2025 January - Five weeks touring in the North Island

Fab 5 plus others at Anglers Lodge - Amodeo Bay

We crossed over to Wellington mid-January, staying 4 nights with Shannon and AC. Weather was great to get out and about. We caught up with John and Sarah for lunch out at Plimmerton, a lovely little coastal village. Shannon and AC knew of a Polish restaurant, so we met there. We enjoyed trying the different Polish dishes but unfortunately Bill couldn't try the Polish Beer as it had been taken by Pirates in the Red Sea caused by issues in the Middle East! Shannon organised an early morning Sauna for Bill & I and her, across the road from their apartment, to coincide with high tide for a cold plunge. It was a great way to start the day. Amazingly the session was fully booked with about 10 people, Wellingtonians like to start their days early!

Lunch at Topor Bistro - Plimmerton

With Highway 1 having a section closed for a couple of months south of Taupo, we had to change our plans and headed up the West Coast, going via a night at the Wanganui Golf Club, then Piriaka NZMCA the next night, another in Otorahanga, and then up to the Bombay Hills, where we were having a night with AC's parents & fellow motorhomer's, Margaret & Alan. The last time we called in here, it was bucketing down and couldn't see their lovely rural views out over the Waikato. The weather was perfect this time, but not warm enough to hop into their pool.

Whanganui River

View from the Bombays

From the Bombay Hills we headed over to the Firth of Thames, to Kaiaua NZMCA camp, where we met up with my brother Allan and Nicky, and their friends Suzie & Rick. A&N had their new motorhome - a change from the earlier caravan. They seemed much happier with this mode of camping compared to caravanning.

Kaiaua with Allan & Nicky, Suzie & Rock

The next day was rather wet, perfect to stay in bed and read for the morning. With predicted gusty wet weather, we decided to stay another night at Kaiaua, so headed to the pub next door in the afternoon to play cards. We were fortunate this coincided with the televising of the America's cup.

Farewelling A&N and friends, we headed off the next day over the rugged Kopu to Hikuai Road to Sam & Pauline at Hahei.

Wendy's Banana's

This was not without drama as we descended the steep roads a very loud cabin alarm went off sounding a brake issue of supposedly urgent nature. We were towing the Suzuki. After many soothing sounds and murmurs to quell Sheryl's hysterical sounds, we carried on albeit using the gear box to good affect for braking.

A good catch up with SAM & Pauline was had after they were having a big year with issues affecting us all at this time of life and deciding it was time to make life easier and downsizing their business interests in Hahei.

Hot Water Beach

The next day we popped over the hill to Cooks Beach and at a well-appointed Motor camp, we awaited Sheryl's school friend Julie & hubby Steve to arrive from Auckland - on Bill's birthday, he wanted low key. We had 2 days doing the local sights. We walked on the "still officially closed" Cathedral Cove track for a swim on the beach with hundreds of other holiday makers as well as a visit to Hot Water beach. We have visited there a few times but caught the right tide this time and remembered to take our shovel and luxuriated in the hot water albeit briefly. 

Cathedral Cove

The timing and dug holes need to be spot on as not enough introduced water you risk a scolding. Also, we visited the Pour house for a well-earned beer after our walk to cathedral cove. A nice catch up with Steve & Julie before we again headed south to Waihi Beach with the luxury of staying at our Fab 5 friend's house whilst Wendy was visiting family in Aussy. Caught up with GMan & Claire. having a meal with them at the Bowentown boating club then headed inland to Rotorua. A convenient stop over on our way to Taupo. 

Petanque near Bowentown

Bill relaxing at Lake Taupo

At the top of lake Taupo, we enjoyed a swim here once again. We love this DOC camp, hopefully people keep respecting this area to keep it available to everyone.  

Repairs through the Napier / Taupo Gorge

On through to Napier to catch up with Debs and a wine tour with Shannon and AC.  Unfortunately, we had a breakdown near Tarawera. A bad oil leak. I had spied an issue and had my thoughts on it, and bought a hose incase. Unfortunately, I didn't have the right sized socket, and it was in such a remote spot at Tarawera. Luckily, we had the Suzuki to be able to return back to Taupo for a specific sized socket and affecting a repair to see us on our way again the next morning to Napier, in time for breakfast. And then onto Deb's new house. Good timing as Deb had hurt her back and needed to move a few bits of furniture, which Bill & I could help her with. Plus, the two special cookies in our freezer that she had given us two years earlier, came in very handy when she asked for them back. 😉

Black Barn Winery with Shihad

We then checked into another swish camp where we met up with Sheryl's nephew Paull & wife Marta, just outside of Havelock North.  After a drink & nibbles, we made our way to the Shihad concert

at Blackbarn where Shannon & AC met us. It was a great final concert for this band, a stunning venue and loud headbanging music, right up our alley. 😕 Sheryl's FOMO again leading us into a place we would normally fear to tread.

A Wine Tour the next day was fun in a small van with some "out of the box strangers" where we all ended bonded, & promising to write often (not), a great day finished with a swim in our resort pool and to bed earlyish. A quick coffee and breakfast in the morning to say adieu to Shannon & AC, Paull & Marta, then on the road again.

Dale & Don's new home in Waipukarau

Next stop Waipukarau - to see Dale & Don, our neighbours and friends over many years. It was a gentle drive though less often travelled roads that took us to their, as yet, unvisited house in the country at Waipukarau. Plenty of room for a Bus. An evening catchup and an appreciation of their latest abode, all very convivial and relaxing. 

We made a decision to leave them with the Suzuki for our short trip back up north again to meet the Fab Five +2 at a Firth of Thames camp called Anglers Lodge. This was still 3 days away as we idled up country, firstly back to our favourite campsite at the head of lake Taupo, Wakaipo Bay, for a couple of nights and being 28C a most welcome swim, a 9.5km walk on the track to Kinlock the next day and more swimming, another night then moved onto TeAroha, via Matamata. A new place for us, Wairere Falls, a brisk walk up the side of the Kaimai Hills to see high waterfalls but lacking a good flow. Te Aroah was pleasantly welcoming with a NZMCA camp. We hung around the next morning to check out a few re use /curiosity shops and a walk thru the past - a famous Spa Resort area hosting an interesting museum and complete with a geyser.

Waiwere Falls

Te Aroha Spa Resort

From here, we dropped into Thames Pak n Save to replenish and on to the Coromandel NZMCA Camp. The next day was on to Anglers Lodge, where the Fab Five usual suspects, Wendy, Graeme, Claire, and friends Barb & Owen (neighbours of G&C we had previously got to know) were to camp after meeting everyone for lunch in Coromandel.

We spent 2 nights here, followed by 2 nights at Papa Aroha camp, just down the road, fishing off the rocks, (mostly unsuccessfully) but with much hilarity, swims, good company and mostly good wine. The fellowship, alas once more parting, the travelers to carry on their differing paths perchance to meet again, who knows where or even if😟. Wendy is to head off to Australia shortly, to live. Another destination maybe sometime for the Fab 5.🤞

Another day fishing on the Coromandel

Heading south we wended our way towards Napier initially to Horahora Domain on the side of the Waikato River forming Lake Karapio. Again, getting in a swim in balmy humid conditions before we were forced inside as a boisterous thundery front moved over us with much lightning & thunder.

The next morning saw us loosely following the Waikato River thru gently undulating Waikato back roads to Whakamaru where we cooked up a big brekky on the banks of a pond connecting to the dam.  It was very warm, and tranquil to eat our well-earned breaky.  We then pushed on to Napier once more staying at a very full NZMCA camp as the weekend saw Napier hosting its annual Art Deco weekend. 

Coromandel 

The camp had its share of era cars and caravans for the weekends dip into nostalgia, but not for us. Besides with our recurring brake alarm, and we had a pressing tyre issue which required a tyre shuffle and a new tyre for Bluey the Bus. This was accomplished before heading back to Waipukarau to collect our Suzuki from its little sojourn with Dale & Don. We were beating our track southwards with our bus Tyres thrumming instead of slapping the tarmac, making good time, and electing to spend a night at our friends, John & Sarah's beach house at Waitarere Beach. An often visited place on our meanderings. 

A little refresher at Waitarere Beach

This was merely a park up as the following day being a short drive down to their Ohau address, to spend another evening, wining, dining & reminiscing, catching up on our friendship. Our trip was now running out of island to travel after our double ascent of the island, heading towards Wellington and the ferry but not without a further catchup with Shannon & AC (especially as we were about to head to Aussy for an extended period). We again had a short drive, this time to the NZMCA Plimmerton camp, which is nicely located handy to the motorway into Wellington & the interisland ferry. This made it a little easier to see the "Kids" on our way thru as they came and joined us for some very nice F&Cs on the Plimmerton waterfront, gazing fondly on the distant silhouette of our home island Te Waipounamu. And celebrating S&AC's 7th wedding anniversary.

AC, Bill & Shannon on Plimmerton Waterfront

The Cook Strait again was calm as we crossed over to the South Island, electing to spend the night at our NZMCA camp, conveniently located at Koromiko. This makes the whole travelling small days, easy and enjoyable. The club is spending significant money on SH1 road alterations to make this now busy camp less risky to access from both directions.

The next morning was a short trip over the hills to Nelson to check into the Redwood Stables camp at Richmond racecourse to organise our next adventure to Western Australia, still not having access to our home, with tenants signed up to June.😶😎

NZMCA Camp at Piriaka

The stunning West Coast & return to Nelson for Christmas 2024 🎄

Looking up the Mahitahi River toward the southern Alps.

We headed off south down the east coast due to the expected wet weather on the west coast. Once again we traveled through lake Rotoiti (and once again it was misty), onto Ward Beach. We haven't been to Ward Beach for a few years, but it was as appealing as ever. A very peaceful spot, however a bad exit off our ramps, requiring a touch of straightening and panel beating, we got on our way. 🚌

Bill took me for a little walk along the
Motueka River Bank 🙅

 We continued onto Kaikoura, the weather was beautiful and sunny. A windy night dawned sunny, perfect for a peninsula walk before deciding Christchurch would be our next stop.

We stayed with Helen & Ralph in Christchurch, catching up with Helen's sisters. I've known them since I was 3, so we go back a wee way. 😊. Anne gave us a beautiful nursery rhyme book to read to our granddaughters. 💕💕

On our way into Christchurch, we dropped in to see Michele & Nathan at their new home. V& T were there too, entertaining their wee granddaughter Nora while everyone (especially Michele) was waiting on the arrival of Nora's wee sister. Any day now (actually it was the day after we visited - wee Sloan was born)

Ward Beach

We continued south from Christchurch after a leisurely stroll through Hagley Park while waiting on our air filters to be cleaned. Through Geraldine, that had a new Transport Museum for us to spend a couple of hours in - the Roger Mahan Heritage Center. Well worth a visit.

The Roger Mahan Heritage Centre

Twizel ended up our destination that night - Lake Wardell on the Pukaki Canal. We have noticed so many motorhomes (both private and hired) on these southern roads compared to our travels a couple of years ago. I think NZ has recovered from the Covid era. Bill & I aren't happy to be sharing all our special spots with all these people. The secret is out!!

Bill amongst the Lupins 

We didn't bother trying to catch a salmon this time round. We went straight into the shop at Twizel and bought some frozen salmon. Much easier cheaper and quicker...  😂 

Onto Wanaka to Albert Town (great spot to keep all the motorhome's / campers out of town on a big reserve) to catch up on the laundry. The Three Park Complex just out of Wanaka is huge. Great laundry too.

Keeping our eye on the weather, it was looking good to cross over the Haast Pass to the West Coast to travel homeward to Nelson. A night in Kidds Bush (Lake Hawea) was a bit of a reminder of the sandflies to come on the west coast. It was good to see the Doc camp well used by families celebrating the end of the school year. We did the smaller loop walk around the hills before shutting ourselves inside for the evening, away from the pesky sandflies.

Thunder Creek Falls

Haast Pass was stunning the day we drove over onto the West Coast - New Zealand is fortunate that the loggers never got this far south to remove the huge native forests down this way. Lots of picturesque walking tracks through native bush to waterfalls and rivers. There were certainly plenty of overseass tourists stopping in these areas.

Arriving at our morning tea spot on the Waiatoto River

Once we made a date when we would cross over to the coast, we booked a jet boat ride on the Waiatoto River, just south of Haast - the Waiatoto River Safari. I was sold on the trip as it advertised "not for thrill seekers"! Poor Bill. But he was ok to come along. It was more of a nature cruise up the river, past a Kiwi Sanctuary, into a UNESCO recognised world heritage area. Our guide / driver Ruth was very good explaining the history and geology of the area, which Bill did enjoy too. Plus, fresh scones and a hot drink. 

Beautiful bush walks with the tree ferns

We had parked up the night before at the departure point for the jet boat. It was very tranquil. But boy, were there sandflies and mosquitos galore! The mosquitos were big enough to pull our window mesh screens apart and just come on into the bus. We've never had so many inside the Bus before. Thankfully we got most of them before bedtime. Thus, once we finished the tour, we decided to move on rather than another night with the blood suckers!

Fox Glacier Viewpoint and Aoraki to the right.

The rest of the week was perfect weather conditions, with blue skies that allowed Mt Aoraki to be seen from every vantage point on the west coast as we traveled northward. Unfortunately, the sandflies were at every vantage point too. We drove into Gilespie's beach, where we hadn't been before. What a lovely DOC Camp - we will return another time when we have more time. Lots of Gold mining history. The other thing we noticed as we traveled over the Haast Pass and up the West Coast, was all the cell sites, particularly at the DOC camps. It is nearly full coverage all the way along the coast these days. It also allows booking online of the Doc camps as we went. Many of the camps only take online bookings & payments.

Gillespies Beach Walking Track

Still plenty of mining gear left lying around

More beautiful bush 😍

Overnighting in Franz Joseph made us aware of the impact tourism is having down there, especially the number of helicopters operating in the area! They are not quiet. Stopping at Hokitika the next night and a wander around the town in the morning, was very pleasant as the town was buzzing in the sunshine. Last time we were here, it was very bleak and wet. Looked very different this time around. Bill even splashed out and brought two copper coin penny frog sculptures from local artist Ian Phillips - he managed to find one each of our birth years. A little disappointed that they were worth far more than their face value😬

Tree Top Walk Hokitika

We did a few tourist attractions; one we hadn't done before was the Tree Top walkway. After having done the Aussie one in WA, I thought I should do the West Coast one here in NZ. I did. I survived too!!

And we did the Hokitika Gorge which has been upgraded since the last time we did it, now with a loop walk. well actually, one bridge was out, so will have to return another time.

We called in and had a catch up with Sarah & Shane in Charleston on our way homewards, adding our bus to their cluster of accommodation for the night. Their operation is coming along well. 

Hokitika Gorge

With the weather about to pack up, it was time to head back to Nelson, well Richmond to be precise.

Fran was heading away for three weeks, so we offered to housesit. It was the perfect spot as we could park the bus and car up and stay sleeping in the Bus. Plus handy to see Joan over the Christmas break and have her around for lunch or a cuppa. Christmas was with Bill's family this year; all our children were with other family members. The weather hung in there for a day out at Rabbit Island, where we met Alan & Eare and their daughter Nuana. It was a quiet one. Sheryl is keen to sort something more for next Christmas! Undoubtedly  involving her rowdy Whanau 😕😬😏

Tylers lined up Christmas day 🎄

We got back into a bit more walking up hills in the Richmond enjoying the change of scenery from the Tahunanui hills. Bills got keen on moving there, but I'd like to wait another ten years. Watch this space! 😂

It was a good time to catch up with friends too, once Christmas was over and everyone was more relaxed. a few card games and a day out the Wakefield Steam Museum, where some of our friends have never visited before. As we were a bit late in the day, we will have to return. And as it is a POP, perhaps take our bus too.

Now it is time to pack up once again and get ready to head north for five weeks, lots of catch ups, a concert and some fishing. 2025 is looking a great start to the year.

Cuppa tea with Joan at Frans

Discussions at Sprig & Fern Richmond

Lenny's first visit to New Zealand

Not so little Girls with their Daddy 😂

 We had moved into Vicki & Trevor's for the last couple of days of ownership of Tosswill Road, while Bill & Trevor sorted the last bits and pieces. Vicki was away to her parents up north and Trevor was heading off to Christchurch to help Michele & Nathan in their new house with curtains, etc. It was good timing to have the use of their house with Rocky and Lenny's expected arrival.

Bill & Rod heading out for our dinner

With the Bus parked up at Tahunanui Dr, actually at the bottom of the driveway, Bill had time to sort new batteries for the Bus after our house batteries had been struggling for a bit. My arm was still limiting me a bit, very hard to keep it still with moving house and packing the sleepout once again! Walking was more painful than I had expected - so I'm still needing the sling. But it's early days. Hopefully another week before Rocky arrives out with Lenny, for a bit more recovery.

Lake Rotoiti

But first Bill & I had five nights over Golden Bay, which included a day out fishing for Bill & Rod (my arm preventing me this time, hopefully next time) - so it was nice fresh snapper for dinner at Rod & Annes in Ligar Bay. From here we headed over to Marfells Beach in Marlborough via a night at Lake Rotoiti. We found a new park over place at the lake, perfect for walking the trails. But it was a bit grey and gloomy, so one night was enough in the mist. We had the Bus serviced the day before we went to the lake driving through the beautiful Moutere Valley. Everything was so lush, especially all the hops.

Four generations of Tylers

Marfells was pretty quiet which was lovely and allowed us to park up on our favourite elevated camp spot. We managed a walk out to Cape Campbell Lighthouse, which is easy at any tide these days since the uplift of land along the coast with the Kaikoura earthquake. Then it was back to Nelson, via Lake Rotoiti again and Pippa & Johns in Tasman for a long overdue catch up.  Onto Redwood Stables to park up the Bus for three & half weeks while Rochelle is home with Lenny.

One of Restores
Entertainment
centers

Vicki showing Lenny
her granddaughter 💜

Lenny traveled well for Rochelle on her 7 hour flight from Perth to Auckland, and then the connecting 1 1/2 hr  flight to Nelson. Fellow travelers and Air NZ staff were very helpful to make it a smooth trip for them both. The only issue initially was the 5-hour time difference, and wee Lenny's internal clock struggled for a few days, as we all do. We had borrowed most of the required baby gear, but Retore did well with the entertainment centers. 😂

Ligar Bay ready for a walk

Wainui Falls

Four nights were booked over in Ligar Bay at Rod & Anne's Bach, to give V&T a break before they headed down to Christchurch to await the arrival of their second Granddaughter. We dropped into Riwaka for a coffee on our way through for Lenny to meet her second cousins Lily & Daisy. Over the hill we caught up with Jana and her three children and did the walk up to the Wainui Falls. Rocky on our last night unfortunately woke up 5am feeling sick and unable to be sick (something her Nana Joan and Shannon share) passed out on her way to the toilet. Huge crash as she dropped to the floor, she was very lucky only to get a fat lip! That day we just took it easy but had to return to Nelson. Thankfully Lenny was quite used to us by this time as Rocky was only up to feeding and sleeping. We called into the Anitoki Salmon Farm on the way, and Bill caught his biggest Salmon ever! Just over $100 worth with the value adding hot smoke- glad it was his first fish and not a second 😂.

What a whopper!

Cool in our shades

I dropped Bill at airport the next morning to fly to Auckland for a PO Reunion - it was 40 odd years since Bill had caught up with some of the Guys. He was surprised how old some had got!  Unfortunately, not well organised, so Mark & Bill returned to Mark's at a civilised hour. They had been lucky to make the event after some issues sorting their Bus & Ferry route.

40 Years!💕

All tuckered out

Lenny's first bus ride
& Mum with split lip

Joan was pleased to see Rocky, when we dropped in with Lenny a couple of times although she was surprised to see she had a baby. Bill & I also celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with Rocky & Lenny - a tasty lunch at Grape Escape. The weather was perfect, and the spring flush and scents of the flowers added to the ambiance. Lenny had her first bus ride when Rocky & I took the public bus to town. So easy to push pram on and off the new electric Bus, which bows down to you. We had a pleasant morning shopping and looking around Nelson between Lenny feeding and napping. Rocky got three swimsuits - she's now ready for summer.

Sarah & John, Rocky, Bill & Lenny

Our children's God Parents and good friends John & Sarah came over to Nelson from Wellington, for the weekend to do a spiritual blessing of Lenny down on Tahunanui beach. It was a lovely weekend to catch up with them, the weather was perfect. And they enjoyed their catchup with Nelson and other friends from their time living here 15 years ago.

Enjoying the flowers and Nelson sunshine😎

Bill had another PO catch up, this time in Nelson. it was only a year since he last saw these local Guys, so there wasn't too much change in them. We also had a Tyler catchup for Bill's Family to meet Lenny and for Lenny to meet her second cousin Elliott.

The weather was very warm while R&L were over, so we were able to get out for walks most days. Lenny enjoys the front pack and was quite happy to go off to sleep. We had Lenny in the bucket of water to keep her cool and bathe her, but she's still a little bit little and kept floating. 😁GrandBill was very good showering her, special bonding time for them both. Taking Bill back to the times he showered our babies.

Some on milk, others having wine & cocktails

Shannon got her smiles & cuddles

Shannon flew over from Wellington for the last weekend of R&L's visit, to have time with us all - really lovely.  Shannon & AC had flown to Perth for two weeks a couple of weeks prior, to meet their new nieces for the first time and see Ophelia again. Lenny had been a bit clingy to Mum while they were over, so Shannon was hoping she might get a cuddle or two this weekend. The weather played its part so we could enjoy a couple of cocktails and wines in Nelson City. I thought we'd go to the Cathedral for Christmas carols but missed the memo on ticket admissions only, and it was booked out😑.  Sunday, we headed down to the Sprig & Fern for lunch before Bill /Shannon / Rocky relived their childhood with rides on the Miniature Railway. Joan, Lenny & I watched from the sideline. Well, Lenny slept actually. Shannon flew out late afternoon ending a lovely weekend together. Bill also managed to sell his Ute at the end of the weekend, (The Green Gremlin no longer required) to a savvy buyer, skilled in negotiating, and both parties believing they got a great deal 😂

Early December, the Christmas decorations are out and about in the city. We did some Christmas shopping with Rocky, and she managed to get a photo of Lenny on Santa's knee without her realising she was on a strange red man's knee! A double hair appointment for Rocky & I (I was trying to go grey, but not quite ready for the change! Perhaps in my 70's 😉) - it was too soon for Lenny to have her's done.

Lenny & Santa

And then all too soon, it was time for Rochelle and Lenny to head home. Not wanting to feel too down at their departure, we emptied out of Vicki & Trevor's, packed up the Bus, and moved onto Motueka for the Bus to have its annual service the next morning. The Salvation Army finished the day beautifully with Christmas Carols in the NZMCA park. They were very switched on and knew to come after happy hour, but a very worthy cause. Time to head south for a two-week tour before Christmas.

  

Taking over the Bannings
Holly & Hanna dropped in too