I have the morning for a last walk along the Waikato River. Local friends tell me that Hamilton is learning to look at the river, having built with its back to it.

Part of the path is blocked off, so I did a bit of off-roading and bush bashing before getting back on track.

A cold drink seemed like a good idea after that. I chose the café beside Browsers bookshop. Further along Victoria Street the Book Club Bar caught my eye.

At Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery I took a closer look at representations of Waikato history.

There were school children exploring an early photo of Hamilton.

Next to the museum is the Waikato Society of Arts building which I had explored before. I took another look.

Next: taxi to the airport – with some trepidation after the cancellation of my flight getting here!