Next Stop – Opotiki

Saying farewell to our friendly Pop hosts we had one job to do – visit the dump station, then we were on our way.  Another relatively short trip again, just 49kms.  We drove through the very popular seaside town of Ohope, well known for safe swimming and good fishing.  Then through the Cheddar Valley, passing by the famous fish and chip shop on the estuary and Cheddar Valley Pottery.  We can remember coming here with friends Pauline and her late husband Geoff when they collected a very special hand painted platter featuring their motor home some years ago. Lovely coastal views as we drove on to our next stop, Opotiki.

We are here at Island View Holiday Park for an ICA Rally starting Friday but decided to come a little early, as we have a special trip booked for Thursday – more about that next time.    Previous to coming here,  we had get permission to bring our cat Gemma, so she became a “pre approved pet”.  And sign a Dog Policy when we checked in, (yes, we know she is a cat) agreeing to keep Gemma on our own site,  and not walk her around the camp.

 

Keep to the rules Gemma, and you wont need to hide your head

Sign at the camp office

Ours camp  site is great, just a hop, skip and jump to the beach.  As we are a couple of days early, no one else from the ICA group has arrived yet.  I’m sure we will enjoy some beach side solitude.

Island View Holiday Park

At the beach we got a glimpse of the volcanic island Whakaari / White Island, which erupted on 9th December 2019.  There were 47 people on the island at the time. This tragedy left twenty-one people dead, including two who missing and declared dead, and a further twenty-six people suffered injuries, mainly severe burns.  We took a trip out to the island some years ago, it is a weird place with the smell of sulphur in the air, I remember we had to wear hard hats and gas masks.

Whakaari White Island off the coast

On to Whakatane

Before leaving for our next overnight stop we had an appointment with Cvana now called Awnings and Covers to get a bit of work done on our caravan awning.  “Leave it with us”, we were told, “and come back at 12.”  So that’s what we did, taking Gemma with us as we drove around doing a little sightseeing, and filling in time.  Arriving back, the work was almost completed, we now have brackets fitted for the rafters, and rain water collection connections fitted, in case we are camping somewhere and want to take advantage of heavy rainfall.

At the Cvana workshop

Hooking up the van again we soon got on our way.  If you have ever wondered where all the road cones end up, I think Tauranga has a rather good selection.  We passed this collection as we drove out of town.

Road cones everywhere

Arriving mid afternoon we arrived at Whakatane and made our way to “Comfort Zone 4” Pop (Park Over Property) not far from the airport.  Our friendly hostess Annette came out to meet us and directed us to the large paddock at the back of the property to make ourselves at home.  With only one other van here there is plenty of room.  We understand that the BOP Caravan Club often has a rally here.

Now at Whakatane

The next morning armed with a reasonably short shopping list we drove into the city of Whakatane.  The name Whakatane commemorates an incident occurring after the arrival of the Mataatua, was one of the great voyaging canoes by which  Polynesians migrated to New Zealand, according to Maori tradition.   The men had gone ashore and the canoe began to drift. As women did not paddle these canoes Wairaka, daughter of Toroa, captain of the canoe, declared “I will make myself a man”, and commenced to paddle, and with the help of the other women saved the canoe.  A statue of Wairaka stands on a rock in the harbour with Moutohora Island in the background.  This island is a pest-free oasis that is home to a number of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles .

Statue honouring Wairaka

Not far away is Muriwai’s Cave, one of the most sacred and historically important sites in the Whakatane region.  Born of chiefly descent, Muriwai was held in the highest regard and was renown for her wisdom and second sight.  It was her father’s wish that she occupied the cave.  The cave is dedicated to her memory.

Sacred cave of Muriwai

It has been rather cool, grey and cloudy here in Whakatane, so much so that our red generator has been out both days for a couple of hours to top up the batteries.  It is mid winter, after all, and at least the weather is not wet and windy.

Katikati - Mural Town and Omokoroa

Katikati was founded in 1875 by Irish settlers.  There are many kiwifruit, avocado and citrus orchards in this area, and the town has many murals painted on the buildings, showing life in earlier times.

A couple of the many murals in town

We are staying the night at a delightful POP (park over property) just a few kms from town.  Such a beautiful property, with fruit and avocado trees in abundance.  Our hosts brought us some freshly picked apples and mandarins to enjoy, how very kind of them.

Our site for the night

Growing in the home garden

After a trip to the local laundromat for never ending laundry duties, we went to visit my cousin Brian and his lovely wife Bev.  It has been several years since we have met up, so it was good to catch on on the the news – sadly   Bev didn’t want her photo taken, so we just came away with memories.

After a leisurely start to the morning, and being invited to morning coffee on the deck with our hosts, we eventually got on our way.  Not a long trip, just a mere 17km to Cooney Reserve in Omokoroa.  We don’t usually do “freedom camping” but this place was recommended to us by friends Andrew and Debbie who live close by.  Such a wonderful peaceful place place to stay with gorgeous views over the estuary.  There is a very popular cycle track and people were coming and going all afternoon.

Such a lovely place to stay

We were invited around to Andrew and Debbie’s home for afternoon tea.  And to say hello again to their two rag doll cats, Beau and Van.  These two had certainly grown since we saw them in the New Year, particularly Beau who is now a very big boy indeed.  And smaller Van looks so cute with his eye patch.  They were having fun hanging about  on their cat tower.  Later on Andrew and Debbie came back to our caravan and we shared a fish and chip meal together it was so nice to spend time with them again and catch up on all the news.

Beau and Van

Early Morning Start, then on to Waihi

Rat, tat, tat, on the caravan door bright and early at 6.30am on Thursday morning, just as well we were up and dressed - Rick and his co-worker were ready to start work on our caravan.  As they towed it around the back of the factory to work on, we had gathered our things, a water bottle, put Gemma in the car, and off we went out into the dark and foggy morning.  There was only one thing to do at this time of day, we went out for breakfast.  Luckily the café in Mitre 10 at The Base opened at 7.00am, so that is where we went.  It gave Robin a chance to try his new Covid Contact Tracing App, and it worked perfectly.  And look, there is plenty of hand sanitiser in store, small ones, medium sized, and great big containers full as well.  We picked up a couple of bottles to keep in the cars.

What to have for breakfast?  Scrambled eggs for me, and poached eggs with bacon for him, followed by a nice hot coffee.  That should set us up for the day.

Early morning breakfasts

It was still early, so we drove down to Lake Rotoroa to sit and relax.  There were plenty of ducks and pukeko relaxing on the lake edge, waiting for the sun to break through and warm things up, no doubt.  Lake Rotoroa was formed about 20,000 years ago, when the Waikato River changed to flow out at Port Waikato It was originally  a braided river, but most of its braided courses were left as lakes once the river cut its present lower level. Peat then dammed and increased the size of the lakes.

Lovely morning at Lake Rotoroa, Hamilton

The work was completed by 1.00pm and we soon hooked up and went off on our way.  Our route to Waihi took us through Morrinsville, Te Aroha, and Paeroa, all interesting towns in their own right, but we didn’t have time this trip to stop and explore.  Then it was an interesting drive through the Karangahake Gorge, a lovely scenic drive indeed.

 

Karangahake Gorge

We were staying for the next two nights at Waihi Beach NZMCA Park, a newish park and one we hadn't visited before.  This park can take 60 vans, so plenty of room here.   The sites are marked out, and water and rubbish facilities are available.   I was pleased that the book swap system was open and available here, so I could  swap my paperbacks  for something new to read.

   

Waihi Beach NZMCA Park

Waihi is a gold town, and visiting Waihi is a chance to marvel at the huge Martha open pit at the end of the town.  Yes, we have been here before, but it is still a sight to behold.

The Cornish Pumphouse, built in 1903, was undergoing restoration so was closed to the public.  The steam engines and pumping equipment was used to pump out 7000 litres of water per minute from the historic underground Martha Mine.  The pumphouse was retired from use in 1913 when the steam power was replaced by electricity.  In the early 1930s the pumphouse was stripped of machinery and left derelict.  Then in 2006, because of land movement under the structure, the pumphouse was moved 300mtr to it’s present site.  The building was put on teflon pads, which slid along a stainless steel plate on concrete beams, moved by hydraulic rams.  Amazing stuff indeed.

Cornish pumphouse

And standing tall and proud at the side of the road is the Poppet Head, an exact replica of those used in the early underground mining at Martha Mine.  It was used to transport men, materials and the extracted rock.  The operator followed bell signal commands from those working underground at the various levels.

Poppet Head

On the way back to camp we went via Waihi Beach.  Such a pretty beach, a bit chilly this time of year,  with a few hardy souls taking to the water with their surfboards.  But where are the waves, we wondered?

Waihi Beach

Rotorua and Hamilton

It was a rather chilly night at Turangi, thank goodness for our diesel heater keeping us nice and toasty.  We used the camp shower block in the morning, great water pressure but the buildings themselves could do with a little TLC.  Then it was time to hook up the van and get on our way, skirting Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, over 40km long and 30km wide, getting a glimpse of Motutaiko Island.  Lake Taupo had a violent beginning, created by a violent series of eruptions which occurred approximately1800 years ago.

Motutaiko Island in Lake Taupo

We decided to take the road less traveled and drove along Broadlands Road via Reporoa for a change, stopping at the Reporoa Memorial Hall and reading the information board which provided some local history.  Reporoa means “long swamp” and way back in 1901 forest planting commenced.  But the township did not get electricity until 1952 – that seems rather late to us.

A brief stop at Reporoa

Then it was on the the Ngongotaha NZMCA Park, just north of Rotorua for the night.  Although the park is now open to members, the meeting room is locked up tight so there was no book swapping going on – a bit of a shame as I had a bag of paperbacks to recycle.  Members must sign on under the awning.  There is plenty of hand sanitiser around, so things are not completely back to normal just yet.

Although not completely full, the site had quite a few visitors staying.  Its good to see caravanners out and about again.  Our next door neighbour was interested in our cat Gemma, and related how he used to own a Birman cat himself, which followed him everywhere like a puppy dog.

Overnighting at Ngongotaha

From our elevated position, I could just get a glimpse of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island.  The Maori legend goes that Hinemoa, a girl of high birth, loved Tutanakai who lived on Mokoia Island but was forbidden to marry him.  Every evening she sat on a rock at the lake edge, listening to the sound of his flute coming cross the water.  One night she decided to join him, swimming all the way to the island aided by floating gourds, and the young pair were reunited.  The families relented and the young couple lived happily together.

A glimpse of Lake Rotorua and Mokoi Island

My goodness, it was cold overnight at Ngongotaha, and we awoke to quite a heavy frost.  Then the gas bottle ran out, and Robin had to get out of the warm cozy bed to switch the tanks over.  At least it didn’t happen in the dead of night, as it often does.  As we were due to overnight at the Leisureline factory in Hamilton we planned to arrive in the late afternoon, so had quite a leisurely drive up, stopping briefly at Fitzgerald Glade.  Such a pretty drive, traveling through an avenue of trees with the sun filtering through.  I said hello to Barny the donkey, who shares his paddock with a couple of rather handsome goats, and several chooks.

The road to Fitzgerald Glade, and Barny the donkey

There was quite a change in the weather as we got closer to Cambridge, with thick fog everywhere.  It was only 2.00pm and the trees were barely visible as we drove along, making we wonder if the fog had been around all day, and just hadn't cleared.

A very foggy afternoon in Cambridge

Then the sun appeared and we left the fog behind, arriving at Hamilton in sunshine, although a little chilly in the shade.  We were told where to park up for the night, and were put on power, which is always welcome.  It will be an early start to the morning when the workmen come to take the caravan for it’s service.  We will have to take the cat and go out for the day till the work is completed.

Here for the night

There was also another van staying overnight and booked in for some work the following day, and we met fellow Leisureline owners John and Lynn.  They travel with their pretty bird, a Lutino Indian Ring neck called Jamie.  Here he is happily perched on the shoulder of one of the Leisureline staff.

Hello Jamie, who’s a pretty boy then?

It’s always nice to have the occasional meal out when we are traveling, the Golden Dragon does very tasty Chinese food, just a short drive away.  I was a little worried about eating from a buffet, but with zero Covid cases reported now, I presume we will be fine - I made sure I used the hand sanitiser provided on entry and leaving the restaurant.  Hamilton always gets a lot of fog, and it was like driving through pea soup both there and back.

No cooking tonight

It will be an early start in the morning, the workmen usually come to collect the van to work on it bright and early.  We will take Gemma and go out in the car for the day, until we get a phone call to say the work is completed and the caravan is ready to go.

Time to Hit the Road Again

After three long months the caravan was pulled out of it’s storage spot and backed into the car park outside our home.  It was time to get ready for a three week trip away. So where are we off too?  Hamilton to get the caravan serviced, Opotiki to meet up for a ICA Rally, through the Wairarapa for our caravan club rally, and places in-between.

Time to pack the caravan

First stop was at Marton, to drop over my hard working sewing machine for a service.  Then it was on to Taihape for a lunch stop.  Always a handy place to stop, plenty of room for our car and caravan, a coffee cart close by, and a handy public toilet block at the other end of the car park.  We ordered a coffee to go with our lunch in the caravan, and admired the new perspex   screen now in place.   Fitted originally to keep the virus at bay, it will be just as handy to protect staff in the coffee cart from winter coughs and colds, and to keep the chilly winter breezes out.

Lunch stop at Taihape

We passed stands of these golden coloured trees as we drove northwards.  The leaves have changed from green to yellow, and are not far from fluttering down and leaving the trees bare for winter.

Season of change

Driving past the army town of Waiouru, we traveled along the Desert Road, keeping an eye on the temperature gauge as it dropped lower and lower.  Goodness me, it dropped down to 4C.  That’s getting rather chilly.

It’s getting rather cold

Not much chance of seeing “my” mountain, I expected, with rain and low cloud around.  But there it is, at least part of it.  I never tire of seeing majestic Mt Ruapehu when we pass along this road.

All I could see of Mt Ruapehu

We are staying the night at Turangi Holiday Park.  Turangi is a small town on the west bank of the Tongariro River, built to accommodate the workers associated with the Tongariro hydro-electric power development project and their families.

Many of the single men were housed in over 400 small huts, some of which are still on site here at the camp.  It would have been a cold and miserable place to stay in these small uninsulated buildings over winter, I imagine.

Some of the remaining single men’s huts

We are much more comfortable in our caravan, parked up on power, diesel heater keeping us warm, nicely insulated, all facilities we need on board. The temperature is sure to drop right down overnight, but we should be nice and cozy.  And the price is good too, we are taking advantage of the winter Camp Saver prices – a scheme offered by camps to tempt extra business during the quieter months.

Turangi Caravan Park