Mangatainoka and Foxton

After two lovely peaceful days at Norsewood we drove 62km to Mangatainoka Reserve, passing through the town of Dannevirke, with it’s Viking welcome and farewell signs, sadly my pics came out fuzzy.   Dannevirke, meaning "Danish creation" or "Danes' work" is known for its Scandinavian heritage, which dates back to 1872 when 21 Danish and Norwegian families arrived at the port of Napier and built their initial settlement in a clearing of the Seventy Mile Bush.

For all the beer lovers out there, Mangatainoka is the home of Tui Breweries.  The Tui Brewery has been around in one form or another since Henry Wagstaff discovered how good the water tasted in the Mangatainoka River in 1889 and decided to build a brewery. The most recognisable part, the Tui Tower, has only been around since 1932.

The famous Tui tower

It was a very hot day at Mangatainoka, and quite a few locals, and some hardy campers, were splashing about enjoying the coolness of the river, which runs jut behind the camping area.  A couple of small canoes joined in the fun, and we saw a serious angler with his line, a trout or two can be landed if the fisherman is lucky, o we have been told.

Mangatainoka River

We spent a lazy afternoon sitting outside under the shady awning, chatting to neighbours, and generally relaxing.  There’s nothing like a bit of R&R while on holiday, is there?  As the day rolled on, several vans packed up and left, with their spaces quickly filled as more vans arrived in the early evening.  This is a very popular  free camp.

At Mangatainoka Reserve

The next day we traveled down to Pahiatua and drove over the interesting concrete bridge.  I’m always impressed by the interesting bridges we find on our travels, and though we have traveled over this one many times, I love the look and the shape of the  lovely arches

Then it was up and over the Pahiatua Track, and look, more wind turbines.  Viewed from afar, they aren’t to threatening, but up close on the hill, they seem so huge!  I blame this fear on an engineering TV programme we saw recently, when one of these blew itself to pieces.

More wind turbines

Our trip took us via Palmerston North to top up with fuel at the Truck Stop, and go to the “new to us” dump station, for the necessary emptying job.  Thank goodness this chore is a designated “blue job” so I don't have to attend to it.  Not a bad outlook for a dump station I thought, in a such a pretty park like setting.

At the dump station

After our drive of 88km we arrived at our destination, the newly opened Foxton NZMCA park.  This is set in the grounds of the Foxton Race Course.  Why not stay here for a couple of nights, we decided, before heading the last 20km or so home.  We parked up close to the fence, as the race horses do early morning training.  If we are up early enough, we may get a glimpse of them as they gallop past our window.

Foxton NZMCA Park

And look at this gorgeous sunset, taken from Dave’s home, not too far away, when we popped in for a cuppa and a chat in the early evening.

Sun set at Foxton

We may still be on holiday, but the next morning we decided to drive into Levin to the walk-in vaccination clinic at the Events Centre for our booster shots, as long as there wasn't a huge queue snaking out the door, we decided.  There wasn’t, so we walked in the foyer, registered, and were shown where to go and sit while we waited.  After a short wait, we were both ushered into one of the cubicles, and the nurse told us the facts, made sure we were well, and got our verbal consent.  Then a quick painless jab, and we went to sit while we waited our recovery time, and we were good to go.  The whole process was quick and efficient, our nurse took the time explaining  everything and asked if we had any questions.  Go home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids, we were told.  We can do that, we’re still on holiday!  Maori Wardens were outside in the carpark directing the traffic, and one was inside the hall bringing people inside in the correct order.  Congratulations to all involved.

 

At the vaccination clinic

On the way back to camp we stopped off at Lewis Farms.  Unfortunately, the asparagus season is now over, but we bought some raspberries, keto crackers, an ice-cream for Robin and a coffee for me.  That will keep us going for a while.

Our morning purchase

On our last morning at Foxton, we were awake early enough to the sound of horses on the track.  And there he goes. And when the horses and jockeys had finished, the lawnmower came out.

On the track

After breakfast, it was time to hook up again for the last time, and drive home.  During this Christmas trip we have traveled 884 km.

Time to head home