Scotts Ferry and the Bess Memorial

 After our lunch at Mint, we took a little Tiki Tour.  Starting off at Scott's Ferry, which transported horses, cattle, sheep, produce and people across the Rangitikei River from 1850 to 1908.  The ferry (barge) was then purchased and  worked on the Whanganui River from 1908 to 1975, and after laying derelict for some years, was salvaged, restored and returned to the area where it first started operating all those years ago, to honour all the early pioneers.   In the early  days the coastline and rivers were the roads of the day.  

Scott's Ferry  transported goods across the river

Scott's Ferry Weather Station raised a smile

From here we went in search of the Bess Memorial.  Thousands of horses were purchased and sent overseas in WW1.  Bess was bred in the Wairarapa and was selected by Col Charles Guy Powles, an officer in the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Brigade.  Bess served in Egypt, Sinai, Palestine, France and Germany, before heading to England and finally returning home in 1920.  She was one of only four horses who returned home after war service.

Bess enjoyed 14 peaceful years on the farm, and she was buried where she collapsed and died in 1934.  Col Powles had a memorial constructed in white marble to honour the life of his special horse.  This spot was one of the many Anzac Services held around the region on Anzac Day.

The Bess Memorial

Along the fenceline are two special young trees, Gallipoli Pines grown from seeds brought back as pine cones after WW1.  The trees were felled and used for reinforcing the trenches.  There are two pines, either side of the gate to the Bess Memorial.

Gallipoli Pines

On to Otorohanga

It was raining when we left the lake and started on the next stage of our trip, traveling along minor roads again till we reached our destination of Otorohanga. 

Nearly there

The plan was to stay at the NZMCA  camp for three nights so we could attend a family birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The camp was about half full when we arrived, several campers had dogs, all on leads we were happy to see.  And our next door neighbour had a tabby cat who spent most of the day snoozing under the awning tucked up on a picnic chair.

Staying at Otorohanga NZMCA Park

I think the heat was getting to Gemma as she lay stretched out on the bed for the rest of the day, too tired to do anything.

Flat out on the bed

Otorohanga is a nice little town and the following day we went exploring. 

We found an intriguing sign saying “Historic Tree”, wonder what that is all about?  And there it is.

Historic tree, Huiputea

This 300 year old Kahikatea tree was the site of a skirmish in 1822 between Ngati Maniapoto and Ngapuhi.  The war party captured some women and made camp under the tree.  The women were carrying baskets when they were captured and were told to place them under the tree, which became known as Huiputea, heap of baskets.  Other Waikato warriors tracked then and the Ngapuhi were defeated. 

Our explorations took us north, and we stopped at Kihikihi, home to Viands Bakery – we just can’t pass a good pie shop by.  Originally the plan was to enjoy one of their pies for lunch, but it was only mid morning.  Instead we purchased two cold pies, and popped them in the freezer when we returned back to the caravan,  to enjoy at a later date. 

Viands Pies at Kihikihi

Driving on to Hamilton we refilled the gas bottle, and topped up the diesel in the car.  Next on our list was to find the Whatawhata Berry Farm we had read about.  Seems every man and his kids where here too, the car park was full to bursting.  Pick your own berries was  in full swing and seemed to be a family favourite thing to do in the Christmas break, we saw lots of family groups carrying their cardboard baskets into the strawberry fields.

Whatawhata Berry Farm

That idea sounded like too much hard work for this pair of oldies, so we purchased some berries from the farm shop instead, blue berries, raspberries and blackberries, yummy.  And ordered a mixed berry ice-cream each too.  With such a crowd, it took a while, but certainly worth the wait, they were delicious.

Robin collecting our icecreams

We found a seat under a sun shade and got to work on those ice-creams.  The weather was so hot that the ice-cream was melting as we did our best to consume them before it all ran down our fingers!  Luckily we won the melting race, with just a few drips here and there.

Busy eating ice-creams

There was a pair of giant jandals out in the car park, that needed a photo too.  I've got no idea about the story behind this sculpture, Mr Google was no help at all.  Perhaps someone else knows?

Giant jandals at the berry farm

Then it was a peaceful drive back to camp, where we spent most of the afternoon cooling off while  sitting under the shade of the awning.  Gemma was happy to be outside too, and a couple of neighbours popped over to see her and say hello.  “Is she friendly?”  a lady asked me, hoping to pat her.  I had to say that she wasn’t really the most friendly of cats, she just wanted to sit outside without being bothered. 

More fun in Rotorua

You know you have arrived in Rotorua when that “rotten egg sulphur smell” hits your nose.  Not all the time, just here and there to catch you off guard.  Rotorua is known for the smell, thermal activity, Maori entertainment, plenty of activities and dining places, hot pools and lakes.  Believe it or not, there are 18 lakes dotted around the area, with Lake Rotorua on the doorstep.

Lake Rotorua

We are staying at Ngongotaha for five nights, and caught up with Russel and Maureen.  We had missed the last caravan club rally, so it was great to catch up with them again on Friday when they came over for 4zees.  We waved them goodbye on Saturday morning, they were heading down to Taupo.

Russel and Maureen

We were heading out as well, we had a booking for High Tea at the Prince’s Gate Hotel.  This is one of the country’s oldest hotels still in operation with a history that dates back to 1897. 

This was something I was really looking forward to, I love  High Tea, but don't get to do it all that much.  As I often remind Robin, I’m sure I was someone very important in another life, I really enjoy these ladylike type of outings.  Not sure if he agrees with me though, maybe I was a scullery maid or a washer woman instead.  The table was set beautifully and the food and drinks arrived.  The morning was still a little chilly but we were nice and cozy sitting by the gas fire.

High Tea for two

There are indeed a set of Prince’s Gates right by the hotel.  The gates, with an archway resembling a royal crown, was built for the 1901 royal visit of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V, at the entrance to the Government Gardens in Rotorua. This structure is now unique in New Zealand, and is colloquially known as Prince's Gate.

Prince’s Gates

These impressive gates lead into the Government Gardens, home to the beautiful former Bath House, which opened on 1908 as a thermal spa offering medical and therapeutic treatments, before closing in 1966.  Today the building, classed as Highly Significant by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, houses the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. It is closed while currently undergoing earthquake strengthening.

The old historic former Bath House

We drove down to the lake edge, and our Sat Nav kept telling us “Free Parking”.  There is indeed plenty of free parking for self contained vehicles,  we saw, with lots of  of motorhomes taking advantage of lake side parking.

Lake Rotorua

Sunday, our 40th Anniversary, dawned bright and sunny – where have all those years gone, we wondered?  After breakfast we headed off to tick something off our list, the Redwoods Treewalk. 

The entrance

Driving into the carpark, we noticed walkways in the trees above us criss crossing overhead.  Tickets purchased, and we knew to ask for Gold Card discount, but no sign was on the counter offering it.  After a briefing about allowable numbers on the walkways and platforms, and don't touch the trees as it can harm the bark, we were on our way up the spiral walkway.

Up the spiral we went

We weren't sure how we would both manage up in the tree tops, but it was very easy walking indeed.  The platforms had seating if needed, but I was unaware that the walkways were in fact swing bridges!   All very sturdy, and no problem really.

Here we go

With 28 bridges and 27 platforms we slowly made our way around the redwoods, stopping to read the information boards at the platforms.  There were plenty of people down on the walking tracks, and the forest is free entry for recreation users.

Looking down on the forest floor

The walkway is suspended from the trees using a specially designed sling, which carefully wraps around the trunks without causing any harm.  The slings can be easily adjusted to allow for the growing trees.  Another feature of the forest is the Nightlights Walk and we spotted several of the lanterns on our walk which are illuminated in the evenings. 

These and many others glow in the darkness for the night walks

The redwoods and other exotic species were planted in 1901 as an experiment to see if they would be suitable as a timber crop, to save our native forests from being milled.  But the trees grew too fast here in NZ conditions and the timber was too soft for commercial use.  A friendly couple took our photo standing in front of the tallest tree on the walk, 246ft high, and 7ft in girth.

Standing in front of the tallest tree

The walk was very enjoyable and I’m pleased we finally achieved it.  Back to the van for a rest, then it as time to get into our glad raags and head out for our Anniversary Dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant, accessed by the Skyline Gondola.  The ride was silent as we glided upwards, with great views of the city spread out below.

Up, up, and away

We were welcomed into the restaurant and taken to our window table, by a very attentive staff member.  With a glass of bubbly to hand, we then checked out the extensive buffet. 

The food was wonderful, we must say.  With plenty of overseas visitors to cater for there were many Asian dishes on offer, as well.  I tried a selection of Asian cuisine as my entree, very tasty indeed to try something quite different.  There were plenty of choices for the main course, and as expected, a wonderful selection  of desserts too.

Just as we had finished a cup of coffee each, and nibbled on some cheese and crackers, our waitress appeared carrying a tray which she presented to us.  On the tray were some extra dessert goodies, Happy Anniversary written in chocolate, and a card signed by the staff.  Guess we had mentioned our special occasion, and we were overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness of the management for doing this for us.

We had a wonderful night indeed

The Peski Pop of Geraldine

As we were packing up preparing to leave the Ashburton NZMCA Park, Robin got talking to one of the custodians.  The caravan opposite us had been empty while we had been there,  one of the windows was wide open, and chairs and tables had been left outside.  No one was sure if the caravan had been abandoned, stolen, or if the occupants had gone out in their car and met with an accident.  The caravan didn't seem to be registered with NZCMA either.  The custodian was seeking advice from Head Office with help tracing the owners down and deciding on a course of action.  Very strange indeed.

We got on our way and traveled 61km down SH1 to Geraldine, passing over another long bridge, this time over the Rangitata River.  The Rangitata River is another braided river, and didn't seem to have much water at all.

Long bridge over the Rangitata River

There are several options to stay in Geraldine, but the Peski Pop (park over property) is a favourite of ours.  We had been in contact the previous day to ensure there was room for us, asked for a non power site, and had been given a site number.  And there it was, with our name, and envelope for the fees, and an information sheet..

Park here

The Pop was fairly empty when we arrived, But sure enough, one after another, the caravans and motorhomes rolled in during the late afternoon.  The grounds are beautiful in this Pop, graceful sweeping lawns, flower gardens and mature trees full of happy tweeting birds.

Peski Pop

Geraldine can trace its history to 1854 when surveyor Samuel Hewlings built a house on this spot, and was also the site of the first school.  A plaque marks the area, together with a large totara tree. The totara tree was planted by Samuel Hewlings to commemorate the birth of the first child of European descent born in the Geraldine district.

Site of the first house in Geraldine

No visit to Geraldine is complete without stopping at Barkers, which is a big part of this small town.  Starting off as sheep farmers, for over 50 years the Barker family went on to process fruit  into an array of jams, preserves and drinks.  But the shop wasn’t where we remembered.  Several years previously, the company purchased the former St Mary’s Church Vicarage on the main Geraldine road, a category two listed heritage building, and transformed into boutique accommodation.  And adjacent to this is the Barker’s new Foodstore and Eatery.  

Barkers new store and café

First we went to the store, had a few tastings and purchased several items to take away.  Then we sat in the lovely airy café and had a drink each, a milkshake for him, and a coffee for me.  Believe it or not, it was so hot and muggy we really didn't feel like eating anything!

Back at camp we discovered we had a few more neighbours.  It was so nice sitting out under the shady awing, in the late afternoon and early evening. relaxing with a cool drink to hand.  All the while the many birds were chirping away in the trees.  There was a definite change in weather though,  it poured with rain overnight, and the next day was rather chilly.  What a difference a day makes, it was such a shame as we had been looking forward to another day of lovely fine weather.

A few more vans arrived

Hokitika–Treetops Walkway

Another short trip, just the way we like it  – this time a 30km drive from Blackball to Hokitika.  Our stay for the next three nights is at the Hokitika Southside NZMCA Park.  With a maximum of 28 vans, it pays to get in early during the day in the busy summer season.  $10.00  night for two, no water or dump station available, but those all essential rubbish bins provided. 

At Hokitika NZMCA

With a “wish list” of things to do we set out bright and early the next morning.  The snow topped Southern Alps looked so nice as we drove along.  Looks like the local farmers had been busy making baleage.

And here we are, at the Treetop Walkway.  This attraction was opened in December 2012.  Prefabricated in Australia, it was brought to Hokitika in small parts, and reassembled in six weeks.  400 cubic m of concrete was used to withstand the wild West Coast weather, the structure contains 13,500 bolts, and was designed to move with the wind. 

We were pleased to be offered a discount for NZMCA members, and there was a golf car available at no extra cost to take those of us with mobility issues up a reasonably steep path to the beginning of the walkway.  The structure felt very safe and stable and is elevated 20m above the forest.  The walkway is built on Department of Conservation (DOC) land, and the trees are glorious, we have never seen so many beautiful rimu trees all in one place. Logging in these forests has ceased, and the beautiful trees are now protected.

Up in the tree tops

Oh look, there’s the Tower.  Goodness, that looks high, and is the launch pad for these crazy zip liners.  At 47m above the forest floor, I climbed the 107 steps up the circular stairway to the top.  Robin wisely declined, unsure how his knees would cope with all those steps.

Hello up there

The views from the tower were amazing, from the Southern Alps to nearby Lake Mahinapua, and the walkway stretching below through the trees.

Views from the top

A friendly Aussie took our photo

Safely back on terra firma we hopped onto the buggy for the ride back to the café, and enjoyed a much anticipated cool drink.  Then we headed off to check out Lake Mahinapua a short distance away.  The drive through the tree lined road was very pretty indeed.  This is another DOC site, with camping and boating allowed,

The lake side was very busy with visitors, people splashing about in the water, and on boats.  This area was once a coastal lagoon, but centuries of sand accumulation in a belt of dunes eventually cut off the sea access, creating Lake Mahinapua.

Lake Mahinapua

For those of you who can remember the two old blokes in the Mainland Cheese advertisements, this is the pub which featured in some of the ads.  Sadly closed now, it still looks rather familiar to those of us with long memories.

The old cheese blokes filmed the ads here

Another thing on my wish list was to see the iconic driftwood sign on Hokitika Beach.  And there it was, although I had to wait till a family all had their individual photos taken, one after the other.    I’m sure someone is tasked with rebuilding this sign as needed.

What a great day we had, with more exploring to do tomorrow.