We farewelled our caravan buddies and got on our way, taking a few days to reach Ohaupo to get our Leisureline caravan serviced. First stop was not too far away at Sanson, to go to the dump station and fuel up. It was lunch on the go from the Z Service station, coffee and a pie while we started on our trip - means we wouldn't have to stop on the way.
Lunch on the go
Our stop for the night was at a private property in Ohakune, newly available for fellow Leisureline caravan owners. It was a lovely rural property, and we certainly appreciated the opportunity to stay overnight.
Leaving the caravan on site, we just had to call into the "world famous in New Zealand" chocolate eclair shop. We were served by the former owner Steve, who told us he is "living the dream", making the tasty goodies, chatting with customers and getting paid for it, without the worry of running the business any more. The new owners have set up a coffee lounge in one corner of the shop, a welcome addition I'm sure.
The Chocolate Eclair Shop
Ohakune is also famous for the Big Carrot, proudly standing on the edge of town! Plenty of carrots are grown here, as well as potatoes and swedes. In case you are wondering, the name Ohakune means "an opening to a new world" and refers to the descent from nearby Mount Ruapehu into the valley and swamps of the area.
The Big Carrot at Ohakune
A site worthy of stopping for a photo stop is the Makatote Viaduct. Building was completed in 1908 and the viaduct is recognised as an important part of New Zealand's engineering heritage.
We drove past Mt Ruapehu as we continued on our journey, it's always such a lovely sight to see. This is a view from the Western side of the mountain.
Mt Ruapehu
We stayed the next two nights at the NZMCA Otorohanga Park, fairly quiet at this time of year with about 10 vans here each night. The name means "food for a journey". There is a legend which tells of a Maori chief passing by, who chanted incantations that stretched out his meagre supply of food to last the full journey.
Staying at Otorohanga NZMCA Park
We enjoyed a celebratory birthday dinner for me at the Otorohanga Club while we were here. The meal was delicious, roast pork and veggies, bubbly for me, and a beer for him.
Enjoying my Birthday dinner
It was just a short 43km trip to Ohaupo the next day for our caravan service. The Leisureline service team allow customers to stay overnight and we were joined by Geoff and Eileen - it was great to catch up with them again. While we were getting a caravan service done, they were collecting their van after repairs had been completed. The four of us visited the local fish and chip shop for dinner that night, so no cooking for us again.
One waiting for a service, the other waiting to go home
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