First trip in new motor home - Dunedin to Ak

Tom with our new motor home at Lookout over Port Charmers

We flew to Dunedin mid May to pick up our new (old) Motor Home  - we had a good direct flight down arriving to a beautiful vista of autumn tints. The colours are so much stronger down south than up here in the north.

Nice open living area, plenty of window

We arrived at Toms with half an hour of daylight left to give the bus a final look over (and my approval confirming Bill had made the right decision that it was suitable for us after soooooo many disappointments.

Very comfy

The layout is very similar to Big Yella with extras.
The skylight is great on a dull day

We had decided to spend the night in the bus rather than book somewhere else in Dunedin, and asked Tom if he was ok with that as the Bus is parked out the front of his home. He said he had better than that (what! better than sleeping in our new home!!)- and offered us a bed in his home. He also had dinner on for us so we couldn't even get the chance to take him up the road for dinner. Tom was a good raconteur, with plenty of stories to pass the evening, then a sauna in his basement before having a good nights sleep.

Parked up outside Joan's home in Richmond

Unfortunately it was raining in the morning, but Tom & Bill, under an umbrella, managed to check the outside over and Bill had a run through on how everything worked. After a quick visit to Briscoes for a few items (pillows & towels) we were off to Christchurch to catch up with H&R once again. They have the perfect spot for a Bus to park up, so we keep returning, plus they are wonderful hosts. We had a good run through to Christchurch, with no issues. After a 6.00am start to the next day to walk the hills of Cashmere in the dark with H&R, some breakfast, we were on our way to Nelson.
Bill's mum Joan had had a fall recently, fracturing her knee cap so was having to take things a bit slower, which is not her style. Bill's brothers and wives had been helping her out and getting some extra help for her to keep her in her own home. We were expecting to see a fragile old lady on our arrival, not this sprightly smiley lady. She has such a positive attitude, and a healthy lifestyle, that she is mending well. We had a couple of nights parked out on the street in front of her place, which worked well for us to have some time with Joan, cook some meals and sort a couple of little issues out.
We managed to get Joan, plus all 3 of Bill's brothers, wives, a niece, plus friends to meet out to Rabbit Island for a lovely day. Reminding us of our earlier days living in Nelson, regularly picnicking at Rabbit Island with the kids and lots of other families. They were always good days, and even better when you have a Bus to make a cuppa - sorry Pippa & Trudy, I took so long. So many people to show the bus off to of course!

Perfect reflections from the Honest Lawyer

Then it was off to P&J's for the night at Kina, and to give Annabelle a ride in what she thought was "Bertie the Bus", not sure of the name Annabelle but pleased you enjoyed your wee ride.
Bill had a day helping his brother Alan on his roof, while I managed a walk with Vicki, perfect day for a coffee at the Honest Lawyer and lunch back with Trevor. It was a beautiful Nelson day, confirming this is the place we will finally settle back into at a later stage. Great to finally catch up with you too Fran after all this time, and share a little red.
Bill had organised the fitting of a tow bar before our arrival in Nelson, so dropped the bus off first thing Monday and headed off for a walk before morning tea on Bob's deck looking over stunning Tahuna and catching up on all the Kayaking Club's news ( or was that the Yacking Club's news Bob?)
On our way to the ferry, Bill made a detour checking out an inflatable boat in Picton, complete with motor. It was pouring down when we arrived, so Bill headed up the drive to check it out with instructions "if it's any good come back and get me to look" - next minute Bill's back with the paddles! I guessed at that point we had purchased an inflatable. As Bill says, "it was just too good a bargain not to get it". So we now have a boat that takes up half our living space! Think it will be back on Trade Me shortly.

Boat & motor taking up ALL the couch

Part of Wellingtons Lux 2017 display

It was a super calm crossing over to Wellington, arriving at peak time (5.00pm) but easily made it around the waterfront, past Evans Bay to the Marina just along from Shannon & AC's new place (didn't get to see as they don't take over till July). Perfect spot for self contained motorhomes to park up, as was confirmed by the dozen or so on our arrival.
Shannon & AC picked us up and took us into the city where we had a lovely meal. Jacky joined us briefly too, which was nice to catch up on everyone's news, We wandered around Wellington city after dinner looking at the LUX 2017, a light display throughout the city celebrating light and winter - exploring Wellington in a new light. Wellington was vibrant even with a wet cold night - you can't keep Wellingtonians inside for long!
On our way out of Wellington the next morning, we caught up with nephew Adrian & family who are currently living in their Bus in Paraparaumu. Their 3 gorgeous girls are growing up fast, and life on the road seems to suit them all. It's just poor Renée who has to deal with commuting, but at least it's only 3 days a week Renée. Thanks for the coffee AJ

Time for a coffee with great nieces
 Lucille and Alejandra

Onto  Taupo for the night, where we spent the morning walking into town & back along the waterfront with freezing cold wind blowing. The lake was not appealing for a swim with it's cold white capped waters, but having lunch in our new home in the sun looking out over the lake was.

Parked up at Waihi Beach trying out the awning,
great view of the roof.

It was onto Waihi Beach for the weekend to join brother Graeme & Claire. This was really the first chance we had to have a good look at our new bus and organise things to suit us. Also to see what we wanted to change further down the track to better utilise the space this wider vehicle had compared to Big Yella. We had room to put up the awning that is almost new, Tom had it made for the Bus but only used it 3 times in the 10 years he owned it. It will be a great spare room when any one wants to come and stay. It was lovely catching up with G&C again, thanks for your hospitality and sorry we wouldn't stay inside the house. We were just too excited to be sleeping in our own home again, with a great diesel heater. Something Big Yella didn't have but was on our wish list.
On our way back to Auckland, we popped into a business to look at rust removal and paint touch ups, plus will give it a good polish - so it is booked in on the 6th June for it's make over. Watch this space for more photo's next blog.

We are back in Auckland for roughly another month, parked up in W&K's street - not sure what ever the neighbour's think!! W&K have been here 30 years, and no one has previously parked their bus in this street. Great we are the first! Sorry W&K, you can pick your friends but not your family!

A suburban street of Auckland enhanced with our Bus
(and our trailer to the left, and car in front)

Enjoying local sights in Auckland

A Beauty - needs a little TLC

We have been in Auckland 7 weeks now and the time has gone fast while we wait to head down south to pick up our next motorhome.

Allan & Nicky with Bill on the
Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway

Cyclone Cook thankfully wasn't as bad as expected here in Auckland and we ended up with some lovely weather over the Easter Break. W&K left us for two weeks home alone, while they went down to brother G's in Waihi Beach, but we managed to survive ok without too much hardship.

Under pressure for lunch -
and an Easter treat-
it was off to KFC in Kate's sportscar

We caught up with my other brother Allan & partner Nicky for a local bike ride in their area of Wainui/Orewa, the Te Ara Tahuna Estuary cycle/walk way that follows around the Orewa Estuary. This 7.6km trail has plenty of information boards about the areas past and the significance the area had on food gathering for the local Maori with the river and sea. Being Easter there were a lot of families out walking / biking, which was great to see.

Love the different leaf textures/varieties
in the gardens on our local walks

The weather was perfect for the ride, as was the much needed drink at the end of the trail in one of the local Cafe's in the area. We then headed back the last 15 minutes of our cycle ride to A&N's place they are renting in Wainui, while their own place is being built. Not an enviable task up this way with so much construction being carried out, it would appear costs are always on the increase- not great for home owners.

Port Albert jetty out to the M.V. Kewpie Too

Reading the local papers, I came across the advert for cruises on the Kaipara Harbour, which is an hour north of where we are staying. Sounded very interesting and as the weather was predicted to be looking good, we headed on up there on the Thursday after Easter.

View from the top deck of the vessel - bit cool

The cruise was in the largest harbour  in the Southern Hemisphere with one of New Zealand's largest inland waterways, where the early pioneers to New Zealand were promised a wonderful new start to life. But they were mostly disappointed with the remoteness of the area and lack of any infrastructure. Many at that time (1862) arrived at Port Albert (Albertlanders), but soon returned to Auckland rather than struggle in such hardship. It didn't take the steamers and sailing ships long to get set up and service the river ways and mills that took advantage of the abundance of huge trees in the area, including the magnificent Kauri's, almost depleting the whole area.

One of the many cemetery's in the area

Today there are the remains of these Kauri Mills and Maori Pa sites, and of course plenty of cemetery's, among a few holiday towns mostly owned by Aucklander's.
It was a 4 and 1/2 hour cruise on the 17m "M.V. Kewpie Too" with 15 other passengers, and well worth the $35 fare. The Captain did a very informative commentary of the area's past, and although New Zealand is very young compared to Europe, it was very interesting and certainly scenic.

Steve helping us blow up ballons
for Alex's party (What more could
a two year old want in life!)

We have been able to enjoy a 2 & 6 year old's (two great nieces of mine) birthday party's, which were more of family catch up than hard out partying. Enjoyable all the same. Enjoyed our catch up with friends Julie & Steve in Kohimarama, thanks Steve for the help with the balloons! Nice to see the new build, but will be better still when we can catch up at your batch in Rangiputa sometime soon hopefully.

Auckland City from the ferry as we headed into town

A well  earned lunch after our
 City Walking Tour
Wayne & Bill in disguise

Staying in West Harbour, we are only ten minute walk to the ferry that heads into Auckland. What a pleasant way to visit the city, taking you right into the centre. Our plan for the day was to do a 3 hour Walking Tour of the city, then catch Wayne for lunch at one of the many cafes/bars along the waterfront. We had expected it to be really busy with it still being school holidays and the World Masters

Lovely Pohutakawa trees in
Albert Park needing a little support

Games being on, thankfully it wasn't. We joined 12 others with our guide Julie and off we went. A very pleasant stroll around the back streets of the city listening to Julie detailing the city's past through to the present. Even though we lived here 30 years ago for ten years, we learnt a lot. It was a perfect day for our walk and then our lunch down on the waterfront. Auckland has a very picturesque waterfront these days thanks mainly to the America's Cup sailing races in 2000 which invigorated the city.
After catching up with nephew Luke at his apartment in the heart of the city, we then caught our ferry back home, avoiding any congestion on the roads/motorways. Best way to travel here in this large city, and not too expensive. It was a wonderful day out.

Tough day on Waihi Beach

Thoughtful pose by Bill on our walk over to Orokawa Bay
Waihi Beach

On the 1st May (May Day) Bill & I returned to Tauranga, along with brothers W&K, G&C, and A&N, to spread Mum's ashes. We had a lovely lunch with a glass of bubbles in her memory at a Club she enjoyed a meal or two with my brothers in the past. Bit sad my first time there, was without Mum. That evening we returned to G&C's at Waihi Beach and had a nice warm bonfire on the beach under a beautiful clear starry sky.

Wayne, Bill, Nicky, Claire & Graeme, Allan, Kate & I
Having a drink for Pat

This coming week, we fly to Dunedin to pick up our new home, not long now. Just to clarify, the picture at the top of this blog is not our new home - next blog will reveal all. Watch this space!!

We have found our Unicorn

Our view of Auckland from the Marina at West Harbour

 In the words of Alanis Morissette, "Isn't it Ironic" . We searched the South Island for a Motor-Home and came north as we were unable to find anything. Then we got all settled in Auckland and found one in Dunedin that ticked most of the boxes. So Bill was booked on a return flight to check it out, and happily the money was worth spending.

Beautiful Autumn colours
in the street

We have now paid the deposit on our new home, and will pick it up on the 10th May when we fly down. Another Hino, same length as Big Yella but wider, which gives that much more storage. Sadly it's not yellow, but blue & white. So have to get creative re a name.  More on the next Blog (including photos).
So as I say we have settled into Auckland life once again (for those of you that don't know, we lived here 30 years ago- pre children - but of course Auckland then was a much slower, less crowded place, we left it then because we thought it was too busy and too crowded!)

One of our early morning walks
up over the motorway - with all the 
new growth in motorways, there are
plenty of walkway/cycle ways

Portaloo's on a construction
sites. For "Men" only at that!

Some of the high density development
being built in Hobsonville

Another morning walk through another
development looking across to the West 

There has been HUGE developments in infrastructure to cater for all the new subdivisions that have gone in to Auckland over the years. We had a trip up to Warkworth to visit nephew Paull and Marta with Oscar & Bailey, who moved north of Auckland a couple of years ago to buy something affordable and have a good lifestyle. Well in that two years it's unreal how much development has happened up there. But with the motorways, comes easy access for Aucklanders to head north for delicious cafes and shops, to get away from the madding crowd.(yeh right) Without the growth in population, you wouldn't have all these wonderful places to visit for meals and shopping. Just as we found overseas, it's hard to get that balance between enough people to sustain a lifestyle and too many making it overcrowded. Another nephew James with Katie are looking at moving from Auckland to Wellington to buy their first home as they have the same opportunities employment wise, but much more affordable first home. Shannon & AC are proof of that in buying their first home in Evan's Bay, Wellington. Handy to central Wellington, across the road from the sea, looking forward to visiting once you move in in July. Sadly no room for a bus though! Ah the sacrifice we will have to make!
Staying at West Harbour (Upper Harbour or Hobsonville depending on the reason for giving your address), you wouldn't know we were in Auckland . Wayne & Kate live in a culdesac so the street is fairly quiet, they have lived here for 30 years when it was a new area and now with all the mature trees, the bird life is amazing.

One of Bill's projects -
 replacing the door frame

We have been enjoying morning walks in the area, Bill cramps our style (Wayne & I) with our coffee stops (waste of time says B), but otherwise enjoyable.
What is also evident is the huge focus on high density housing we are seeing on these walks. Hobsonville, the old airbase  that catered to the large sea planes (another interesting story) is now a hive of building,with many multi level row houses, different to what we normally see. Some of the houses do stand alone at 1.4million but most are more modest joined row houses for first home buyers at 750k, yes AK is only good if you need to be here. Thankfully we are here by choice and won't be here all that long.
 Another thing we have noticed is how much warmer it is up here compared to Nelson. I keep an eye on our home town, it can vary from 5 to 10 degrees warmer up here. For mid April it is very warm, not swimming weather but no blankets at night yet.

Preparing the Ribs for smoking

We have been enjoying catching up with old friends and more family, picking up where we left off, in some cases a few weeks ago others a few months and some a few years even. The only difference being they are property  millionaires now, compared to us from down south. Along with the social activities Bill has been helping Wayne with renovations and I have helped Kate a little in the garden.

The result! So tender

Then there are the meals! With our Flatmates, there appears to be a constant outdoing of meals. The spin off of this is some lovely meals. Wayne out did us with his smoked beef ribs-very impressed.
We have yet to get out and about on our bikes, perhaps this weekend over Easter, weather permitting. Cyclone Cook is on it's way!

Bill & Wayne struggled to open a bottle
of Moa Cherry Wheat Beer,
this photo was taken once the cork
dribbled out.........

Ah! Enjoying the beer after it was
finally opened

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.........

Christchurch and The St James Cycle Trail

Our lovely outdoor dining area at H&R's.
The days are too hot to eat in the sun.  

Time is flying by as we continue our search for our elusive Motorhome and attending dental appointments.
The weather has been pretty good but the lovely huge trees around Christchurch are just starting to turn with autumn just around the corner.

Bill not happy Murray has made
himself at home.

       

Plenty of big equipment operating around
Christchurch with earthquake repairs and fiber optic.

I have been trying to loose a little
weight, but find chairs too big now!

We are still getting out cycling and walking plenty, as well as the important things in life such as socialising.
Don had casually mentioned riding the Saint James Cycle Trail behind Hanmer in the Kaikoura Ranges. Bill was quick to take up the suggestion and formulated a plan. They decided to do the 64km Trail over two days the following week. Although Bill didn't have the appropriate gear, Don had plenty to share. Food was sorted, and they were on their way. The plan was for two cars to go into the Molesworth up behind Hanmer, and leave one at a point where Bill & Don were to return and drive back to Christchurch the next day.

Bill surveying the vast landscape

 Marg & I travelled with them into the area, leaving them (Lycra clad and all!!!), their bikes, gear plus a car. And off they went, full of enthusiasm, energy, eagerness, exuberant, vivaciousness (Remember these words later).
Bill can now finish the tale....

We didn't get started till after 12ish what with bloody lattes and all at Hanmer so with the expectation we would make the second hut late afternoon for a relatively "easy out" the followinig day off we sped off on our adventure.
Ten minutes in and the first push up hill we met the Melling Pass. Oh Shite! Thats a big push and no lunch to boot, so halfway up we decided time for lunch and by the time we made the top we were having a serious talk about pulling the plug.

Don pushing across one of the two bridges transversed.

Once we were over the top there was no going back except by helicopter. Don had bought his "EPIRB" for an emergency extraction( probably almost as painful as my dentist). The downside of getting to the top of the Melling Pass was now one must go down and the significance of grade 4 & 5 bike tracks became apparent. In many places it was simply too steep to ride down for these two old guys, me having a slight advantage from my motorcycle days. And so on it went..... big walks up and big walks down, making for a long day with many breaks for breathers and sustenance.
 It was 8:30 and darkish when we finally made the first hut, a humble hut even by DOC's standards but we were pretty glad to see it with both of us well spent for our 8 odd hours of trekking.

Bills alluring comfortable thermals
Enough to make your blood boil me thinks.

The only real incidence being me going over my handle bars in "super slow motion" on a section so steep I had stopped. I was straddled and about to walk my bike down when the arse end flicked over my head and over the bank we went, with a stunning blow to my head to boot(thank goodness I was wearing my helmet on this occasion). I heard Don calling me but like a stunned mullet I was all but flapping on the ground, taking a few seconds to realise I wasn't floating above the world ready for departure.
The night was woefully short before once again we were up to do battle with the cycle trail, us with a new found respect for its challenges and the realisation this was not going to be the "easy out " we had glibly talked about only a few days earlier over a jovial beer.
The area was the same as we had experienced prior to our trip away overseas, having rafted it with our Canoe club, down the Waiau River.  Don in tow then as well. Stunning vistas of Big Country, isolated, yet accessible for everyone but no "madding crowd". But rafting is the way to go, this was turning out to be a grind of grand magnificence. On wards we went, covering vast tracts of land alternately walking and cycling as conditions allowed taking in the vistas but secretly wishing it would not go on for ever and ever.

It was a further 3 hours to the next hut which was a wake up call as to our slow but steady progress, it being our anticipated stop for last night. We carried on as best we could with one more final grunt up a hill and a most exhilarating fast 5km ride down to the St James Homestead to finish our epic journey.
Not a journey I will repeat soon and when I do we will take  3 days to savor the experience.Thankfully that was our only incident, and managed to make it back to Christchurch early evening for a well deserved beer!
Our time was coming to an end in Christchurch as Bill's last dental appointment was nearly here. We had a great catch up with "Flatmates" Helen & Ralph and their wonderful hospitality. Plenty of laughs and a few reds. See you next summer.

The day came, Bill had his Crown fitted to his front tooth, making him look handsome once again. (Not the scruffy toothless homeless guy he had been looking like for the past couple of months). Note no photo's on the Blog - too disturbing for viewers.

Travelling the back roads to avoid all the
 road works from
Christchurch to Nelson - Maruia Saddle

One of our last nights in Nelson
Fish & Chips with Joan & Vicki at Queens Park