Wellington to Auckland via Napier & Waihi Beach- searching for our elusive Motorhome

Auckland, picturesque on a good day

We crossed back over to the North Island on the weekend of the 11th/12th March. Had a lovely (although wet) weekend catching up with Shannon & AC and Nick & Jacky while staying with friends Sarah & John.

Bill checking out Shannon & Ac's new bath

We have given up finding our elusive motor home in the South Island and have decided to head north.
There were 9 buses to look at on our way through to Auckland via Napier, Taupo, and Waihi Beach.
We had a lovely time catching up with our kids. AC had just sold his home, so Shannon and he were about to move into a lovely three level, one bedroom townhouse in Karori. They had the keys so we were able to get a sneak preview before they moved in. They are still able to walk into work in Wellington Central as it's all downhill, but may need a bus back home at night. But they will get that sorted I'm sure. And now the excitement begins as they look for their ideal home for the near future at least.
Nick and Jacky have sadly decided on differing futures with Jacky staying in Wellington and Nick moving over to Perth in a couple of weeks, where he will join Rocky & Daniel initially till he finds a job and his own place. Two in Perth! Lovely spot for future holidays. Nick don't wear the Tyler welcome out or Daniel might not be too keen to have more of Rocky's family come and stay!
It was a good catch up as always with S&J, and hopefully we enlightened John on not allowing the price of a wine to influence your choice. We did a spot of blind tasting, with John and Bill choosing the cheaper (under $10!!!) and Sarah the more expensive ($15).

Cousin "It" does a wonderful
Rack of Pork

Onward to Napier to annoy Cuzzie "It" (Kevin & Deb) after our Wellington selection of buses didn't turn up anything suitable. Prices are amazingly high for old buses. Some of the conversions are ok, but no Wow ones. Big Yella set a high standard!
Good catch up Guys, just a pity no fresh fish Kevin. We see plenty of your photo's but never in the flesh - we all know about cutting and pasting! And sorry Deb it clashed with you doing night shift, but that might have been a good thing for our health (or should I say heads). It was nice catching up with your nephew Jason too, we last saw him when he was 4, 33 years ago.
Carrying on northward to Waihi Beach via Taupo ( my top of the list choice bus) and Tauranga. Photo's can be sooooo misleading and my choice bus wasn't a choice one at all, with such a dated old bus.Very disappointing. Tauranga provided a "possibility" but an old bus once again. Not really sure this is where we want to go!

View from our bedroom at Waihi Beach

So it was time for some time out with brother Graeme & Claire at wonderful Waihi Beach, where Claire advised Bill to get some "grounding" with Mother Nature and walk barefoot along the beach. Two blistered feet later, Bill wasn't impressed with Mother Nature. He'll stick to his sandals in future.

The Grey Beard Gang about to hit the town

Mini Mouse (aka Claire) off to a Hen's Party

Beaches are very therapeutic though, and it was lovely to be right by the sea and get out for a few local walks. Mum had many lovely stays with G&C, and although she didn't like the sea much, she did love the social buzz that was always happening at their place. I feel she isn't far away from here as she doesn't want to miss anything.
We did find another 3 buses on the Internet in Hamilton, so headed off  there for a day but once again disappointment!  They were all "Older Owners" - two selling for health reasons, and all three buses older and tired inside. So no future home here. I'm ready to write the book on "not what to buy".

View out over Waihi Beach from our walk lookout.

Bill describing a big fish!!!!!

Ma & Pa Sticky
Returning home to Graeme

As the weekend approached, it was time to head to Auckland and the big smoke. Perhaps more opportunities here, particularly just after the huge Covie Motor Home Show was  held that weekend. We had no plans to attend as they only sell new vehicles, but we are hoping for a flow on effect of second hand motor Homes with the trade ins. But the market is so hot, everyone seems to be looking at the same ones we see and selling like hot cakes. Prices on second hand Motor Homes don't appear to drop like new cars do. Bloody Baby Boomers!
We have settled in with our new flatmates/landlords brother Wayne & Kate, where we will help with some jobs around the place in return for our keep. Bit like HelpX again. Lovely spot in West Harbour to be based and keep searching for our elusive motor home while catching up with family and old friends.

Lets hope our next Blog has some exciting news on our "Unicorn".

Wayne & Bill hatching a plan.........