28-29 November 2010 - , NAPIER

Chose a camp outside the city at Bayview.  (Bayview Snapper)  .Nice camp though quite busy.  Nice facilities, good to catch up with laundry etc.  As with many of the camps we have visited, there are quite a number of permanent residents in caravans.  We wonder if the credit crunch has created some of this - most of them are retired people, possible they lost money in the investment companies who went under???  The camp is right beside the beach, but like most of the beaches along this coast, they are very long with no trees and very surfy.  Not interesting to walk along, so we opted to cycle the very long walk/cycle track which goes right into Napier and far beyond.  Great exercise but not particularly interesting.  Next morning we went to visit Judy Sutton for morning tea.   Nice to catch up with her but poor lady is about to go into hospital for a cancer operation.   Drove into Napier city as we thought we should do a little Xmas shopping and post some cards etc.  Had lunch out for a change.  Left camp next morning headed for south of the city to the Clive River Reserve where we could freedom camp.  I had been here before many years ago and it's a nice spot right on the river.  We were the only ones there till late in the afternoon when a couple of other motorhomes arrived.  There was plenty to watch here as there was a boat club just up river, and an endless stream of water craft going past.  A large waka obviously taking young school students for training or cultural experiences, numerous rowers in single, doubles, fours and eights, kayakers, dinghies etc.   I expected to see skiers as it is actually a ski club but they didn't eventuate.  We discovered the bike/walking tracks which continue on from the other side of Napier to this area, so cycled  that afternoon which went past wetlands and along the coast.  More black swans everywhere - I thought they were supposed to be dying out, but certainly not in the central North Island.   Next morning we cycled about 8 kms along the stopbanks ending up at a lovely little river reserve.  Of course we then had to cycle back, all very flat but a great way to see the wonderful fields of agriculture etc, (the back door of the area).

26-27 Lake Tutira - south of Napier

After leaving Waikaremoana and driving again through Wairoa, we headed towards Napier through once again interesting countryside.  Lots of huge rock formations, rivers in deep ravines, and some really funny little villages which were almost like ghost towns.  We had seen Lake Tutira mentioned in the NZMCA book as a DOC campsite (previously just a rest area).  We arrived in the afternoon in nice sunshine and I loved it the moment I saw it.  There were black swans galore and their baby cygnets, ducks and their babies, herons etc.  We parked with a metre of the lake edge and while poor Stu was setting up the caravan I already had the camera out.  There appeared to be a very strange family consisting of a blackswan mother, 8 cygnets still covered in buff coloured fluff, and a white goose who was SO protective of the cygnets!  They were gorgeous, the black swans so tame that they immediately left the water to come and investigate the newcomers (more likely wanting food says Stu).  There was another campervan there also who turned out to be a german girl we had seen at Waikaremoana, so in case she was feeling she may be the only one in this little 'rest area', we assured her we would also be staying the night.  Poor girl was not impressed by all these great big black swans wanting to come and make friends with her.  Once we were all set up we went to explore the area and discovered that not only were there walking tracks, but around the lake further was a large camping area with a few motorhomes and tents already there.  We were tempted to shift but as we had promised the german girl we would be near her, we felt obliged to stay where we were.  It really didn't matter as we had a great 'possy' but I think it was only meant for day parking.  Anyway, we did a walk around the adjacent small lake before dinner.  Next morning we set off on a long walk which took us right up along the ridges above the lake - fantastic views.  Very uphill of course, but it wasn't too arduous.  When we returned to the caravan the german girl had gone, so we decided we would shift round to the bigger camping area which proved to more shelter.  Their were quite a few people there including a family with kayaks and trout fishing gear etc, and then in the afternoon a great mob of sheep arrived with their lambs.  We were very amused by way the sheep, swans, ducks etc all mixed in peaceful harmony. Not the same can be said for some of the human species, as there was a woman camping there who had nothing better to do than chase the sheep every half hour of so as she didn't want them near her tent.  So there was plenty to watch in between reading and relaxing in the sun.  Stu is onto his 2nd book - amazing!  Must admit the sheep were a mixed blessing that night, as some of them had obviously been separated from their lambs and every  so often the 'woolly chorus' would awake us from our slumbers.  Next morning was nice and sunny again so we left for Napier. Would return to Lake Tutira anytime - one of the highlights of our trip.

21-22 November Mahia Peninsula (south of Gisborne)

After leaving Eastwoodhill Arboretum we set off  towards the Mahia Peninsula, bypassing Gisborne which we had seen before.  Some beautiful country initially, with grapevines in their lovely long rows, or lots of newly planted maize (or corn).  Everything looks green as they had heavy rain in recent months - more than Northland!   Then the terrain became more rugged & hilly & winding, some long hilly grades, and it began to rain,  but the car & caravan (and the driver)  all behaved beautifully.  Not a lot of traffic thankfully, & when there was, Stu moved over to let them pass being the courteous driver that he is.  We really climbed up very high with some amazing views.  Once we were over the hills the weather improved, though still overcast and drizzly.  We found the camping ground we were headed for (only one anyway), which was very old, very deserted  but clean and adequate.  It was just across the road from the beach, but due to the weather we thought we'd leave exploring till next day.  Managed a walk to the local store & decided to have local fish and chips for dinner (very nice too).  Fairly windy & drizzly overnight, but improving as the day went on, so we had a walk along the beach and a local reserve in the morning, then after lunch drove to walking track some distance around the peninsula, way up in the hills.  It was really pretty bush and not too easy, took about 2 hours.   Fantastic views over the peninsula and up the coast.  Had a quick drive around the other side of the peninsula to Mahia itself (blink & you miss it), but a very nice little spot just the same.  The overall impression was of NZ the way it used to be with lots of 'real kiwi baches' and a laid back lifestyle.  Possibly a nice getaway for Gisbornites at weekends and holidays?

Eastwoodhill Arboretum (Gisborne) 19-20 November

This was a magical place which I have always wanted to visit.  It took some convincing to Stu who thought it might be a terrible road being so far out of Gisborne, but it was a very good sealed road right through.  We arrived there for lunch & were surprised to find the place very quiet.  We were fortunate enough to be the only overnighters & what a place to have to yourself!  Took a walk in the afternoon, another after dinner, & slept very peacefully until the early birds woke us with song.  Naturally we did another track before breakfast.  We had been told there was to be a wedding there that day so the 'homestead garden' was to be out of bounds during that period, so we made sure we did that area after breakfast.  What a beautiful cottage garden, completely landscaped & maintained completely by volunteers.  I took so many photos but there was so much to ooh & aah about - fabulous trees of all shades of green, grey/green, lime green - you name it.  And some of the different barks were amazing too.  After morning tea we did the longest track - the complete perimeter of the whole arboretum - quite a climb uphill to look down on it all.  What foresight & passion the original owner must have had, luckily carried on over the decades by other likeminded people.   It is hard to describe just how amazing this place is - to see so many different trees from all around the world all in one area - marvellous!  And no crowds to share it with, just tranquility & peace.  In the afternoon we decided to try & do the last couple of trails, & were fortunate to be offered a FREE ride in 'the chariot', a little cut off suzuki with a seatable trailer behind, which took us round & round where I was able to see some areas I had missed & wanted to photograph.  So when we were returned to base, Stu & I set off to get the last photos.  One of the highlights of our trip & we will definitely return in the autumn sometime which must be awe inspiring, not to mention spring with the rhododendrons & azaleas & camellias.  Another must do for our list.  From there we did a quick car ride next morning to a local waterfall which was really nice.  Then it was time to move on again.

Matata Bay of Plenty 17-19 November 2010

Camp just taken over by DOC since recent floods & slips which devastated the area.  Under development probably ready by Xmas.  Very close to beach but not very suitable for long walks along it.  There is a wet land adjacent but it too has suffered from the floods & slips.  Were told there were white herons there but we didn't see any.  However, it was a reasonable distance from Whakatane so we did a day trip in there & loved it - so well set out, with a lovely bike track right along the river to the port which we of course enjoyed.  The weather was lovely & we both thought it would be a very nice place to live.

Little Waihi Bay of Plenty 15 -17 November 2010





 





We were heading for a camp from the Motor Caravan book at Maketu but our initial impression of the area was not good - I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise as the whole area looked so run down.  Having rechecked the book we found another one listed just along the road, which also didn't  impress me at first sight.  However, Stu went in to enquire about facilities & rates & booked us in for two nights.   It was right on the beach, full of permanent caravans with all sorts of bits & pieces attached, & really looked like NZ the way it used to be - going back in time!.  We thought we might be the only 'outsiders' there, but a couple from Rotorua had also just arrived & had been there before.  Everything was very old & out of date, but all very clean.  It appeared to be owned by a trust & a couple of old guys (residents) did the cleaning & maintenance, with a lady doing the shop & reception, all very friendly.  A few of the permanents came & went, a rather colourful lot.  A young maori guy whose bus proclaimed him as an entertainer - he was busy shelling shelfish for his dinner with a couple of mates.  There were always people collecting shellfish from the beach at low tide (apparently very abundant in this area).   We had a nice evening stroll around after dinner.

Next morning we drove to Tauranga as the car had to be serviced.  We had to fill in a couple of hours wandering the shops & had lunch out, then visited Helen & Phil Renner, my old friend Ross Hovell's sister.  Lovely to catch up with them both after about 3 years.  Next morning we took a long walk right along the beach as the tide was out.  It all looked lovely with big sandbanks & estuaries in the morning sun.  Took some photos, especially of some of the old caravans etc.  Would be happy to return but not in summer as I can imagine once again it would be very busy.

Te Aroha 14th November

Camped at Te Aroha Club premises as we have done before.  Only $10 per van per night.   Had a bike ride to the hot pools & a swim & then a lovely soak in the spa to give my overworked body a break!  Heavenly.  Pools just the right temperature & not too busy considering it was a Sunday.

12 - 13 November Ngatea & Auckland

Left Kauaeranga Valley & back to stay at Margaret & Fred's although they were absent in their own caravan up north.  Had to leave caravan there while we attended Faith's 70th birthday which was quite  successful,  & always a good chance to catch up with joint friends & families.  Back to Ngatea for the night.
Good chance to catch up with washing etc.

Kaueranga Valley Thames 9 - 11 November 2010

Good sealed road into park.  Arrived  in time for lunch with a choice of about 8 campsites at this well known DOC site.  Decided on the 2nd one in from the visitor's centre as Stu not keen to go too far on the dusty, narrow road.  One other camper, family in van & tents.  Toilets only available, water from stream adjacent to campsite with lovely clear, running water.  Very sheltered with surround of native trees.  Took a short walk to the river where the other family were swimming with boogie boards etc.  Lots of lovely river stones, all very picturesque & peaceful.  Lots of birds - lovely dawn chorus & evensong.  Tried to identify calls from my bird book but very difficult unless you can see the birds themselves.  Must get a CD.

Next morning set off on a 'walk' Stu had chosen (moderate grade I was told).  Gorgeous bush, & river which we had to rock hop across about 20 times in all!  Not to mention the two swing bridges which I NEVER walk on normally.  Turns out to be a TRAMP not a walk, with lots & lots of uphill climbing to the very top of some hill looking down the valley.  Luckily  I had my tramping sticks which Stu had bought me last Xmas - they really are very helpful, taking the strain off your legs when you are climbing, escpecially up steps, rocks etc.  Also keeping balance going downhill.  Took 4 hours return including our lunchstop.  Was quite a challenge for this old girl but I did it!   Next day did a couple of other walks - there are so many to choose from with all sorts of different aspects.  The longest one is to the Pinnacles where there is a hut with 80 beds for overnighters.  Takes 3 hours + each way,  but we imagined it was out of our league.  However, we did find the track & it appeared to be a good wide well constructed track, so perhaps some other time (or perhaps not)???   All in all it a really tranquil, peaceful place - everywhere there is the sound of water, from a gentle trickle, to a roaring waterfall we saw from great heights on our tramp.  I imagine in summer it is very busy (not our cup of tea), then in winter a lot of it would be cut off as the river fords would be impassable.  An amazing place.

Hot Water Beach Coromandel 7 - 8 November 2010

Beautiful drive from Maturangi to Hot Water Beach where we found a lovely Holiday Park.  Not cheap but really lovely facilities, all only 2 years old.  Big campsites, cabins etc.  Very sheltered with bush surrounds.  Still under development so will continue to improve even further.  Lots of bird song morning & evening & just a short walk to the beach.  Even has a hot food van in the evenings which sells really nice fish & chips, pizzas & hamburgers. 

Next morning we drove to Hahei Beach.  What a wonderful, wonderful place - the view was spectacular with the islands, the distant hills, magnificent blue sea & sky & golden sand.  Naturally I took loads of photos.  I'm sure it must be one of the most beautiful places in NZ.  There were little motor boats, a group of kayakers heading out into the calm waters & we were so wishing we had ours with us.  We headed up to walk to Cathedral Cove via the walking track which took in several other bays en route, namely Gemstone Bay, very rocky, (didn't find any gemstones), &  Stingray Bay, (didn't see any of those either thank goodness).  Continued onto Cathedral Cove which was quite crowded being such a tourist attraction.  The camera got into action again & we had a nice break under a pohutukawa tree people watching.  There was the odd person swimming but they didn't stay in long despite the hot day.  Just as we started to climb the steps to commence our return trip, who should arrive but the new bride & groom!  Looking very happy & relaxed - a few days mini-honeymoon.  We returned to Hot Water Beach & a walk to inspect the hot water springs.  We hadn't hired a spade, thinking we could just dig with our hands.  How silly were we?  It is so hot when you dig down a bit & where the water was running down to the waves I burnt my feet quite badly.  We decided to walk further up the beach & when we returned there must have been about 100 people digging pools on top of each other.  It was much more fun watching them, mostly adults, all having a lovely time being childlike again.

Matarangi Peninsula Coromandel 5 - 6 November 2010

Left Ngatea in sunshine, called into Thames for supplies, then set off for Matarangi for the wedding of Jay & Briar.  For those of you who don't know, Jay is my oldest grandson & he & Briar have been a couple for some years.  They have a dear little girl Alyvia (my first great grandchild).   Our choice of route was Highway 25A through Whitianga, a lovely drive the whole way through wonderful bushclad hills with the odd glimpse of blue sea.  Stopped at Whitianga to meet up with Sue, Craig & of course my first glimpse of Trevor after his arrival from Oz.  So lovely to have him back on home soil after so many years, albeit a very short visit.  We all had lunch & continued on to Matarangi.  All the family had accommodation booked in the lodge, but we were still unsure of whether we could park our caravan in the immediate area or have to go back 20 minutes to a camping ground.  Faith & Graham had booked a little bach flat & we were fortunate that the owner offered to let us park on the grass verge outside so we were all able to converge on  Sue & Craig's unit & have fun together catching up especially with Trevor & news of his little family (my other 3 grandchildren).  All went to the restaurant for dinner - only diners there so I don't know how they make a living.  Young ones  stayed up till the early hours, but Faith, Graham, Stu & I headed off for bed being the senior members of the family.

Wedding morning rose sunny & a bit breezy.  Service not till 3pm, so Stu & I went exploring on our bikes & found a nice track which went around the back of the golf course & along the beach.  Found the others down on the surf beach with friends so took Trevor back to have lunch with us oldies (lucky him), returning him in time to get himself polished up for the wedding.

Well what a wedding.  We were all transported to the site of the ceremony (the 4th tee on the golf course) via little golf buggies which was very lucky for all us ladies with high heels.  Jay & the best man were patiently waiting at this beautiful setting overlooking the surfbeach - sun, sand, azure blue sky & aqua sea.  Little Alyvia duly arrived looking like a little angel in her flowergirl outfit with the bride'smaid (Briar's mum) (also in a golf buggy).  We were all apprehensive about how she would handle it at as she is not yet two.  However, she handled it like a professional model, even lifting her skirts to go up the steps to daddy Jay.  Then came the arrival of  the beautiful bride who looked so, so stunning & happy beside her dad.  The ceremony was performed by Briar's aunty who is a marriage celebrant, so it was very personal & lovely.  Of course when the vows were taken, written by the bridal couple themselves, tears appeared around the circle of family & friends.  We were all so proud - they are an incredibly sensible & loving couple, fantastic parents with a really cute, bright little daughter, & they all looked so gorgeous.  I told Jay if I was 40 years younger & not his nanna I would whip him away myself.  He just looked at me with a patient, wry smile.
It could have been a celebrity wedding there were so many cameras clicky.  I myself captured some lovely ones, especially of Alyvia who was by then back amongst the grandparents etc.  And so to the reception which took place back at the restaurant at the lodge.  The speeches were fantastic by all, so genuine & sincere.  Both sides of the family are typically modern with extensions & both are similar in their fun-loving aspects so it was a truly a successful event with everyone joining in.

Next morning we all packed up to leave, had to say goodbye to Trevor who was returning to Oz next day.

Stu & I drove to investigate 'New Chum's' Beach which has been a news item of late because of it's secluded nature & developers trying to change that.  It can only be accessed via a bush walk of about 20 minutes - not a properly developed track either.  It certainly is a very lovely, secluded bay, and it would be a shame to lose it's charm but it appears it won't happen YET???

Ngatea, Hauraki Plains 3-5 November 2010

Best & cheapest camping place ever!  Visiting Margaret & Fred Armfield in their lovely new home.  EXCELLENT facilities, fantastic meals.  Good hosts who even chauffered us to Thames township.  Margaret & Janice 'ditched' the boys & fossicked in the shops for about 2 hours.  We all had lunch, then Fred drove us out to Kaueranga Valley to do a reconnoitre as we would like to spend a few days there walking.  Looks great.    So good to catch up with them again - as usual lots of laughter & fun.  Margaret & I thought it might be a good idea if the boys went in one caravan & we went in the other & just meet up when WE had a problem!  Of course they wouldn't need us at all???

Waharau Regional Park, Seabird Coast 01 - 02 November 2010

Another lovely ARC camping ground.  Our second trip here & parked in the exact same spot by the river with only one other van as last time.  It is a big area, with water, toilets & rubbish bins only.  Lots of short bush walks which we of course did, & also tackled a 3 hour ridge walk - quite challenging but worth the effort with great views of the Hauraki Plains from the summit.  We spoke to the other couple who were staying there who couldn't believe we did it in the time we did as they had done it that morning & were absolutely exhausted. 

Omana Regional Park Hauraki Gulf Auckland 30/31 October 2010

Beautiful ARC camping area right above the sea.  The keep fit routine continues with a walk before dinner exploring the surroundings.  Next morning set off on our bikes to an adjoining reserve, quite hilly in places.  Discovered that it's possible to walk or cycle on it as far as Beachlands.  Afternoon did the perimeter walk through lovely bush.  Next morning Bevan & the children arrived.  Picnic lunch then bush walk again with them.  Biked to local shops where we purchased fish & chips for dinner.  Then another walk to the other end of the beach where we realised it is possible to walk or cycle on a lovely track right around the beach to Maraetai.  I would recommend this park to anyone, either for camping or a day trip.  Lovely BBQ's everywhere, picnic tables, water, good ablution blocks, swimming, shell fish abundance, good fishing, boating, skateboard park etc.

Setting Off - Uretiti 27 - 29 October 2010

Welll at last we are off to start our journey.  Uretiti (south of Whangarei)  is just a testing ground of the new caravan and also because Stu has an appointment in Whangarei tomorrow.  It's still nice weather & very few people here in the DOC campsite.  We started our get fit regime by biking up the beach & back.  The morning of departure Frances & Richard Grieves arrived for morning tea with freshly baked scones.

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