It was a 67km drive from Kairakau to Takapau stopping at Waipawa to check the tire pressure in the spare tire, now on the caravan after the blowout a couple of days ago. Luckily the trip went well, with no further mishaps. On the way we passed two bridge signs, quite intriguing, we thought. Only in the the country, we thought, and we had an animated discussion of the merits of the first bull versus the second bull! There were no bulls in sight, we noticed, as we drove over these two small bridges.
We arrived at Takapau (meaning sleeping mat) Motorhome Caravan Park, where we are staying for the next two nights. This site has the distinction of being the very first NZMCA Park in the country. The large building on site was originally a dairy factory, and later part of the Norsewear knitting factory producing socks and gloves. The NZMCA purchased the property in 2005 and later sold it in 2013. It is now in private hands, and still operating as a Motorhome Park.
Staying at Takapau
Scott the caretaker also works in the honey business and had honey for sale for those who had pre-ordered. Never one to pass some delicious Manuka honey by, Robin had ordered a 2kg pot at a very competitive price, so he was a very happy camper indeed. The grounds are surrounded by large trees, giving us welcome shade for Happy Hour.
The highlight of our stay here would have to be the visit to Oruawharo Homestead for High Tea, served in the pretty little church, Vincent’s Chapel, which had been moved onto the property several years ago, and is now used for weddings and other functions.After a very interesting talk given by owner Peter Harris about the history of the property, his wife Dianne served our lunch. Savouries, fancy little sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and a selection of cakes arrived at our tables, with a choice of fancy teas or coffee.
High Tea in Vincent’s Chapel
Fully fed, we were invited to have a look through the homestead. What a wonderful building it was – lovingly restored after years of neglect, and only weeks away from being demolished. The Harris’s couldn't bear for this to happen, so stepped in to buy it. This grand house is one of the largest private homes ever to be built in New Zealand. The house was built by Charles Tringham, a Wellington architect, in the Italianate Style. We had been here some years previously, so were very keen to return.
Oruawharo Homestead
The house was in an awful state when purchased in the year 2000. When you realise that the roof leaked, all the glass was missing from the windows, the house was infested with possums, rats, birds, and no doubt insects, and vines were growing through the walls, you can imagine the dedication and passion needed to bring it to a livable condition. The house was empty, so suitable period furniture had to be sourced, along with everything else required.
Inside the homestead
Timber furniture and fittings glow with a wonderful golden hue, and we admired the glamourous German flocked wallpaper used in some of the rooms downstairs. There were lovely old photos on the walls, gorgeous paintings, tapestries, several collections of old dolls, wonderful colonial furniture - such a lot to look at and admire. And look at this wonderful ceiling in the music room. The retired builders in our group were in awe of the workmanship in this project.
Colonial furniture and the intricate timber ceiling
Our host kindly took group photos for us as we stood on the steps outside, a wonderful memento of our visit. They appreciate all their visitors, we were told, as it all helps to fund the never ending maintenance bills. A visit to remember, indeed.
ICA Rally members on the steps
We returned back to Takapau via Waipawa, taking a round-about route to visit the famous Waipawa Butchery for some of their award winning meat and tasty sausages. The owners are local farmers and so proud of their product that they opened up their own butcher shop. Others from our group had the same idea and the shop was packed with happy campers all set to buy some tasty farm fresh meat for the BBQ.
As the day drew to a close and the sun started to sink into the west, a glorious sunset filled the sky. A lovely finish to a great day.
Sunset over Takapau
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