Taupo Airport Cafe doesn’t do the sort of “big breakfasts with everything” that Geoff loves, but instead offered a moderate sized brekkie for only $8.50. The four of us decided to have a bit of a treat as we were moving on, and our meal was quite sufficient, and came with hot buttered toast. The coffee was just how I like it, served piping hot. Taupo is a small provincial airport, and we had a ring side seat as planes and helicopters came and went about their business.
Taupo Airport
Travelling along SH1 along the Desert Road the light dusting of snow on Mt Ruapehu glistened in the sunshine. Just a reminder from the weather gods that summer is well over, and winter is not too far away.
Mt Ruapehu with a little snow on top
We arranged with Geoff and Eileen to stop for lunch at Waiouru, behind the Army Museum which has plenty of parking for caravans. It was such a nice day we ate outside at one of the picnic tables dotted around, swatting away the wasps which were very interested in our food. A group of new recruits marched smartly up to the Army Museum, under the command of their Corporal. They were not yet in uniform, and we wondered if they were going to make their oath of allegiance inside the building.
Lunch time at Waiouru
New recruits at Waiouru
Lunch over, we continued down SH1 to Taihape. While I went to the supermarket to replenish the fridge, Robin keenly watched as two helicopters worked hard to douse a fire at Mt Stewart Native Forest Reserve. Smoke covered the hillside and the helicopters carried monsoon buckets full of water to let loose over the flames.
Carrying a monsoon bucket
There goes the water
After that excitement, we continued down SH1 to Rangatira Golf Club, a little north of Hunterville. We have stayed at several golf clubs previously, and they are good value while travelling around. This club offers power, water, showers and toilets for $10 per night, so we are well provided for. Goodie – we will be nice and cosy in bed tonight with the our electric blanket warming things up.
Parked up at Rangatira Golf Club
Views down the fairway
After all the golfers had left for the day, we went onto the club room deck to check out the views, as suggested when we checked in. Away in the distance was the Makohine Railway Viaduct and we were thrilled to see a freight train passing over it. At the time of its construction it was the second highest viaduct in New Zealand, and today is still ranked the seventh highest and fourth longest viaduct on the North Island Main Trunk line. It was designed by Peter Seton Hay, who also designed several other railway viaducts. The viaduct is one of the best-known of all railway structures adjoining State Highway 1 in the North Island.
Makohine Railway Viaduct in the distance
We will just be spending one night here before moving on. Where to? Duddings Lake sounds good – we will head there, we decided.
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