Hamilton – here we come

It’s been a long wait to get on our Hamilton trip for work to be done on the caravan.  We had bookings made and were all set to go quite some weeks ago, when suddenly  Hamilton went into Level 3 Lockdown because of Covid cases.  That meant we could not travel into the Waikato, nor could businesses deal with the public.  So we waited, and waited, and finally the lockdown was lifted, our new appointments were confirmed, and we were on our way.

Starting on Wednesday, off we went heading for Taupo.  It was  gorgeous clear day, so clear that we could see Mount Ruapehu in the distance from Foxton – we had hardly left Levin!  Because of all the hills that was the last glimpse we got of my favourite mountain until we were coming into Waiouru. We stopped at Taihape Railway Station fo lunch, a nice handy place with the van in tow, plenty of room to park, toilet facilities available, and a coffee cart.  I do so enjoy a real coffee now and again, and while I made some lunch, Robin collected the coffees.

Lunch stop at Taihape

Lunch stop over, it was time to “hit the road again”.  MOunt Ruapehu kept popping in and out of view as we drove closer to Waiouru, and there it was,  the snow top glistening in the sunshine, and looking as lovely as ever.  Dont know why, but I feel a real affinity to this mountain.

Mount Ruapehu

And Mount Ngauruhoe

276km after leaving home we drove into NZMCA Taupo Airport for the night – arriving just in time to see a whole lot of tandem skydivers jumping out of planes and drifting down.   There weren't many vans there at all, so there was plenty of room to space out.  Work is gong on at the airport, and it looks like the car park is getting extended, workmen and machines were beavering away scraping and compacting.  This is not a quiet place to stay at all, small planes come and go, and noisy helicopters arrive and take off at all times.  Helicopter Rescue is just across the road from the camp, and they are obviously very busy day and night. 

Staying at NZMCA Taupo Airport

And just so pet owners are well aware of the rules, this sign is clearly posted, warning that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and if they wander over to the airport they will be shot!

Obey the rules!

With not quite so far to travel on Thursday, 170km, we left Taupo after an early lunch to overnight at the Leisureline factory in Hamilton.  It is so handy being able to stay here overnight, and on power too, meaning we don't have to drive through the busy city traffic to arrive early for the service, and any other work which needs to be done.

Staying at the factory

So tomorrow we will be up bright and early, leave the caravan behind, take Gemma with us and fill in the day as best we can with a cat in the car.  Then when the time is right we will return to collect the van and head off again – where to next?