Port Waikato to Home

 Fri 27 Nov

We said goodbye to Lynne and Gary as they went back home to Papamoa Beach. After a shop and fuel, we headed out of Raglan and followed Highway 22, a windy and undulating road thru several small communities for about 80kms until we reached the Waikato River and drove 25kms down to the mouth at Port Waikato. We checked into the only camp and after lunch walked along the road to  Sunset Beach. There was a cool wind blowing from the north and the tide was low. Our plan is to bike along the beach tomorrow. We watched the Blackcaps v West Indies T20 on TVNZ!!!

Sat 28 Nov

After laundry duties we rode the bikes along the road to the only shop and wharf. There was a great reserve which led down to the muddy Waikato River. When the tide was lower in the afternoon, we rode bake to Sunset Beach. Our plan was to ride along the beach to the river mouth and then ride up the river to our camp. The ride down the beach was great on hard sand with a stiff wind up our tails. Unfortunately, when we got around corner and started to ride back up the river the sand became very soft. We had no choice but to head back up the beach into the very strong wind, about 4.5kms. Very character building!! It was sunny all day and our camp was sheltered from the wind so we had drinks outside.

Sun 29 Nov

Rain started early in the morning. We left camp and drove out of Port Waikato, crossed the Waikato River and joined Highway 1 at Pokeno. Our hope was to avoid HW1 but really had no alternatives on this bit of our trip. The new Waikato Expressway is very good and we were bypassing the centre of Hamilton in no time and onto Highway 3. Thru Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, and on to Te Kuiti where we found a park at the Waitomo Club for the night. It rained the whole way but cleared in the afternoon and we walked to the Colin Meads statue in the main street and then thru the Anzac Gardens.

Mon 30 Nov

It was raining in the morning when we left Te Kuiti and headed down highway 30 thru Bennydale and bypassed Mangakino and on to the “41” down the west side of Lake Taupo towards Turangi. We stopped for the night at a motel with camping. This camp had some thermal pools and we had a dash thru the rain for a dip. Very relaxing. The rain stopped while we were in the pools.

Tues 1 Dec

Very strong wind buffeted us, but at least it was not raining, as we drove the short distance to Turangi where we fuelled up. The sun was out when we arrived at Whakapapa Village and booked into the camp for 2 nights. We walked down to the Visitors Centre and decided to do three walks while we in the Tongariro National Park. As it was a cold wind but sunny, and cloud was covering Mt Ruapehu we decided to do a sheltered walk of 7kms down the banks of the Whakapapanui River. It was a great walk thru nice bush. Back at our campsite which is in the bush, we sat in the sun for a read.

Wed 2 Dec

It was a nice fine day, with no wind and clear skies, as we set off for the first of the two walks we will do today. A beautiful walk towards Mt Ngauruhoe before entering the beech forest and following the Wairere Stream. The Taranaki Falls were spectacular before heading up towards Mt Ruapehu and returning towards the Chateau Tongariro and our camp. Total distance 7kms. A quick lunch and back following a different track to the Silica Rapids.  The first part of the walk was thru the bush, but we eventually climbed out and thru the shrublands to the very unusual Silica Rapids where the stream has coloured the rocks cream. The return track was over old lava follows and ended at the road to the ski fields and we had to walk down this for 2kms back to camp. Total distance 7.5 kms. No wonder we were feeling a bit weary!! After a rest we decided we would walk down to the Chateau for a drink. We bowled into the main lounge and sat with a great view of Mt Ngauruhoe enjoying a wine. The Chateau is still very grand but, like a beautiful older lady, is starting to show a few wrinkles.

Thurs 3 Dec

We woke to misty rain which got heavier as we headed out of the National Park and a short drive down the “4” to Raetihi where we parked at the Cosmopolitan Club for the night. The rain stopped during the drive and the sun came out for a lovely afternoon. Not much to see in the town but we walked to a Ratana Church. Spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sun.

Fri 4 Dec

We drove down the “4” thru nice farmland in the valleys and forestry on the hills. This area has been badly affected by slips which had resulted in the road being closed for some time, but it is now mostly repaired. The 90km drive seemed to be mostly down hill as we left the central plateau to the coast at Wanganui. We did the last shop for this trip and then drove to a camp on the coast at Castlecliff. Val did a huge laundry and we walked to the beach. There was a very strong N/W blowing the black sand around. Not very inviting, but this area would be great on a nice day. It was a bit more sheltered in the camp.

Sat 5 Dec

Overnight we looked at the weather forecast for our Cook Strait Crossing booked for Tuesday. Gale force winds Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday!! At breakfast time Val phoned Bluebridge and re-booked for 8:00am Sunday morning.  We decided to drive thru to the NZMCA park at Plimmerton for our early check-in now on Sunday. Just out of Wanganui we drove 2kms to Ratana Pa and church. This is where the politicians go in January to release their Maori policies. The Ratana Church was beautiful, and the Ratana Brass Band was playing Christmas carols. Well worth the diversion.

 Huge traffic hold up before Otaki due to a Christmas market (we think) and another of 1 hour between Paraparaumu and Paekakariki, due to roadworks where the new Transmission Gully road will join HW1. No one working there just two lanes narrowing to one!! It was a much quieter night at the NZMCA park as we parked well away from the road.

Sun 6 Dec

Up at 6:00am for the 22km drive to the ferry. It was a beautiful morning waiting in line and having breakfast on the wharf with a very smooth crossing to follow. We drove down to Kaikoura and stopped at the new NZMCA park at the north end of the town. Not so many stops as roadworkers do not work on Sundays. We will drive home tomorrow morning. We have had a great trip exploring a part on NZ we have not been to before. The weather has been patchy and surprisingly cool. Our average cost/night was $20.

 

Stratford to Raglan

 

Thurs 19 Nov

It was sunny as we said farewell to Rodney and Judith. It was great to catch up with them and enjoy their hospitality. The Stratford Glockenspiel Clock was chiming as we drove down the main street for fuel and dumping. On to the “Forgotten World Highway”. This road links Stratford and Taumarunui. It is not used very often as it is very windy and isolated.

The first part was thru the unusual Taranaki farming country which is very lumpy, hilly and very green, then into the bush, very much like the S.I. West Coast. It took us over 2 hours to drive the winding 70kms to Whangamomona where we booked into a small camping ground for the night. A great drive! The Whangamomona Hotel is a real landmark, so we walked there and had a drink. The town is very cute.

Fri 20 Nov

We drove on thru the “Forgotten Word Highway” and diverted for 15km up the Mt Damper road to visit the Damper Falls. It a pleasant 2km walk thru farmlands and bush to the falls. They are the second highest falls in the North Island and quite spectacular. 

Back on the “Highway” and thru a tunnel and 12kms of gravel to eventually meet up with the Wanganui River at a DOC camp where we stayed the night. We had drinks with the two other groups camping there, a couple our age (Colin and Frances) in a camper and a younger couple in a tent, kayaking for 4 days down the river. Colin and Frances knew the area well and convinced us to use a less used road tomorrow back down to the west coast. Only short sections of gravel they said!

Sat 21 Nov

It was only a short drive to the end of the “Forgotten World Highway” to Taumarunui where we fuelled up and did a quick shop. Do not know when we will find food and fuel again. The first part of the new route (suggested last night) was sealed but rough and windy. The seal ran out and we drove 30kms on gravel which, to be fair, was reasonably smooth. The road followed a series of spectacular gorges thru bush and very isolated country, much like the last two days. It was 100kms from Taumarunui to the coast, but well worth the effort.

We stopped for the night at a free site at the mouth of the Tongaporutu River. We found a nice spot overlooking the river. Colin and Frances pulled in to our camp later in the day.

Sun 22 Nov

As it was low tide, we met Frances and walked out to the beach along to the “Three Sisters” a series of unusual rock formations with beautiful reflections.

We drove on and left the main road at Awakino and eventually rejoined the coast at Waikawau to see the tunnel which lead to a beautiful beach, another Colin and Frances suggestion.

They met us there and we walked thru the tunnel, built to transport wool bales onto the beach and then out to waiting ships in lighters. Another spectacular black sand west coast beach. We continued past Marokopa and Te Anga to a rest area where we could overnight at the Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

 It was a short walk thru the bush to another spectacular view of where the river had carved out the limestone forming two arches. At 9:30pm we walked the track again to see the lovely sight of glow worms lighting the path.

Mon 23 Nov

It was a quiet night considering how close to the road we were. It was a short drive back to Te Anga. On the way we stopped and walked into the Marokopa Falls. They were huge with lots of water, amazing that we had never heard of them.

 

We then followed around the edge of the Kawhia Harbour eventually arriving at the town of Kawhia
where we were to meet Lynne and Gary for a couple of days. After inspecting the two camping grounds, we decided to stay at a motel that had some great powered sites overlooking the harbour. Lynne and Gary arrived and after lunch we walked to the town, wharf and waterfront. An extended drinks section led to a very later dinner!!

Tues 24 Nov

Rain forecast for later in the day, so we sat outside enjoying the view. Looking at the roof of “Joy” I realized that, somewhere on our travels, the cowling from the heater had come off. As the rain would go straight down the chimney, I borrowed a ladder and attached a baked bean can as a temporary fix. We were forced inside when it started to drizzle. The forecast for the next two days is lousy!! During a break in the weather we went for another walk ending with a coffee at the only café in town. A game of “Sequence”, a new game to us, in Bodger’s van before pre dinner drinks as the rain set in.

Wed 25 Nov 

We followed Gary and Lynne out of Kawhia, thru hilly country with mist and a bit of rain, to Pirongia. We struck torrential rain as we headed up the road towards Raglan and pulled into the Raglan Club where we will stay for two nights. The Club is right on the main street and as the rain had stopped, we walked around the town. Very much a surfie vibe with alternative clothing shops, cafes and bars. It reminded us of a small version of Byron Bay in Aussie. In the afternoon the weather cleared, and we walked over a bridge, thru the camping ground and around the harbour beach returning across the airfield.

Thru 26 Nov

Rain started again this morning, so we drove to the main surfing beach for a quick walk before parking with a view over a very typical west coast beach. As the rain had set in again, we returned to the Raglan Club carpark for lunch.  A rainy afternoon. We did some research and decided to have dinner at the lovely Harbour View Hotel. It was a good decision as the food and atmosphere was great.

 

North Island Trip 2020

Christchurch > Inglewood

Mon 9 Nov

At last an overseas trip! Unfortunately, not Aussie though.A pleasant drive up north but heaps of stops for road works. We overnighted at a NZMCA pop park at a farm in Koromiko. It was a nice spot in a paddock with beautiful trees and sheep. The wind had got up and the forecast for tomorrows crossing is bad!

Tues 10 Nov

We woke with a text from Bluebridge informing us our check in time was now delayed until 8:45 instead of 7:00. The rain was pelting down when we arrived to check in and, as the Cook Strait forecast was for gale force winds and very rough seas, we decided a 24 hour delay may be the go. We rebooked for a sailing at 2:00pm Wednesday as we found out the forecast was slightly better and the ferry was a bigger one and handled the rough seas better (hopefully!!) As it was raining and cold be decided to opt for power at a camp in Waikawa. It rained all day so we could not even go for a walk.

Wed 11 Nov

The rain and the wind stopped and we checked out of the camp and walked around the marina before getting another text telling us that our sailing has been delayed until 4:30pm. The only up side is that the sea may have more time to calm down and we will not be driving out of Wellington in peak hour traffic. At least Picton is not a bad place to fill in a few hours. We parked at Waikawa Bay, had lunch and went for a walk before driving to the ferry and checking in. Loading was at about 3:30pm and we eventually sailed at 4:45pm. To Val’s relief it was like a mill pond all the way. Great feed of Fish and Chips for dinner and off the boat by 8:30pm. We drove thru to the NZMCA park at Plimmerton, which was nearly full, and found a park near the gate.

Thru 12 Nov

The noise from the road woke us early and after filling and dumping, drove thru to Foxton 20kms passed Levin. The new Kapiti Expressway has made this a much quicker trip. At Foxton we headed down to the coast to Foxton Beach where we will stay for 2 nights. Our camp is the Manawatu Caravan Club (an NZMCA POP). It is mostly permanent caravans with solid awnings and a mixture  of retirees and holiday accommodation. We were made very welcome, however. After lunch we rode our bikes to the beach and had a nice walk. It is a very shallow beach with a huge hard sand surface which many cars drive down. Back to the camp and a read outside in the sun.

Fri 13 Nov

Cloudy this morning but warm. Val did some laundry, and after lunch, we biked back to the beach and rode along the sand to the mouth of the Manawatu River and estuary returning via more bike tracks. Foxton Beach is bigger than we thought with a mixture of lovely original baches and modern holiday homes. We never saw the sun all day but the temperatures have been warm.

Sat 14 Nov

A nice sunny day as we shopped at Foxton before driving thru to Patea where we stayed at a small camp down by the beach. In the afternoon we walked down to the mouth of the Patea River and along the black sands of the beach. The river was once a very busy port exporting meat and cheese and even a twice weekly passenger service to Wellington. We followed a track up stream to the old freezing works and turn around area for the ships. Sat up late and watched the Pumas thrash the ABs.

Sun 15 Nov

Detoured thru the main street of Hawera and up the outside of Mt Taranaki following the coast to Opunake where we stayed at a free area overlooking the ocean at Middleton Beach. After lunch we walked the Opunake coastal walkway following the cliff tops, thru the cliff top garden and down to Opunake beach where we had an ice-cream before climbing back up to the coastal path, continued on to the mouth of the Waiaua River and inland thru some paddocks to Lake Opunake. We had a shorter walk back to “Joy” via the streets a total distance to 5 ½ km. We had two more campers join us and we sat outside before watching the sun set over the ocean. The cloud around Mt Taranaki cleared and we had a great view of the sun setting on it.

            

Mon 16 Nov

As we forgot to turn on the hot water we drove a short distance, off the grass, to the Lions Head Lookout for breakfast and showers. We drove thru New Plymouth to an expensive camping ground in heavy rain where we overlooked the port and the sea. After lunch the rain stopped so we walked into town where Val got a haircut.

 Tues 17 Nov

A nice fine morning with a cool breeze. We biked the New Plymouth Coastal Path. This is a wide  smooth concrete path which runs for 13kms along the waterfront, passed the wind wand and the city, and on to the Bell Block. It was a great ride with some spectacular scenery including this bridge framing Mt Taranaki. After a shop we drove to Inglewood where we met up with Rodney and Judith Clough and stayed up their drive. Judith provided us with a beautiful dinner and we had a few drinks, (more than a few) and caught up on all the news.

Wed 18 Nov

It rained in the night and off and on all day. Rodney took us to the Fun Ho Museum. The factory which made these famous toys was based in Inglewood. It was a walk down memory lane and very interesting. We went for a drive to a nice café for lunch and then to the new New Plymouth airport for coffee. We then went on to Noel and Rose’s house in Inglewood for afternoon tea and a walk around their beautiful garden which has been on display for the rhodo festival. Noel also has some great Mustangs which has now been joined by a lovely Willys Overlander vintage car.