New Zealand or Bust

[PaddyM]

Driving to Napier today over the mountains , weather unsettled so wine tours will be order of the next three days

 

[PaddyM]

Don’t go starting EV arguments on my thread but yes seems like a good move, we are heading Rotorua tomorrow I think and then on to Taupo a few days after, feel free to post the best bits of Taupo and save us searching

Whole of the lakeside promenade is worth a walk , if you like golf you can try the $10K hole in one challenge .
We ate out last night and the food was a solid 7/10 , loads of restaurants to try .
All sorts of water sports to try here as well , quiet today as the weekend hordes have gone .
We are staying at The Reef apartments which have been the best accommodation so far . Hotel with a kitchenette for us in Napier . Having a bazzing time .

 

[PaddyM]

Waipunga Falls .


Quick stop on route !

 

[PaddyM]

Had to be done

Early for check in so a tiny tasting !

 

[KiwiKampers]

View attachment 1011148
Waipunga Falls .


Quick stop on route !

If you like waterfalls and you've been to Taupo, I hope you saw the Huka Falls.

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[PaddyM]

Just arrived and it’s beautiful, the curved structure is our hotel , very swanky !
The drive over was incredible, must be one of the top drives in the world , what a pity I don’t have my Lotus with me !

 

[PaddyM]

If you like waterfalls and you've been to Taupo, I hope you saw the Huka Falls.

We did last time , saw them via the jet boats .

 

[Holly's mum]

If you like waterfalls and you've been to Taupo, I hope you saw the Huka Falls.

The Huka Falls are on our (very long) list to see

The Marakopa Falls are pretty spectacular too.

 

[Mike001]

Akaroa Guided Kayaking Safaris | Sea Kayaking & Wildlife Tours

We offer environmentally sensitive sea kayaking and nature tours based in Akaroa, New Zealand. Small groups, Professional guides, Stunning Views... Book now!

akaroakayaks.com

Did this. Was fun

 

[Mike001]

ohh... and also, if you do go to the Huka Falls, you can get a jetboat tour or slow boat tour... takes you right up to the falls from the river itself.
Well worth a ride.

Huka Falls Jet Ride - Taupō's Favourite Jet Boat Adventure in NZ

Hukafalls Jet is a thrilling jet boat experience that takes you up close to the base of the mighty Huka Falls in Taupō, NZ. Book online now!

www.hukafallsjet.com

Home - Huka Falls River Cruise

Cruise along the Waikato River on our purpose built river boat to Huka Falls for spectacular views. An experience you won't forget in Taupo!

www.hukafallscruise.co.nz

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[funflair]

Update on the “rattle box” been to see the nice guy at Rotorua, he put on a new battery,

drilled some new holes for the drawer front, tried to tighten the microwave but it still squeaks he is going to get a new glass plate sent out for the microwave as ours is too big to sit on the drive,

When the pulled out the drawer and waste bins he said “you’ve got a cockroach in here” and promptly tipped it out and stamped on it.

And Rotorua stinks

Going out for a walk now.

Was that the 5 from Taupo to Napier PaddyM

Edit and he said “they all rattle like hell”

 

[PaddyM]

Update on the “rattle box” been to see the nice guy at Rotorua, he put on a new battery,

View attachment 1011174drilled some new holes for the drawer front, tried to tighten the microwave but it still squeaks he is going to get a new glass plate sent out for the microwave as ours is too big to sit on the drive,

When the pulled out the drawer and waste bins he said “you’ve got a cockroach in here” and promptly tipped it out and stamped on it.

And Rotorua stinks

Going out for a walk now.

Was that the 5 from Taupo to Napier PaddyM

Edit and he said “they all rattle like hell”

Yes route 5 , amazing but be warned there are NO facilities on the route bar one toilet area next to the now derelict cafe and NO fuel stops . Enjoy the drive , you have to concentrate but we saw literally scores of motorhomes on the route . Dont forget to post a review of the drive .

 

[Mike001]

Didn't realise you're already in NZ.

Heading south towards Wellington, these two places are worth a look.
Freedom camping allowed.

Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve

Pāuatahanui Inlet is the largest relatively unmodified estuarine area in the southern North Island. It has viewing hides, tracks, a visitor centre and a picnic area.

www.doc.govt.nz

We often kayak and/or SUP here. Fall off? its only waist deep in most places.

Ngati Toa Domain

poriruacity.govt.nz

Ngati Toa Domain.. no facilities. Self containment a must. But a really nice place to stay for a night or two. Easy walk to local restaurants. Fantastic sea views.
We live about 30 mins away from both of these places, so if a busy week either one is our local "go to"

 

[Two on Tour]

One of the places I have been wanting to visit was the Okama Aviation Heritage Centre at Blenheim.

Peter Jackson of the Lord of the rings & The Hobbit film trilogies, is a keen collector of first world one aircraft of which he owns 70 and a warehouse of aviaton artifacts.
The Okama Aviation Heritage Centre houses some of his collection and he help setup the Centre and used his film background to set scenes to display the aircraft.

While still in Blenheim we had our first pie and it did not disappoint, pork belly for me and Yvette had chicken, leek, and mushroom.

 

[Mike001]

so, have been pondering on this.
Driveway park-up available.

Comes with:
Power hookup
cassette emptying point. (Down the back into the outside loo)
Fresh water filling point
Spa
Heated Pool
Leg of lamb cooked on a BBQ
Assorted vegetables / salad stuff. (depends on on what I can be arsed sorting out)
Copius quantities of wine (or beer, some spirits available on request)

PM for more info

EDIT: and free WiFi

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[funflair]

Yes route 5 , amazing but be warned there are NO facilities on the route bar one toilet area next to the now derelict cafe and NO fuel stops . Enjoy the drive , you have to concentrate but we saw literally scores of motorhomes on the route . Dont forget to post a review of the drive .

To head to Wellington we have been recommended to travel back up to Taupo from Napier and then down the desert road on the central plateau, state highway, any comment Mike001

 

[Mike001]

The desert road is currently closed for major roadworks.

Desert Road closed for 2 months from Monday 13 January | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

After the Christmas hiatus, road maintenance is back with a major closure of State Highway 1. The Desert Road, between Tūrangi and Waiouru, will close from 5am on Monday 13 January for approximately 2 months.

nzta.govt.nz

Just follow the highway all the way down so you go over the Remutakas.

 

[funflair]

so, have been pondering on this.
Driveway park-up available.

Comes with:
Power hookup
cassette emptying point. (Down the back into the outside loo)
Fresh water filling point
Spa
Heated Pool
Leg of lamb cooked on a BBQ
Assorted vegetables / salad stuff. (depends on on what I can be arsed sorting out)
Copius quantities of wine (or beer, some spirits available on request)

PM for more info

EDIT: and free WiFi

Very generous offer Sir, we could rustle up some wine as a contribution I am sure

 

[funflair]

The desert road is currently closed for major roadworks.

Desert Road closed for 2 months from Monday 13 January | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

After the Christmas hiatus, road maintenance is back with a major closure of State Highway 1. The Desert Road, between Tūrangi and Waiouru, will close from 5am on Monday 13 January for approximately 2 months.

nzta.govt.nz

Just follow the highway all the way down so you go over the Remutakas.

I thought Google maps was telling me it was closed thanks again.

 

[Mike001]

Very generous offer Sir, we could rustle up some wine as a contribution I am sure

Would be more than happy for folks to stop over.
Applies to anyone that is toodling about around NZ
All welcome.
I think a max of 3 vehicles up the driveway tho...

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[Carpmart]

Would be more than happy for folks to stop over.
Applies to anyone that is toodling about around NZ
All welcome.
I think a max of 3 vehicles up the driveway tho...

An antipodean Fun meet! Sounds great!!!

 

[Carpmart]

Sorry to read of your issues with the hire Motorhome Martin… have the field repairs left you feeling you now have a vehicle that will ‘do the job’ for the trip?

 

[StillGoing]

I can recommend whale watching in Kaikōura. We went yesterday and saw 2 sperm whales and a blue whale (the photo of the fluke doesn’t do it justice).

In other news, the cutlery draw keeps coming out again!

 

[Mike001]

I can recommend whale watching in Kaikōura. We went yesterday and saw 2 sperm whales and a blue whale!

In other news, the cutlery draw keeps coming out again!

Did the whale watching. So cool and impressive!
Opening cutlery draw. not so much

 

[funflair]

Sorry to read of your issues with the hire Motorhome Martin… have the field repairs left you feeling you now have a vehicle that will ‘do the job’ for the trip?

I have a feeling we will enjoy the country more than the driving as long as the field repairs hold we will be OK though and if not I will whinge again, the guy did make us feel we weren’t the only ones when he said that they all rattle like a bag of spanners. Whatever though I am sure we will enjoy.

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[KiwiKampers]

One of the places I have been wanting to visit was the Okama Aviation Heritage Centre at Blenheim.

Peter Jackson of the Lord of the rings & The Hobbit film trilogies, is a keen collector of first world one aircraft of which he owns 70 and a warehouse of aviaton artifacts.
The Okama Aviation Heritage Centre houses some of his collection and he help setup the Centre and used his film background to set scenes to display the aircraft.

View attachment 1011177

View attachment 1011178

View attachment 1011180

View attachment 1011181

View attachment 1011182

View attachment 1011183


While still in Blenheim we had our first pie and it did not disappoint, pork belly for me and Yvette had chicken, leek, and mushroom.

View attachment 1011184

Two on Tour You're doing really well with your recommendations and I have noted down some of them because even though I have been around both the North and the South Island many times you have found some great places I haven't been to.
I just have to correct you on the name of the Peter Jackson Air Museum in Blenheim. You've got all the right letters, just not in the right order (a bit like when Les Dawson used to play the piano!). It's the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which is just outside Blenheim and quite near the Woodbourne RNZAF base and Blenheim Airport.
While I'm here, can I put in a plug for the Classic Car Collection in Nelson.
I'm off to Blenheim in a week's time and will be sure to check out the Burleigh pies.

 

[Mike001]

ok, so I keep on remembering places:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g657215-d671406-Reviews-Henley_Lake-Masterton_Wairarapa_Greater_Wellington_North_Island.html

Cape Palliser | Wairarapa, New Zealand

Drive the coast road to Cape Palliser, where you can climb a lighthouse, watch a seal colony and enjoy the non-stop views.

www.newzealand.com

Ngawi is a nice place to stay. Freedom Camping and a gold coin donation for staying.
Was our first ever place to stay when we bought the motorhome.
Learnt alot about toilet cassettes at that time.

​

 

[funflair]

Two on Tour You're doing really well with your recommendations and I have noted down some of them because even though I have been around both the North and the South Island many times you have found some great places I haven't been to.
I just have to correct you on the name of the Peter Jackson Air Museum in Blenheim. You've got all the right letters, just not in the right order (a bit like when Les Dawson used to play the piano!). It's the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which is just outside Blenheim and quite near the Woodbourne RNZAF base and Blenheim Airport.
While I'm here, can I put in a plug for the Classic Car Collection in Nelson.
I'm off to Blenheim in a week's time and will be sure to check out the Burleigh pies.

Wasn’t it Eric Morcombe and Andrew Preview

 

[jongood]

I have a feeling we will enjoy the country more than the driving as long as the field repairs hold we will be OK though and if not I will whinge again, the guy did make us feel we weren’t the only ones when he said that they all rattle like a bag of spanners. Whatever though I am sure we will enjoy.

Its a real shame the market is so restrictive over there. After our visit we fancied going back and doing N island properly but in a better Mh, we were going to share it with another couple, get a couple of seasons out of it and sell it at the end, but so many restrictions, had to be rhd with a lhd door and higher than Euro5 (in 2018 iirc) the market preferred Rwd and auto and then we would have to pay the really high import tax and make somebother modifications and there was no guarantee the authorities would let us import it even after that. Its a real shame because it looks like NZ Mh owners would benefit from a bit more choice.

 

[funflair]

There are some nice looking Mitsubishi Toyota and Isuzu conversions.

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