number of permanent residents living at Taieri Mouth,  Along with a nice beach, there lay a couple of lagoons and wetlands, where native birds frequently visited.
 
The couple called into a picnic place called “Livingstonia Park”.  From there they strolled along one of a couple of tracks towards the two kilometre long beach.  Then when they returned, having brought a picnic hamper bag containing bread and butter, a couple of plates, and honey they made lunch at the park.  After a while, Brian took another leisurely stroll to the beach, to have a look over the blue Pacific Ocean. Satisfied that it was a very pleasant scene, he then headed back to the car, where he found his wife quite happily sitting in the winter sun.  
 
Kate decided to put all their possessions back into the car, and take a 12 kilometre drive over a hill to Lake Waihola, which was another popular place for the weekend traveller.  Unlike Taieri Mouth, which has no stores, Waihola has a dairy, tea rooms, a tavern, and a petrol station.
 
The domain which has camping and boating facilities is really the place to be for picnics, with ample picnic tables, under mature willow trees, and these were well utilized in the summer.  In fact it pays for people going to Waihola for a day’s excursion to leave early in the morning, other wise they will be very lucky to find a place to park the cars!
 
A lot of people bring their water craft, boats, jet skis and the like, and make a real good time of the day at Waihola.  Gathering around the picnic tables, they chat about the week, or what ever they want, while some of their friends or family zaps about in the water, some towing water skiers.  Another part of the domain, there is a swimming area, where boats are not allowed to go, making it very safe for children. There is a slide in the water, and a pontoon, these are very good for kids to play and swim around.
 
The couple remained there until after 4 p.m. when it time to make tracks for home, and a nicely cooked roast lamb.  That made a great finale to a great day out for Kate and Brian.
 
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