Matata to Koromiko and Home

 13 April – Drove east to the great beach camp on Matata. Paul tried his hand at surf casting while we watched, read and enjoyed the view of the sea and Whakaari/White Island on the horizon belching steam.

14 April – Drove towards Edgecumbe and onto the “30” to Lake Rotoma to find the camping spot closed because of flooding. Carried on to Lake Rotorua and headed around the north side to Hamurana and stopped by the lakes edge. Had lunch but decided it was not the greatest place to overnight. Contacted a POP very close by and drove onto a sloping paddock with two flat areas to camp. Great views across the lake with the city of Rotorua in the distance. Hens running around us and hopping into the campers.

15 April – Breakfast outside enjoying the view before carefully backing back down the hill. A very short drive to the large NZMCA park at Ngongataha. In a garage we found the beautifully restored Number 1 house truck.

 Val and I cycled along bike paths to the Rotorua water front, the Government Historic Bath House and the Kuirau Thermal area. On our way back my chain link broke. We walked and scooted to a bike shop where they fixed the problem. A 25km trip!

16 April – Drove back into the city so that Lynne and Paul could see the sites. Another short drive to Lake Okareka where we camped in a DOC reserve with great views over this small lake. In the afternoon we walked a great bush track back to Boyes Beach.

17 April – Drove out of Lake Okareka, back thru Rotorua and across the volcanic plateau to Taupo. We parked L & P’s van at the NZMCA park and took our van into Taupo. Walked along the water front and the shops returning for lunch at a cafe. Back to the camp which holds about 200 vans.

18 April – Around the east side of Lake Taupo to Turangi. We shopped and our camp for the night is a rundown place but has free private hot water pools. It drizzled off on on all day.

19 April – Drove into the Tongariro National Park and up towards Mt Ruapehu and the Château for our camp at Whakapapa. As we were early, we walked the track to the Taranaki Falls. Low cloud spoiling our view of the mountains but caught a glimpse of Ngauruhoe.

20 April – A short walk up the Ridge Track for a view of the mountains but still cloudy. We packed our lunch and set off up the track to the Silica Rapids where we had lunch before crossing the face of Ruapehu to join up to the ski road and back to our camp. Unfortunately the Château is closed with little hope of ever opening again!!

21 April - Still cloudy with no mountain views. We drove up the ski field for a look in thick fog. Back thru Whakapapa for another short walk to the Tawhai Falls before driving out of the National Park, thru Ohakune to Waiouru and the Army Museum. Very interesting. Taihape for lunch and a POP at Makio Farm on the banks of the Rangitikei River. A great place with dogs and farm stuff everywhere. We walked down to the suspension bridge across the river. Drinks outside under the awnings as rain set in.

22 April – Rained most of the night and on our drive to the coast at Tangimoana and a small waterlogged camp! Donned our jackets and walked in the drizzle to the beach. Ended up dodging huge puddles and even removed our shoes to get across a creek. Lots to dry out!

23 April – Slightly better today weather-wise but still some drizzle. South thru Foxton and stopped for the night at a POP in Waikanae. A walk to the beach returning via some lagoons with houses around them.

24 April – Filled in some time at the Paraparaumu beach watching the waves before driving to the Plimmerton NZMCA Park. We will be here for two nights and go into Wellington City tomorrow. A quick walk to the train station in a cold southerly. Ferries cancelled today. Hopeful it will be OK on Wednesday!!

25 April – Walked to the train station and used our Gold Card for a free trip into the city. Walked up to Phoebe’s student accommodation where she showed us around. We all wandered the city to the Cable Car and again our Gold Card got us to the top. Lunch at a great restaurant at the top, back down to the city, and a walk to Parliament and the Beehive. We farewelled Phoebe and caught the train back to our camp. A great day with fine weather.

26 April – No delaying text from Bluebridge, so we drove to their terminal and were promptly load on to the ferry. A great smooth crossing despite the grim rough seas forecasted. We arrived in Picton 1/2 hour early and drove back to the camp at Koromiko where we had celebratory drinks. Some much for the bad weather forecasts!!! Another waste of “Sea legs”! Driving back to Kaiapoi tomorrow. We will publish this tonight.