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Saturday & Sunday 9 - 10th October

Kaikoura   -    Te Papa Parkover  - Farmers Market  - Enjoying the view  -  South Bank Cafe
         

South Bank Cafe  -  Info board near Upper Hutt  -  Castle Point Lighthouse (2)  - Bayview Van Park Napier
        

Hi there.

I write this sitting at castle point, with a view of the lighthouse out the window and a strong NWesterly buffeting the MH. 

We left home 7:30 yesterday morning heading for Picton 700km away. A quick stop at Oamaru, then Temuka for coffee before arriving at Dave & Sue G about 1230 and a catch up over a drink. We were lucky having a tailwind, filling up at Woodend, 420km for 42lt, that's 28mpg - good going. The trip to Kaikoura was in rain, stopping only briefly when we got out for a Subway for dinner. 

Helen remembered Lotto was for $28M so we stopped at Seddon to buy the winning ticket, ha ha. Blenheim arrived at 630pm, calling around to Peter W home, but he was out, no answer machine either. Will try again on our return journey.

Eventually we arrived at a cold & overcast Picton, with 3hrs to wait for the ferry departure, we warmed ourselves up in the Bluebridge terminal and got chatting to the receptionist, who shouted us a cup of coffee and allowed us to recharge our cellphones. after reading the ODT and nearly everything else there, we took the 1st place in the check in queue, and an hour later drove on board the ferry.

Ferry sailing was nice, calm and very dark thanks to the moonless night. The clear skys made for interesting viewing, planes, other boats & yachts as well I got talking to a crew member as well as a motorcyclist who knew of a ex Cadbury workmate, now living in Invercargill, what's the chance of that happening?

The boat was pretty cold inside, Helen was wrapped up like a cocoon, luckily I found the only warm spot on board, the engine room hot air exhaust to atmosphere, just behind the funnel. So there we sat drafted in warm air, watching the scenery flow past, all the way into Wgtn harbour. 

Eventually we drove off the ferry and parked up the night, with 3 others at Te Papa, leaving there this morning, after checking out the Farmers Market and strolling around the waterfront. We managed 5hrs sleep till woken by a rubbish collection truck.  Not too bad I guess, but pricy at $15 for our stay.

Helen told me to put this away, we need to get to Napier, which is where we are now. We had very strong winds getting out of Castle point, almost blowing the MH into a culvert at one corner. Then we took a "short cut" which ended up as a logging road, rough & narrow in places. ‎ 

We had to move on though, it was 1:30pm before we hit SH2 so there were few stops till we arrived in Napier. we saw the Tui Brewery, wind turbines near Woodville - impressive and somehow hypnotic at the same time.

We are booked in for two night, here at the Bayview Van Park in Napier, seems OK and with NZMCA discount, good value. Tomorrow we look over Napier, maybe Cape Kidnappers but that will depend on the weather. Tue we are away to Gisborne, visiting a friend at Tuai powerstation on the way. Wed to Ohope or thereabouts.



Monday 11 Oct 
Railway crossing near Masterton  - Te Mana Lookout  -  Mission Estate (3)
           

Mission Estate  - Napier Prison  - Napier Bay  - Quarry Gardens Napier.
           


I awoke in the early hours to heavy rain falling outside, turned over and went back to sleep. We learned later that it blew a gale earlier in the night, but were that tired from the lack of sleep the night before, we didn't notice that at all.
We are Bayview Van park for a second night. The park is 7yrs old, the facilities look brand new, little wear & tear to be seen, there's a covered walkway down the central isle between opposing Mhomnes, and for $20/night for NZMCA members, and yes the owner checks you have current card.
We arrived at Napier iSite at 9am looking for ideas to fill the day. Walked away with a few leaflets before seeking shelter in the retail area from the biting cold southerly to look for mozzie repellent. Last night, to our horror, we found the MH filled with them, then spent the next 45min ridding them for every nook & crevice to get a good nights sleep.
We drove up Bluff Hill to view the scene, then headed away to Havelock North and Te Mana Peak for a view the opposite way. Both sights were very windy, so we didn’t linger too long. By now the weather had cleared to more or less full sunshine, nice if you were behind glass.
We carried on back to Napier, diverting to Mission Vineyard. We aren't much into wine or spirits, but decided to look over and have lunch here. After eating we toured around the site, very impressive and well worth the time to visit.
Travelled into town, looked over the very nice quarry gardens, then went across the road and did the tour of Napier prison. A good hour tour of nearly every annex, only marred by the tour guide losing his voice a few times. 
Next off to the supermarket for a can of flyspray, then back to the MH Park for dinner and an early night as we want an early start tomorrow, heading for Tuai & Gisborne.

Tuesday 12th Oct
Cptn Cook memorial Gisborne  - Gisborne Holiday Park.

      

Its cold, wet & windy here in Gisborne’s Wakanae Beach Top10. Located right on the beachfront, there's nothing, save a wire mesh fence stopping the S-westers buffeting the MH, rain lashes against the rear windows.
The day started well enough, again we awoke around 7, had breakfast, then hit the road at 8am, destination Tuai power station. Unfortunately, I hadnt planned for such a winding road to Wairoa, the hoped for 90min journey took almost 2hrs. Filled up with diesel, then headed west 50km or so and caught up with an old friend I hadnt seen for 10-12yrs. After a 30min catchup, he headed away to work and us back towards Wairoa. 
Seeing my RF tyre was looking a little sad, I stopped at Wairoa Mobil and as I reinflated the tyre, I heard and felt something bump the rear of the3 MH. Some 4WD country hillbilly, had reversed into the right rear, luckily only minor damage resulted. I passed a cutting comment, but it passed him over. 
Away and on the road again, we stopped at the rise overlooking Wairoa for lunch, then carried on towards Gisborne. More winding roads to negotiate, then on the coastal plains and a straight section of road, we came across a car looking very sad, parked nose first into a drainage ditch, tail end sitting atop a boundary fence. There were 2-3 other vehicles assisting the hapless travellers, so we carried on.
Eventually we arrive here at Gisborne, only to parkup and have rain come down as we walked into town for groceries. It was only a shower, so we packed wet weather gear into a backpack then headed away to climb Titirangi Hill and view Cooks monument. Sadly its been vandalized with the removal of its commemorative plaque, the concrete walkway has had its bricks attacked, its all looking rather sad. Surprised to see a small plaque commemorating the planting of a pohutukawa tree by Princes Di, the tree is big and healthy, unlike its patron.
We arrived home just as the rain started coming down, cooked dinner and now being entertained watching the occupants of a Spaceship being prepared for the night.

Wednesday 13th Oct.
Rest area Waipeka Gorge  - DoC historic reserve Waipeka Gorge

  

Rain, rain, bloody rain, if it wasn’t hosing down, it was drizzling, when it was fine and we stopped, it start up up again. We left Gisborne at 8am in heavy rain, only abating after summiting the range on the road to Opotaki. We stopped to view a few DoC places in the Waipeka gorge despite the rain, then carried on through Opotaki, Ohope finally stopping at Whakatane.
We saw a convoy of 30 or so Mhomes travelling south to Gisborne, little do they know what they are in for. The Wx forecast promised 35mm rainfall per hour this afternoon.
In Whakatane, after attending to some mail, we stopped for a coffee at McCafe only to be addressed by the waitress as that old couple sitting by the window. Leaving town before things got any worse, I was further disappointed to learn the Mhome I had the hots for, had been sold. All that anticipation for nought. Then the garage I hoped to service my MH, couldn’t take a 3.2M high vehicle. 
The final straw came in Mt Maunganui, we stopped of at the base of the mount in a rare moment of dry weather, only to have it pouring down, 200M into our walk up the hill. Determined this was not going to stop us, we carried on to the top, and down again, getting thoroughly sodden.
Finally relief, with a good hours soak in the free hot pools here at Omokoroa Thermal Holiday Park, where we are staying the night. A little expensive, $20pp but includes free use of pools, and the place is as neat and tidy as a new pin, recommend to anyone. Tomorrow – Waihi and Hot water Beach.

Thursday 14th Oct.
Waterfall near Tuai  - Waihi Pumphouse  -  Karangahake Reserve  (3)
                    

Karangahake Reserve  (5)
              

Karangahake Reserve  (2)  - Hot Water Beach
       

I wont go on about the weather, save to say it started off with thick drizzle and ended up mild & sunny. We left camp at 8 this morning, with first stop Waihi where we called in to the iSite. The helpful lady there gave us a few tips on where the best views were of Martha mine, but told us to start with a look through their downstairs museum, which gave a very informative history of both Waihi & the gold mine. 

We followed her advice and walked about the mine, then looked over the massive remnants of the pumping station, 7000lts a minute of flow. We gassed up, then headed to Karangahake layby. What an interesting spot, easy to see why it’s a class one Historic Places site. The weather had much improved, so we decided to spend a bit of time here, and went on several of the self guided walks. We spent nearly 3hrs walking along tracks, through tunnels and across bridges. We could have spent many more hours here and have promised ourselves to return another time.

In the MH, then headed east to Waihi, a quick look through Whangamata (looks interesting – need more time here) then to Tairua. What a beautiful little spot this is. From the moment you drive into this town, you want to get your camera out and start snapping away. 

As has become our habit, we called into the iSite where the pleasant lady behind the counter suggested we go up the local peak, “theres a carpark close to the top, from there you can walk to the summit”. So we drove, parked, then climbed the peak. Magnificent views in all direction, nice blue skys, light winds and the sun streaming down, photogenic everywhere you looked. We must return here, without a doubt, THE nicest spot in the NI so far.

Enough superlatives, time to hit the road and make for Hot Water Beach. We arrived about 4pm, then, with another dozen or so travellers, walked the 2-300M from the carpark to the hot sands. It didn’t take much time to find, the tide was low and the sand was bubbling away indicating the hottest spots, some were very hot, ouch. We stayed about an hour, then headed up the road to Hahei holiday park, where we are camped up for the night.

Tomorrow we hope to take a boat tour along the coast, visiting some coastal site, including Catherdral Cove. Returning from that, we will drive to Coromandal, Thames to lookover some Butterfly Gardens and finish the day at Miranda Hot Pools.

Friday 16th Oct.
Hahei campsite  -  Hahei Explorer tour  (4)

             

Tairua  - Whitianga (2)  - Coromandal West Coast  - Miranda

           

Here we are at Miranda Holiday Park and Hot Pools, the dishes done with the last of the 80lt on board fresh water, I will need to refill in the morning before heading for Auckland.

We started the day with a IRB ride around the islands, bays and blowholes around Hahei with a local boat operator. We and three others waited at the beach for the 10am start, then into the boat and away exploring the area. We were lucky to sit just ahead of the tour leader and his trainee so got to hear the tour highlights as well as some background info passed on to the trainee. Made for an interesting trip.

Though the sea looked calm, there was a 2M swell running and a light breeze, but despite the “rough” seas, Helen kept her sea legs together and thoroughly enjoyed the at times, bumpy ride. The commentary was excellent, a venerable history on aquatic life, geography, local and pre-European history. The caves, tunnels and blowholes we witnessed were just as good.

Though our trip was scheduled to last an hour, the rough conditions called for a slower cruise speed, so all up we were nearly 90min out on the water. This delayed our departure from the camp, so we didn’t make it to Whitianga till 12:30pm. We couldn’t find a café selling anything more than a few unappealing morsels, so we stopped at N.World for supplies, then found a very nice spot on the beach front for lunch. Helen commented that Coromandal has been the highlight of our holidays so far.

Away and over the hills to Coromandal township, where we stopped at the iSite to gleam some info on what there was to see and do further up the coast, making mental note on destinations for the next trip. The day was now hot & sunny, we slowly ambled down the coast, spotting future places to investigate. We stopped at one small layby, having a coffee then noticed all the mussel farms just a Km or so of shore. Id seen an leaflet for mussel boat tours in Coromandal and wondered where they were held, now we know.

Time was getting on, so we drove pretty well non stop all the way to this camp spot, and a fine place it is to. Looking at the area form the highway, its appears non descript, the palm lined entrance gives little clues as to how nice this place really is. A friendly receptionist, clean modern facilities, great TV lounge, everything is in excellent order, cant say a bad word about it and the hot pool is great!

Tomorrow, we hope to call into the Trailite yard, visit a friend in Akld, then get as far north as we can to visit the BOIslands and Cape Reinga.

Saturday 16th Oct.
Cat Car at Dome  - Kaipara ferry crossing  - Hokianga Harbour

               

Tane Mahuta  (2)  - Ahipara Motor Camp

       

Here we are at Ahipara Holiday Park, where we’ll stay for two nights. As soon as we arrived we booked the Cape Reinga tour, departing 8:30am, shouldn’t be a problem as we usually up and about before 7am. Like we were this morning to overcast skys. But they lifted, so by the time we had arrived at Cleavdon its had brightened considerably. We headed straight for the Alkd motorway stopping only at Drury? BP to buy a cup of coffee and the toll tickets to use that new section of motorway.

We planned to make Ahipara as our nights stop, and there was a long way to go, 5.5hrs driving time according to the AA road map. Still the weather now was bright & sunny, the kilometres passed under the Transits wheels at a modest 85kph, and in a few hours we were at Dargaville, where we stopped to refuel. At the iSite, the lady fell over herself assisting us to my one question, how long to Ahipara, by handing me leaflet after leaflet on the Northland region, saying that there had had a complaint laid against her for being unhelpful, couldn't possibly be I said.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, we drove on, through the increasingly windy roads until we took a turnoff to the Kauri Info Centre. Toilet stop really, but we looked over the place, then took to the road, stopping to view Tane Mahuta, a truly massive kauri tree. Luckly the time we arrived, the sun was shining at a long angle, directly through a the gap in the foliage, highlighting the full length of the trunk against the shadowed backdrop. Good picture opportunity.

It was in reality little more than a whistle stop view as we still had some distance to cover. By the time we arrived at the decent to Opone, the sun was getting low in the sky, and with still not a cloud to be seen, it made a very photogenic scene with shadows here and there adding contrast to the scene. Such a picturesque scene, marred only by the incredibly winding road getting there.

Yet more winding road but eventually we made it to the Rawene, arriving within 10 minutes of sailing time across the estuary ($30 for a MH >2500kg). Then more winding roads, and in pretty bad shape with a lot of patchy repair work, not to mentioning slumping and uneven surfaces for the remaining 60km or so here to Ahipara where we arrived at 6pm after quite a long days travel.

Cape Reinga and return tomorrow, lets hope the fine weather holds.

Sunday 17th
Cape Reinga Tour  (5)
             
Ancient Kauri Centre - Awanui

   
 

We started the Sand Safari tour at 8:30 this morning, with pickup just outside our MH door. All up there were ten on the tour, which started in driving rain, then when we commenced the drive on 90M Beach, a gusty N.Easterly breeze started up, this wasn’t looking good. 

The bus driver gave a good commentary along the way, with interesting facts on various items as we passed them. Helen & I sat on the front seats and I managed to view the speedo at times, interested to see we were doing 90kph on the beach. There were two other competitor busses on the same timetable, so for most of the day we played tag at the various points of interest.

Despite the atrocious bleak weather, there were fishermen scattered every km or so along the length of the beach, trying to hook a catch for dinner, they must have had a very cold time of it. Anyway before we knew it, we were at Tepaki stream, where we stopped at the base of a decent sandhill. Six of the passengers were encouraged by the driver to give the sand toboggan a try, the driver leading the way. It was still windy & wet and they returned covered in wet sand, shaking off what they could before entering the bus for the next part of the journey.

We eventually made it to Cape Reinga, the weather worse, with mist swirling about everyone at the carpark. We ate our lunch, hoping against hope for a change in the weather. Well, miracles do happen, after 30min waiting, the rain stopped, the cloud lifted and the wind changed to N.West, so we were out quick smart, walking down the track to the Lighthouse and take some pics.

I had hoped to purchase a Cape Reinga polo shirt to match my Bluff shirt, but it was not to be. DoC have laid a scorched earth policy up here, no trinket sellers or post office, coffee vendor anywhere to be seen. Even the historic lighthouse keeper houses have been removed. Oh, well, perhaps I can get one from a tourist shop somewhere else here up north, wont quite have the same authenticity though!

A visit to a Gumdiggers Park and the Kauri Centre ended off a interesting day. Id taken a few dozen pics to look back on until we return next time, and hope its not going to be a 33 years absence again.

Tomorrow, the Bay of Islands.

Monday 18th Oct
Kerikeri Stone Store  -  Cafe across the road  - Local Waterfalls

           
            

We awoke to the familiar sound of falling rain, which dissipated soon after we hit the road, and by the time we arrived at Kerikeri, the sun had come out. Great timing as we walked over the bridge to inspect the Stone Store and other historic building in that area. After a cup of coffee we checked out Rainbow Falls followed by a quick look about the shopping centre.

Onwards again, this time to Waitangi, to the Treaty House and grounds, where we spent a good 2-3hrs looking at nearly everything there was to see. As with all the attractions we have visited on our tour, there was plenty of parking, no queue’s and almost personalized service from the hosts & guides, highly recommended if you holiday out of season.

Tonight we are camped at Waitangi Camping Ground, along with a dozen or so other MHs, some kiwis amongst them, one couple from Dunedin, some Aussies and a few other, one brave couple tenting it.. A feature of Northland that has now died away, that of kids riding horseback on country roads. We saw 5-6 examples on the west coast a few days back, the horse being more out of control that the kids riding it. Chickens scratching away at roadside reserves another feature unique to this part of the country to.

The second of two minor automotive incidents occurred this morning. The reversing camera refused to start. While Helen went grocery shopping in Kaitaia I check the only possibility I could think of, a loose connection in the fuse box. Nothings marked there of course, so I firmly pressed home every fuse and relay in the panel and got lucky. Somewhere among that lot I must have re-seated the troubled unit, so alls well now. The other incident was what I thought was a flat tyre, I pumped it to 50psi then checked it a few days later and its still holding pressure. So far, so good. 

Tomorrow a ferry ride then walking tour of Russell (ex hell hole of the Pacific), followed by a boat trip out to the hole in the rock and the weather forecast is looking good.

Tuesday 19th
Waitangi Camp Cats (3)  - Waitangi Camp  - Waitangi House

               


Waitangi Falls  - Paihia Bay  - Township  -  Russell Flagpole  - St Marys Church at Russell
               
Russell Bay  - Cafe in Russell  - Hilltop monument  - Dolphin Cruise  (3)

Cape Brett Lighthouse  - Hole in the Rock  - Motuarohia Island
          

We awoke to a cool clear morning, after breakfast we decided not to wait about, but make an early start on exploring Russell. Accordingly, we locked up the MH just after 8am, then walked the 1km or so to Paihia, booked a ferry ride to Russell as well as a 1hr guided bus tour, then the afternoon sailing to the Hole in the Rock. 

We had 20min or so to wait, so looked over the info centre, then watched in amazement at the huge numbers boarding another boat for the Cream Trip. We couldn’t depart in our tiny ferry until they had departed. Not to worry, the sun was out so we sat in a sheltered spot watching the goings on around the harbour.

Arriving in Russell, we started walking aimlessly about the very small business district, waiting for the 10am bus tour. Nothing to indicate the history of the buildings, so we waited then boarded the tour bus. Well, the 1hr tour introduced us to the history of nearly every building in the town as well as the flagpole and smaller settlements just over the hillocks from Russell. Armed with that info, after the tour we visited the more interesting spots, now seen in a new light. It didn’t take long to soak up 2hrs, then we waited for the Boat trip to the rock, watching a very successful fisherman landing snapper off the end of the wharf. He even invited a dutch couple to return with him and dine on the catch for lunch. Friendly locals, obviously.

The boat trip went well, only 50 or so on board a boat meant for four times that number. Good commentary and the competitor boats worked together in relaying info on the pods of dolphins, so no one missed out. The sea had a 2-3M swell, that coupled with the rising N.easterly and tide meant we couldn’t make a transit through the hole in the rock, but the skipper did back the boat in from the leeward side until we were fully within the rock cavern.

A walk and look around Motuarohia Island for 45min was next on the agenda, nice hotel, good coffee and a warm sunny spot out of the wind to enjoy it and the views. Before too long we were called back onto the boat for the return to Paihia. 

A walk home, then cook dinner, appropriately snapper with salad and potatoes, very nice. This rather run down M.Camp has two redeeming features, great views, free showers and washing machine, but two of the cutest cats you'll ever come across. They introduced themselves by climbing on board, sniffing out every nook & cranny before taking it upon themselves to sleep in the sun in the rear of the MH. They are the camp cats. The camp owner tells us, they are not “fixed”,and the frequent litters of kittens are adopted by the many campers passing through and now reside in all parts of the country. One is particularly tender about being picked up, Helen reckons she's pregnant, so if your after a kitten, drop in soon.

Wed & Thursday

Whangarei Falls  - Moutere Holiday Park  (2)

          


We are now at Moutere Bay motor camp, parked under a flowering kowhai tree, just feet away from the calm shores of Lake Taupo. As the sun went down so did the buffetting wind and white caps on the lake. We are in the lee of a small hill protecting us from the S.Westerly that’s been hounding us for the last two days. The squally showers seemed to have stopped as well.

Two days ago were, left Piahia following the Twin Coasts Highway, tucking into the bays and headlands on the East coast of Northland, and finishing up at Whangarei Falls Holiday Park. Five out of five for this spotless camping ground. The manager gave us a guided tour of the place before inviting us to choose our site for the night. Parked up and a quick bite for lunch, we then did a walk around the waterfall circuit, before driving away to visit Marsden Point Oil Refinery Info centre, interesting place. Then back to Whangerai where we spent the rest of the evening catching up with Richard K, a friend I haven’t seen for more than 20yrs.

Today we were on the road at 7:30am to make a morning smoko appointment with Mike P at Ellerslie Shopping Mall, Auckland. The Navman took us a carpark entrance, only for us to drive in and almost knock Mike off practicing on his unicycle. We spent the next two hours we spent catching up on news and old times, until we left at midday, heading south on SH1 for Hamilton, a MH service, then down south to Taupo for some groceries, then finishing the day here to Moutere Bay. 

Tomorrow, we head down to Wellington, probably go over the desert road, stop at Bulls, then visit some friends near Levin, before staying the next two nights in Wgtn, then Sunday morning on the ferry.


 

Friday 22nd Oct

The Chateau, National Park  - Bulls Signpost  - Peter & Ans  - Ferry vehicle deck

         

Here we are at Wellingtons Capital Gateway Motor inn, which contains a MH park at the rear, complete with amenities block, 4M wide slot of smooth seal tarmac per per vehicle. Its very well patronized with everything from a miniscule 10” caravan (Polish Niewiadow Enka, complete with toilet/shower) to a 10M bus at the far corner of the park, and the usual assortment of conventional MHs. 

Not a blade of grass to sit on, but there are manicured lawns just off the parking bay, in total contrast to where we were this morning, parked under a Koiwai tree with tui’s singing the dawn chorus from the branches next to a calm lake, blue skys overhead. At least here, we will be spared the nuisance of heavy trucks passing less than a stones throw away, a la Taupo. To make up for that though, we are under Wellington airport flight path, as a large jet has just flown overhead.

So, this morning we awoke at 6:50 and got underway about 8am, first thing was to fuel up at Turangi, then headed away to National Park. The wind was blowing its usual S.Westerly gale make driving difficult as it charged through the opening between cuttings then forest firebreaks. Eventually we arrived at the Chateau, hoping to enter the premises for a coffee, but it was not to be. Maybe its gone to upmarket to offer those services to the travelling public, so we parked opposite the DoC centre, looked inside for half an hour, then went over the road to the only café’ advertising it was open for business and took our morning fix.

Snow had fallen overnight, coating everything down to just above the Chateau, mountains included, which in the low morning sun, stood out sharp and contrasting. Cold though, only 2 – 3 degrees with a biting wind, meant we didn’t linger for long to take the obligatory snap of the Chateau and its snowy backdrop.

We wanted to visit two friends in Otaihanga, 4 hours driving away, so the towns of Ohakune, Waiuru etc passed under our wheels in reasonably quick succession, though we stopped long enough at Bulls to admire the imaginative Bull-isms some wit had conferred to various businesses in the town. Visited the Dutch shop for a look around and buy some classic dutch cheese, something I remembered from my childhood days.

Eventually we made it to Otaihanga and caught up with to Aunties I hadn't seen for 10-15 years, so we had a great catchup this afternoon. Tomorrow we catch up on a few equally long lost cousins, then prepare for an early Sunday morning sailing on Bluebridge.

Sunday 24th Oct.

On board Bluebridge ferry  - Picton  -  Cobb Cottage near Blenheim  -  Kekerngu   - Parnassus POP
            

We have made it to Parnassus POP, us along with 4 other MHs parked up within the expansive ex-school grounds, after a rather long day, beginning with a 5:30am wakeup. It was that warm in Wgtn last night I tossed and turned from 1am so was kind of pleased to finally get up. A large truck quietly pared itself just meters away about that time, I awoke listening to the manoeuvring, wondering what on earth was going on, all explained now.

We arrived nice and early at the Bluebridge ferry terminal, getting 1st spot in lane one. The crossing was relatively calm, the wind in Cook Strait not having had time to work up any decent sort of swell, so it was another flat crossing. As soon as we disembarked we drove to a friends place in Blenheim and chatted over a coffee & muffins for an hour or so before finally hitting the road, then stopping at the Cobb Cottage for a lunch break. Onwards again, enjoying the warm sunny weather and a nice tailwind all the way to Kekerngu where we stopped for another drink. 

After a walk along the beach front for some appealing driftwood (nothing found) we carried on, at one point, as luck would have it, meeting up with the Trans-coastal at one of the few spots where road and rail meet. I tooted, we waved, they waved in reply, all is well with the world.

We stopped at a roadside caravan selling cooked crayfish, buying one for dinner tonight. I think I will send the bill to Jim Hickey, TV1 weather presenter, for it was his recommendation, three weeks ago, we stop and purchase one. What an overrated and over priced seafood item crayfish are. We wont be repeating that exercise in a hurry, if ever again.

Next stop was Ohau Point where we watched the numerous seals diving in and out of the kelp beds and sunning themselves on the rocks. Numerous too were the MHs peppered all along the coast here abouts, in knots of two or three, a dozen or more at Ohau Reserve. Descending to the Conway river were slowed by a signalman, passing by we saw the remains of a smashed container with its load of tegal chicken cartons being swept up the road gang. I later learned a truck driver had died there this morning, a sad ending to the day.

Oh, top marks to Capital Gateway Motor Inn, easy access, friendly staff, clean modern facilities, discount pricing, cheap bar meals and a complimentary newspaper to boot.

  Monday 25th Oct.

 

Finally, we are home. Im sure the let down will commence tomorrow morning, dawn to be precise when we adjust grudgingly to the old familiar routines. I will have to satisfy my travel lust by reading other peoples blogs.

Anyway, after a great nights sleep at Parnassus POP, we started our day at the usual time, heading for Chch. The road were quiet, the day mild and overcast, so we ambled along around 80kph, pulling over, as always, whenever a vehicle appeared in the rear vision mirror. Arrived in Chch, then waited a few minutes until the stores opened at Hornby to make some last minute purchases. 

Next stop was the recently reviewed The Store at Dunsandel, "Olde Worlde" shopping, though not the price tag on the cookbook Helen bought. A break further down the road at the State Insurance sponsored Driver Reviver where they were offering free coffee, sausage sizzle and a sitdown with the current ODT & Press in the comforts on a largish tent. All very nice it was too, no selling pressure, in fact very little sponsor material in evidence."

Down the road to more familiar territory, Timaru, but this time we swapped the tempting invite of the Wild Bean Cafe'to the attractions of Caroline Bay, the beach side board walk and side attractions. We didn't linger too long, a cold breeze off the sea saw to that. 


Then, just a few km out, as I was pulling over to let backed up traffic pass, I was pulled over by an officer of the law. Ïve been following you 7km and your not pulling over enough to let traffic past? I didnt bother telling him of the hundred of waves & toots Id received in the last 2 weeks & 3000km in appreciation of the same, instead I nodded my head and ate humble pie. Might have had something to do with my WOF having expired by a few days earlier and just inches away from his nose!. I drove down the road a little bit peeved, even Helen commented "you've been very good ät letting traffic pass on this trip"

Home again, to overgrown lawns, a cracked window and a huge pile of mail. Priorities first though, empty then wash the MH, clean the tyres then prepare it for its WOF appointment tomorrow and a few minor repairs, suffered on this trip, nothing serious.

Now then, the best & worst.

Motorcamps - Holiday Parks
Excellent - Whangarei Falls HP, Omokoroa HP, Miranda HP, and the one at the north of Napier, lagoon, not beach side of the SHighway (sorry I cant recall its name).

Best Value HPark - Easy, the Napier one mentioned above.

Worst HPark
Waitangi HP - Grubby everywhere, not cleaned while we were there, overflowing rubbish bins, exposed live terminals on switchboard, mould growing in urinals. But, it was cheap $25/night and free showers & free washing machine, top location too.
Ahipara - Dingy lounge & reception area, toilet block not cleaned while we were there, muddy hardstands, foiliage has taken over - covering paths, office enterance way, the fadded signpost , like the one at Waitangi should have been the give away.

Nicest towns 
Pauanui, Whitianga and Paihia.....