Putaruru, Taupo and on to Marton

Our overnight stay at John’s POP in Putaruru was delightful.  On arrival we were warmly welcomed by our host and guided into place by the large American style barn.  Then we were invited to join John on his patio for Happy Hour.  New Zealand is a small country, and as we chatted, we discovered we shared several caravanning friends in common.

Overnighting at Putaruru

We awoke to the most glorious sun rise, blazing with beautiful morning hues.  So out I padded into the fresh morning air, camera in hand, to capture this sight before the colours faded away.

Sun rise over Putaruru

And looking the other way over the mist shrouded valley

Then it was on the road again, heading to Taupo Airport NZMCA site again, always a handy stop and very popular.  As always, there were plenty of road works to gingerly drive past, there is always something happening on our roads.

Somewhere on SH1

Our stop in Taupo gave us the chance to replenish our supplies, necessities such as fresh veggies, bread and milk.  And who added those Easter Buns to the trolley, I wonder?  Our thirsty 4WD needed a top up, and on the way back to camp we stopped off at a new sign that I had noticed, which certainly deserved a photo taken.  Once again, I had to wait for the tourists to finish their own snaps.  Seems that some tourists may well have been stepping into the road side to get all of the rather long sign into their shot.

Lake side at Taupo

Thursday morning dawned wet and drizzly, and our trip today was a little longer at 210km.  Travelling along the Desert Road we were up in the clouds and mist, with the mountains well and truly hidden from sight. 

Misty weather

The Desert Road had been closed for the previous couple of days to enable a bridge to be replaced.  That job was finished, and  this very busy road was open once again, but still the road works continue.  We pulled into thee car park behind National Army Museum at Waiouru – the large roomy car-park makes it so easy to park the caravan.  Fortified with lunch on the go from the cafe, we continued on our way to Marton.

And the road works continue

The Marton NZMCA Park is one of the smaller ones around, and very popular with members.  We always enjoy staying here, and can remember it’s former life years ago when it was a Council Motor Camp.  The plan is to stay just one night here, and then move on to Feilding for Easter.

Staying the night at Marton