Next Stop - Barrytown

Goodbye Cape Foulwind, its time to move on.  A quick drive into Westport for fresh water and to use the dump station, and we were soon heading south along SH6.  The road was hilly and winding, and took us through beautiful native bush.  We spotted plenty of rimu trees, and nikau palms galore.  The nikau palm is the southernmost member of the palm family and New Zealand's only native palm species.  White flowering manuka trees were everywhere.  No wonder we saw several honey businesses dotted along the road.  We drove past Charleston, where we remember doing a  bush railway trip alongside the Nile River back in 2012 when we traveled the South Island with three other vans.

Nikau Palms growing on the hillside

There was plenty of notice of a couple of photo stops approaching, and we were hoping there would be enough room for us to pull in safely with our caravan.  No space at the first stop, it was full of cars, but we fitted in nicely at Coghlans Lookout.  The first thing we saw was a pair of cheeky weka running around.  Sadly, the tourists often feed them, which is not good for their health at all.

A weka

View from the lookout

Barrytown is our stop, at Rata Hill POP.  There is a large grassed area to park on, a wonderful sea view, at a cost of $10 per night.  This will do us fine for the next two nights.

All nice and comfy at Rata Hill

Originally known as Seventeen Mile Beach, Barrytown is yet another old mining settlement.  Gold was found in the sands along the coastal flats in 1866.  But when larger deposits were discovered in the mountains, miners flocked to the area.  The Croesus Track was cut to provide access from Barrytown across the Paparoa Range to the diggings in Grey Valley, and trampers can still walk this old trail.

Three vans  by the end of the day, all parked to enjoy the beautiful sea views. 

We joined the couple next door after dinner, chatting away as we waited and watched the sun go down across the Tasman Sea.

The sun going down at Barrytown

The next morning we back tracked 16km (leaving our caravan behind) to arrive at the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.  The car park was full to bursting and luckily we spotted a car pulling out so we went, as quick as a flash.  There were plenty of camper vans in the car park, but no way we could have fitted in with our van attached.

The pancake rock formations were created by the wind and rain eating into the softer layers of rock between harder layers of stratified limestone.  The sedimentary rock was formed on the sea bed millions of years ago, before being uplifted and eroded into the pancake rock pattern that is marveled over today.  This attraction is looked after by the Department of Conservation and entry is free.  The start of the boardwalk is an attractive walk through nikau palms, and then glimpses of the pancake rocks appear.

Walkway framed by nikau palms

We both took our sticks for this walk for safety in the crowds, what a pair of old crocks we are.  And there certainly were crowds of people everywhere, all jostling for the closest positions at the photo stops.  One little boy mentioned that Robin only had one stick (crutch) as he passed by in his pushchair.  That’s because his Poppa has two crutches at home, his Mum told us.  The pancake rocks were just as spectacular as we remembered.  There were information boards dotted along the paths.   Tourists were out in force, we heard all sorts of languages spoken around us.

I took a photo of three young tourists, and then one of them kindly returned the favour.

Enjoying the sights

Just a couple more

After our walk around this lovely place, it was time for lunch.  There were two cafes to choose from, and we decided to try the one which advertised Pancake Stacks – seemed most appropriate to us.    The pancakes were huge, we couldn't quite finish them.  We chose a table out in the awning and I mentioned to the young man clearing the tables how much cooler it was out there.  Poor thing, he replied that he didn't notice, he was too busy working!

Lunch at Punakaiki

On the way back to camp we took a short detour down to the Barrytown beach.  The clouds were rolling down the hills and rain was on the way.  There was a sign on the beach stating that penguins, seals, and birds rest and feed on the beach, and to keep at least 20m away – sensible advice indeed.

Down by the beach

There was something else happening down by the beach.  Our POP hostess Jennifer had told us she was busy helping out at the local gun club competition.  And there they were, competitors lined up taking part in clay pigeon shooting. The sounds of ricocheted off the mountains behind us, and you would swear there are hunters shooting up there.

Shooting competition down by the beach

Robin looked back to the hill, and spotted our van, away in the distance.  Looks like we are camping on our own today.

Away in the distance, up on the hill at Rata View

Homeward Bound

Leaving New Plymouth behind, we drove southwards.  Our ongoing battery problems meant that we really needed to stay somewhere on power, so our first stop was Ashley Park, north of Wanganui.  It is many years since we have been to this camp, and there are new owners since our last visit.  The ground was a little boggy after heavy rainfall, and we were the only ones staying in camp.

Staying at Ashley Park

There are lots of birds and animals on display here and we went for a walk around.    The Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Goldie had a lot to say and we were amused by his repertoire.  Had to watch our fingers though, there was a sign warning about him biting.

Val having a chat with Goldie

Its a well known fact that I love pigs but this kune kune pig was much to busy snuffling in the mud to pay much attention to me.  I tried talking to him but he wasn’t answering.

Hello piggy

After a night’s stay, we drove onto Wanganui, stopping for lunch at the Wanganui Racecourse.

Then on to  last stop of the trip, Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park.  We had never stayed here before, and it is a nice little camp with young enthusiastic owners.  There is a small swimming pool for warmer times, and the ablution block has recently been renovated.

There was all sorts going on the following morning as we were packing up to leave.  Three old wooden cabins had been sold and were being removed.  We watched as the first cabin was lifted up a little, and the sling was slid underneath, then up, up and away the cabin was lifted up onto a truck.  All done, luckily, without mishap.  I walked around to the back of the cabins to see what was happening, then had a birds eye view through the caravan window.

Going to a new home

We had a great 10 day trip away, starting with our weekend caravan rally at Betts Farm, then heading north with Bill and Val.  Bill managed to complete his ICA arrangements, and we caught up with our friend Glenys, had a nice meal out with Bill and Val, and visited a new place or two.  The weather could have been better but it is always a bit marginal in Spring, can’t seem to make up it’s mind, sometimes it’s nice and other times it’s horrible.  And for those wondering about our battery woes, Robin has been in touch with the professionals, and we are waiting on a date to do the job.  Should be soon, we hope.

Paeroa and Waihi Beach

It was a reasonably day’s travel when we departed Taupo to our next destination at Paero – 185km.  The CAP (charges apply parking) was at the edge of town  with a lovely rural outlook.  Our hosts made us very welcome, hooked us up to power for the night, and informed us that all fees collected get donated to their church. 

Sunset in Paero

The following morning we played “tree detectives” – you may remember that we had discovered that the young Lone Pine planted behind the  National Army Museum had originated from seeds collected in 2012 from the Turkish red pine growing at Paeroa Golf Course.  We were so close – of course we wanted to see this famous tree.   So we drove off to see if the staff at the golf club could help us in our quest.  They were so helpful and we were kindly escorted over the greens to see the tree. 

Anzac Pine at Paeroa Golf Course

“There’s some more info upstairs in the club room” we were told, so we trudged up the stairs to see a framed newspaper article about the famous tree.  How kind of the manager to go to all this trouble for us, we think he was pleased that the “famous in Paeroa tree” was getting the attention it deserves.

There was one more photo to take while we were in Paeroa, one of the famous “big bottle”.  Lemon and Paeroa drink is a New Zealand favourite, also known as L&P, is a sweet soft drink manufactured in New Zealand. Created in 1907, it was traditionally made by combining lemon juice with carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa, but is now owned and manufactured by multi-national Coca-Cola.  These days that the bottle is now located in the Ohinemuri Reserve to enable photographers to get their “snaps” without dodging traffic in the middle of the very busy State Highway 2.

L&P, world famous in New Zealand

Mission accomplished, we went back to hook up the van and get on the way to our next destination to Waihi Beach.  A much shorter trip, only a mere 37km and we arrived at the Waihi Beach NZMCA Park, where we were meeting up with Bill and Val for the upcoming ICA Rally.  Even though we arrived relatively early before lunch, the place was jam packed with vans and campers – luckily we managed to find a site each.  This park can cater for 60 vans we read, but that must be a real squeeze.  Once all the marked sites around the perimeter are taken, late comers then park up in the middle of the area.

Staying at Waihi Beach

It was such a lovely afternoon that we drove down to check out the beach.  People were in the water, sunbathing, and generally having fun in the sun.  The sky was a beautiful shade of blue, and the beach looked so inviting.

Waihi Beach

Fellow ICA members Pamela and David had arrived in camp, and the six of us enjoyed a meal out at the Gunners View Restaurant at the local RSA.  Using the courtesy van made it an easy night out with no one having to be the designated driver.  We all chose the roast beef and lamb with all the trimmings, such a lovely meal and very reasonably priced.  It was a great  finish to our overnight stay at Waihi Beach.

Awakeri Rail Adventure

Awakeri Rail Adventures - this looks like the place.  We drove 50kms back to Awakeri today to “ride the rails” on one of those dinky little  rail carts, traveling along the former Taneatua Branch Line.

This historic rail line opened in 1927 and was part of the east coast main trunk line terminating in Taneatua.  When the Kaimai tunnel opened in 1978, the terminus was changed to Kawerau and this line then became the Taneatua Branch Line.  Rail traffic declined over the years and the line closed in 2001.  Awakeri Rail Adventures was set up by former NZR engine driver, Paul Francis in 2014, after hard work clearing the overgrown track.   We were to travel on modified golf carts, although we weren’t going anywhere until we were given the necessary safety briefing.

 

Golf carts ready and waiting

As we were the only booking for the day, we had an exclusive trip with the boss man.  Robin was given instructions on how to operate the cart, and I was given responsibility of becoming the radio operator.  This notice was firmly attached to the steering wheel, which incidentally, does no steering at all!

Read and take note of the sign

Ready for our rail adventure

The wheels on the cart made a delightful “Clackety Clack” railway sound as we trundled along, slowing at the Slow and pausing at the Give Way signs as the railway line passed over bridges and farm tracks.    The two way radio crackled to life instructing Robin to “Pull up here by the orange cone”.  My goodness, just look at all the birds racing to meet us, chooks, ducks and geese.  They know it must be feeding time, and we were handed a container of corn to feed them.  I’ve never had such a crowd so happy to see me!  There was some rather handsome plumage on the roosters, together with very sharp looking spurs, I noticed.

Here, chooky chook

Our next stop was at the 4.5 hectare  White Pine Bush Reserve, a rare example of untouched lowland kahikatea forest.  We took a bush walk into the reserve and our guide pointed out a 600 year old kahikatea tree so tall we couldn't see the top.  How wonderful that this piece of forest has been saved from the axe for all to enjoy.

White Pine Bush Reserve

Our next stop was  in the middle of nowhere at a rather rustic shelter.  The billy was boiled, tea,  coffee, and biscuits produced, and we settled down to enjoy our afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea time

Just around the corner was the Ladies Loo.  Oh my, just what is Donald Trump doing in there?  He’s obviously waiting to pounce on the next lady to walk through the door!  Luckily Paul jumped to my defense, gave Donald a short shift,  and rescued me from a fate worse than death.

Out you go, Donald

Climbing aboard again we trundled up to the  end of the line at Pekatahi.

End of the line

Paul had built a very clever turntable and both carts were soon turned about for the homewards journey.  It was very easy to operate and he could do it single handed.

Turning the carts around

It was much quicker on the return trip with no stops on the homeward journey.  We spotted several pheasants and quail on the side of the track as we traveled along, they soon flew off when we came too close.  And look, here we are, back we we started from at Awakeri Station.

The driver and the radio operator

It was a wonderful trip, something we had wanted to do for a while, and we certainly enjoyed our afternoon riding the rails.  Thoroughly recommended and such good fun.