Wake early and watch the sun rise against the mountains. It's about 6.00 a.m. Why am I up- it's Sunday FFS?. Camera out and take in the view. A hawk soars over the valley looking for his first meal of the day, and so are we. One of Stan's specials.
We assemble for breakfast in the dining room that overlooks the valley. The sun is burning off any mist and the mountains are changing from purple to grey with pink tinges.
The house, the mountains, the beaches, the bay - awesome and topped up by two great BBQs and Stan's breakfasts.
Dusk - The End Of Another Perfect Day
28 Dec 2008
27 Dec 2008
Day 16 - Ferry Cross The Cook Straits
Last Day In The North
I have been looking forward to today since we first started planning the holiday. The ferry crossing is said to be fantastic and we end the day at Wharetutu. If it is half as good as the web site it will be fantastic.Woke early and drew the blackout blinds. The view across the harbour was still there. Had breakfast with Chris and Pat. The restaurant was busy with families mulling around. Sit down with cooked breakfast and observe the passing traffic. My conclusion is that the women with children are quite dowdy, whilst the ones without children look pretty and “fit”.
Finish packing and prepare to checkout. Our shuttle to the ferry is due at 9.30. We are late getting down to reception, keeping the bus waiting. Slink onto bus and keep head down as we zip through Wellington shorefront to the ferry port. Check-in is efficient without any hitches. Sunny day, so everything goes well.
Board the ferry and find seats. It’s an old ferry which has had several coats of paint – badly. But we are only on it for 3 hours and hopefully most of the time out on the deck. We ease out of Wellington harbour, which looks magnificent and slowly the north island slides away into the blue horizon. Chris and I take a tour of the ship to video anything that moves. Back at our seats we eat snacks and drink as it is a millpond crossing. As Picton nears we move to front of boat to get a good view.North Island Lasting Thoughts
It’s time to mull over the trip so far:
1. Auckland – Nice city, tower impressive, standing on the glass floor 600 ft up is shivery Great views from around the bays and despite its size a garden feel about the city. Shopping poor by European city standards for such a large city. Meals good with the exception of the observation restaurant one. Indian was an unexpected treat. Explorer bus was great, especially the view of Auckland from Kelly Tarleton's country and western artic adventure.
2. Coromandel – Pretty and a cute beauty. Ferns were a significant plant. Thames will live forever in my mind because of the one track bridge and the Pak ‘n Save cool bags, planned before we left the UK and the best buy so far (which our beer and wine is in today). Cathedral cove is 10 out of 10. Dame Edna cooks a mean steak and Ray’s elusive Takapu wine is best so far. Train was an unexpected fun day out.
3. Rotorua - @94 great accommodation and little Julie’s home cooking was yummy mummy. Luge beats the mud pools as the highlight. Rundownsville and the River rats was a good day out.
4. Huka Falls and Taupo - Aratiatia canyon flooding an unexpected treat - awesome. Picnic afterwards opposite the "helecopter" cafe- sun shining simple yet good food washed down with usual wine and beer. Huka Falls - busy yet we found seclusion - how strange (not to be missed). Taupo - to think this lake was formed by a volcanic eruption - only God can comprehend. The view from Wills Place. A dog called Sand.
5. Napier – Only test match I have ever been to (even if it was for a few overs). Ordinary, but pleasant seaside town - prabably better when it opens after Christmas. Manicured vineyards and great meals in Med cafe and Charlie Chapin’s.
5. Wellington – Cable car ride not as good as looking at it from the observation deck with spectacular views from Mt Victoria Botanical Gardens . The most easy going capital city ever. Tasting Room meal and atmosphere on Christmas Eve - worth the trip itself. Christmas day picnic in the park.
6. Overall - Tidy lawns and public areas. Lack of crap and grafitti. Great food, super wines from NZ and Oz. Well stocked supermarkets. Polite People. Great beers and fellow travellers have been great. It's like 50's Britain in the 21st C. Hopefully the locals won't let multiculturalism and mass immigration spoil its charm. Scenery, not as dramatic as I thought it would be, but nevertheless fantastic so far.
Marlborough Sounds
Land creeps into view and we wend our way through the sounds and slowly towards Picton. More photo opportunities. The low(ish) hills on each side are tame compared with the ferry rides in Norway, but the weather is ten times better and we have the South Island’s treasures to explore.Picton
Nelson – Richmond
Pat is driving and we head for Nelson. We drive through rugged countryside onto the shores of the Tasman bay. Nelson- a beautiful city, but our thoughts are on Wharetutu and our BBQ that night. We spot a New World after several trips around the town. Foraging for food is a delight in NZ supermarkets as there is a great selection and good quality. The sausages are especially good for supermarket fare. We stock up our Pak ‘n Save coolbags and head off towards Richmond. The land flattens out as we swing north off Highway 6 onto highway 60. It’s a pleasant 30 mile drive and soon Kina Penninsula is in view on our right. We turn off towards the bay and immediately the Wharetutu house sign is in view. View Larger Map
Wharetutu
There is a short, unmade road which soon becomes a steep incline to the house - the silver bus eats the hill and we pass behind the house and into the driveway. Wow! The house is built in black wood with large floor length windows. Purpose built by the owners Stan and Jenny it is something out of “Grand Designs”. Stan welcomes us and shows us around our spacious accommodation and outside facilities, which includes a swimming pool and jacuzzi.
We unpack and inspect our new home. Modern bedroom, well appointed with flat screen TV. En suite is excellent and gets good marks from Coleen. Through the pation doors we can see snow capped mountains with the late afternoon sun giving them a milky haze above the dark valley and smaller foothills nearby with their vineyards. We explore the rest of the house. Stan has switched on the mood music, which can be themed for the time of day – cool. The lounge is modern and well fitted (even though we don’t use it). The dining room has a long table facing the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning view. There is a microwave and fridge, which we stock up before going outside and exploring the landscaped gardens and pool area.
The Sky At Night
Slept well.
26 Dec 2008
Day 15 - Two’s Company
26th December – Boxing Day
Pat and Chris plan to spend the day with one of Chris’ old friends, so we would explore on our own today.
"Boxing Day was traditionally a day on which the servants had a day off from their duties. Because of this the gentry would eat cold cuts and have a buffet-style feast prepared by the servants in advance. " As we had no servants we had to make do with the Duxton’s buffet-style breakfast.
Cable Car and Botanical Gardens (Again)
Packed our Animal rucksack and headed off for the sights of Wellington. The sun was shining and we were bouncing along. In contrast to Christmas day most of the shops were open and the streets were full of people. A bookstore has familiar titles, but surprisingly Jamies Oliver seems popular here. Hopefully, the Fecking chef doesn't start selling his stuff here as well!. We reached the lower cable-car ticket office and paid the NZ$3 fare and boarded the quaint red train. Video camera at the ready to record the journey, disappointment was in order as most of the lower journey is through tunnels.
Out into the open and a stunning view over Wellington.
We do the tourist stuff and visit the cable car museum (free entry) and gift shop. We stroll through the gardens and down to the main shopping centre/ commercial district. Along the way we stop and marvel at the Tui birds in the Christmas trees, with clicks and cackles and the ability to mimic other birds like the Bellbird and human voices and even mobile phone rings. The unusual possession of two voiceboxes enable the Tui to perform their comprehensive repertoir.
We get lost, which must be difficult in such a small city. Starbucks to the rescue, where we drink coffee and get our directions sorted out: Flat white and latte please.........
Lunch and Sleep It Off
We return to the hotel for lunch in our room, the view is worth every penny. Out again for a stroll along the side of the harbour we missed yesterday. We visit The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa along with 10,000 kids, their parents, aunts, uncles and grannies. The huge squid is a big attraction. We take a quick look and head for a child free zone outside. Further along we find a small beach and rest our eyes while sunbathing. It’s hot and we need a drink. A seaside bar beckons and we try their beer and white wine. Sitting in the bar we can see across the beautiful bay at Wellington. Must have walked 6 miles today.
Indian and Pictures
There is a cinema complex called the Reading Courtenay near to the hotel, so we check out what is on before heading for our room.
The film we want to see is not on until late evening, so we find an Indian restaurant and enjoy a great meal washed down with wine and beer. It seems strange going to a late night screening in daylight on Decmeber 26th. Ready for the film, The day The Earth Stood Still disaster sci-fi with Keanu Reeves as an Alien who saves the world with eye candy provided by Jennifer Connolly. Since Bruce Willis retired from saving the world the good guys don't seem as believable anymore. Pretty unforgettable film, but it filled in the day nicely in what was a strange Boxing Day that turned out to be a very pleasant and unforgettable one.
Pat and Chris plan to spend the day with one of Chris’ old friends, so we would explore on our own today.
"Boxing Day was traditionally a day on which the servants had a day off from their duties. Because of this the gentry would eat cold cuts and have a buffet-style feast prepared by the servants in advance. " As we had no servants we had to make do with the Duxton’s buffet-style breakfast.
Cable Car and Botanical Gardens (Again)
Packed our Animal rucksack and headed off for the sights of Wellington. The sun was shining and we were bouncing along. In contrast to Christmas day most of the shops were open and the streets were full of people. A bookstore has familiar titles, but surprisingly Jamies Oliver seems popular here. Hopefully, the Fecking chef doesn't start selling his stuff here as well!. We reached the lower cable-car ticket office and paid the NZ$3 fare and boarded the quaint red train. Video camera at the ready to record the journey, disappointment was in order as most of the lower journey is through tunnels. Out into the open and a stunning view over Wellington.
We do the tourist stuff and visit the cable car museum (free entry) and gift shop. We stroll through the gardens and down to the main shopping centre/ commercial district. Along the way we stop and marvel at the Tui birds in the Christmas trees, with clicks and cackles and the ability to mimic other birds like the Bellbird and human voices and even mobile phone rings. The unusual possession of two voiceboxes enable the Tui to perform their comprehensive repertoir.We get lost, which must be difficult in such a small city. Starbucks to the rescue, where we drink coffee and get our directions sorted out: Flat white and latte please.........
Lunch and Sleep It Off
We return to the hotel for lunch in our room, the view is worth every penny. Out again for a stroll along the side of the harbour we missed yesterday. We visit The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa along with 10,000 kids, their parents, aunts, uncles and grannies. The huge squid is a big attraction. We take a quick look and head for a child free zone outside. Further along we find a small beach and rest our eyes while sunbathing. It’s hot and we need a drink. A seaside bar beckons and we try their beer and white wine. Sitting in the bar we can see across the beautiful bay at Wellington. Must have walked 6 miles today. Indian and Pictures
There is a cinema complex called the Reading Courtenay near to the hotel, so we check out what is on before heading for our room.
The film we want to see is not on until late evening, so we find an Indian restaurant and enjoy a great meal washed down with wine and beer. It seems strange going to a late night screening in daylight on Decmeber 26th. Ready for the film, The day The Earth Stood Still disaster sci-fi with Keanu Reeves as an Alien who saves the world with eye candy provided by Jennifer Connolly. Since Bruce Willis retired from saving the world the good guys don't seem as believable anymore. Pretty unforgettable film, but it filled in the day nicely in what was a strange Boxing Day that turned out to be a very pleasant and unforgettable one.25 Dec 2008
Day 14 - Christmas Day
25th December
Drew back curtains to a view across the harbour and a bright sunny day. It’s going to be hot – all Christmas days should be like this. Odd feeling of nothing to do, no turkey to check in the oven, or wake the girls at about 10.30 etc.
Breakfast – eat a hearty one and did a magpie job for our picnic lunch.
Wellington On Foot
Joined up in the lobby and headed for the town centre. A few people were also wandering around, mainly tourists like us and a few essential workers. Shops and cafes closed. We headed for the Lambton Quay area to try the cable car to the top of Victoria Mount and the Wellington Botanical Gardens – closed. The buses were running and were free for the day, so we took one to the bus station, then one to the botanical gardens entrance. Uphill and into the gardens which are a haven of tranquillity with trees ranging from redwoods to the ever present Christmas Trees with their brilliant red flowers. A leisurely stroll around the closed facilities (fortunately the toilets were open) and back down through the gardens to a lawn overlooking a rose garden type area, where we had our picnic lunch and some alcoholic refreshments. The grassed area had many families out for the day enjoying the sun, eating their picnics and playing games.
We checked out the rest of the gardens and headed for the Parliament buildings, set in beautiful open spaces. The Norma Foster designed beehive building is impressive for how it fits in with the surroundings. Across the lawns sits the Anglican Cathedral of St Paul. Completed in 2000 it is an ugly pink concrete building with little to commend it to new Zealand’s architectural heritage. However, I am sure the worshipers love it.
Harry Potter's Railway Station
Photo shoot over we head down to the harbour via the magnificent railway station. Pat and Chris take a rest while we explore the internals of the station. Out again and off along the harbour front. The refurbished harbour front is full of promenading families and couples. An ice-cream van is serving coffee, but it is as dear as the coffees in the hotel, and it's in paper cups. It’s 5 o’clock so we go back to the hotel for a couple of drinks then get ready for our Christmas Dinner.
Christmas Dinner
7 o’clock - Met in bar and get in some practice rounds before the big event. The dinner is a sedate affair with about 70 guests. Not a great Christmas party feel to the place. Crackers and the usual Christmas musak playing George Michel, Cliff and Jona Lewie’s “Stop The Cavalry” the only outward signs that this was not a Round Table get together. It is still daylight as we tuck into our starters – prawns on a crisp base. The main course was Cervina (NZ Venison) cooked to perfection then a large range of puddings from the buffet. The chef cooked Coleen 2 creme brulees. The cheese board was limited, with the blue cheese the only one of note. The wines were excellent. Considering it was Christmas day the meal price of NZ$110 each was good value (excluding wine).
Warm Down Session In The Bar
Finished in the bar with brandy and coffees. Most of the diners went straight to bed (10.p.m. must be Americans). A Dutch family were in the bar and we spent some time with them. The husband had been the catering manager at the Duxton 18 years earlier. They said little at the hotel had changed in the ensuing years.
ET Phone Home
Spoke to Emma and Maria. Weird talking to them when our Christmas Day is nearly over. Also phone my brother Frank and spoke to Anne (his wife) as well. They are getting ready to start the day.
Breakfast – eat a hearty one and did a magpie job for our picnic lunch.
Wellington On Foot
Joined up in the lobby and headed for the town centre. A few people were also wandering around, mainly tourists like us and a few essential workers. Shops and cafes closed. We headed for the Lambton Quay area to try the cable car to the top of Victoria Mount and the Wellington Botanical Gardens – closed. The buses were running and were free for the day, so we took one to the bus station, then one to the botanical gardens entrance. Uphill and into the gardens which are a haven of tranquillity with trees ranging from redwoods to the ever present Christmas Trees with their brilliant red flowers. A leisurely stroll around the closed facilities (fortunately the toilets were open) and back down through the gardens to a lawn overlooking a rose garden type area, where we had our picnic lunch and some alcoholic refreshments. The grassed area had many families out for the day enjoying the sun, eating their picnics and playing games. 
We checked out the rest of the gardens and headed for the Parliament buildings, set in beautiful open spaces. The Norma Foster designed beehive building is impressive for how it fits in with the surroundings. Across the lawns sits the Anglican Cathedral of St Paul. Completed in 2000 it is an ugly pink concrete building with little to commend it to new Zealand’s architectural heritage. However, I am sure the worshipers love it.Harry Potter's Railway Station
Photo shoot over we head down to the harbour via the magnificent railway station. Pat and Chris take a rest while we explore the internals of the station. Out again and off along the harbour front. The refurbished harbour front is full of promenading families and couples. An ice-cream van is serving coffee, but it is as dear as the coffees in the hotel, and it's in paper cups. It’s 5 o’clock so we go back to the hotel for a couple of drinks then get ready for our Christmas Dinner.Christmas Dinner
7 o’clock - Met in bar and get in some practice rounds before the big event. The dinner is a sedate affair with about 70 guests. Not a great Christmas party feel to the place. Crackers and the usual Christmas musak playing George Michel, Cliff and Jona Lewie’s “Stop The Cavalry” the only outward signs that this was not a Round Table get together. It is still daylight as we tuck into our starters – prawns on a crisp base. The main course was Cervina (NZ Venison) cooked to perfection then a large range of puddings from the buffet. The chef cooked Coleen 2 creme brulees. The cheese board was limited, with the blue cheese the only one of note. The wines were excellent. Considering it was Christmas day the meal price of NZ$110 each was good value (excluding wine). Warm Down Session In The Bar
Finished in the bar with brandy and coffees. Most of the diners went straight to bed (10.p.m. must be Americans). A Dutch family were in the bar and we spent some time with them. The husband had been the catering manager at the Duxton 18 years earlier. They said little at the hotel had changed in the ensuing years.
ET Phone Home
Spoke to Emma and Maria. Weird talking to them when our Christmas Day is nearly over. Also phone my brother Frank and spoke to Anne (his wife) as well. They are getting ready to start the day.
24 Dec 2008
Day 14 - Christmas Eve
24th December - Watch Santa Packing the Sleigh
Overnight torrential rain - very welcome by the locals as there has been a bit of a drought. Proper tourists hate rain. We wake to rain, get dressed to rain and go down to breakfast to rain. Rain, rain go away and come back to Napier when we have gone. Breakfast was like the day before - awsome spread. We take our fill and return to packing.
Leaving on a Wet Plane
The gold bus is retrieved from the car park opposite and parked outside as we fill it to the gills. Judy and Colin are about and we chat to them about our next destination as they are also leaving today for Wellington as they have family there. They are much more friendly as we leave than when we arrived.
Horseman Cafe - GF Food
All aboard the gold bus. The rain lashes down as we head out to Hastings and the road to Wellington. The rain persists all day. Our first stop for physical relief and refreshments is the Horseman Cafe in Shannon a small town south of Palmerston. The rain does not ease. The cafe is crowded with people going away on holiday, doing what we are doing. Amazingly, they have gluten free food, so Coleen is happy and the coffee is excellent.
Virtual Lord of the Rings Tour
Back out into the driving rain and onwards to the Duxton Hotel in downtown Wellington. As we near Wellington, Chris wants to try a Lord of the Rings diversion, but heavy rain, mist and a narrow mountain road conspire to blot out any vistas, but enhances the Highlander’s 4WD prowess. The narrow, winding descent from the hidden LotR mountains and we are back in civilisation (holiday traffic jams in Wellington suburbs). Time to top-up the tank, otherwise the Dick Turpin Car Hire Co will charge us treble rates for doing the same thing.
Wellington - A Capital Place
The rain has eased as we enter Wellington. A pretty, hilly, spread-out city. The Duxton Hotel is easy to find, but parking space to offload our luggage is at a premium. We park in a no-waiting area and decamp. As the gold bus is being handed back we have vittles as well as travel gear to take to our room. The large ice bags from the Thames Pak 'n Save are well stocked with wine, beer and some food.
The Duxton Hotel
The Duxton is good quality hotel which is located centrally, which will suit our carless Christmas break. Like so many business type hotels it has no soul, electronic card access, two women and a dog reception and a first floor bar and restaurant that is funereal quite and very unchristmaslike (and we have booked our Christmas dinner here for tomorrow!). The porter takes the laded baggage trolley and we hump 200 kg ruck-sacs to our rooms. Room 914 - great view over the harbour. Ten out of ten view and location.
Chris and I return the gold bus to Dick Turpin’s HQ. A slim, good looking oriental girl books in the car and checks it over, gives us maps of the City and advice for the ferry. Her mini skirt would make a crow blush, let alone two grizzly bears from England. We walk back to the Duxton through shopping streets still alive with last-minute shoppers.
Tasting Table - Ace Food and Atmosphere
Hunger and thirst are never far away, so we meet in the bar, then make our way to a restaurant Chris has found in a guide, The Tasting Table. It’s a short walk from the hotel. The weather has changed for the better and clearing skies bode well for Santa’s big day. The streets are splattered with early evening revellers, though I suspect most are people still drinking after leaving work. The Tasting Room gastro-pub is heaving with young people having fun and making the most of the great drink and food on offer. Our waitress finds us a table and we order drinks. We must be the oldest group in the place, but don’t feel out of place. Food is ordered and the chef checks the Gluten Free fare on offer. I have pate and hot roll, followed by fish and chips and good beer, (If Carlsberg supplied the beer batter they would probably be the best fish and chips in the world - and they are). The chef comes from Manchester – I’ll bet he’s a City supporter because they have more flair than United. Service, food, beer and friendly place – makes it a must for any traveller to Wellington.
Waiting For Santa
Back to the Duxton a few drinks and off to bed. Out of our hotel window we can see ships moving in the harbour. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Leaving on a Wet Plane
The gold bus is retrieved from the car park opposite and parked outside as we fill it to the gills. Judy and Colin are about and we chat to them about our next destination as they are also leaving today for Wellington as they have family there. They are much more friendly as we leave than when we arrived.
Horseman Cafe - GF Food
All aboard the gold bus. The rain lashes down as we head out to Hastings and the road to Wellington. The rain persists all day. Our first stop for physical relief and refreshments is the Horseman Cafe in Shannon a small town south of Palmerston. The rain does not ease. The cafe is crowded with people going away on holiday, doing what we are doing. Amazingly, they have gluten free food, so Coleen is happy and the coffee is excellent.
Virtual Lord of the Rings Tour
Back out into the driving rain and onwards to the Duxton Hotel in downtown Wellington. As we near Wellington, Chris wants to try a Lord of the Rings diversion, but heavy rain, mist and a narrow mountain road conspire to blot out any vistas, but enhances the Highlander’s 4WD prowess. The narrow, winding descent from the hidden LotR mountains and we are back in civilisation (holiday traffic jams in Wellington suburbs). Time to top-up the tank, otherwise the Dick Turpin Car Hire Co will charge us treble rates for doing the same thing.
Wellington - A Capital Place
The rain has eased as we enter Wellington. A pretty, hilly, spread-out city. The Duxton Hotel is easy to find, but parking space to offload our luggage is at a premium. We park in a no-waiting area and decamp. As the gold bus is being handed back we have vittles as well as travel gear to take to our room. The large ice bags from the Thames Pak 'n Save are well stocked with wine, beer and some food.
The Duxton is good quality hotel which is located centrally, which will suit our carless Christmas break. Like so many business type hotels it has no soul, electronic card access, two women and a dog reception and a first floor bar and restaurant that is funereal quite and very unchristmaslike (and we have booked our Christmas dinner here for tomorrow!). The porter takes the laded baggage trolley and we hump 200 kg ruck-sacs to our rooms. Room 914 - great view over the harbour. Ten out of ten view and location.
Tasting Table - Ace Food and Atmosphere
Hunger and thirst are never far away, so we meet in the bar, then make our way to a restaurant Chris has found in a guide, The Tasting Table. It’s a short walk from the hotel. The weather has changed for the better and clearing skies bode well for Santa’s big day. The streets are splattered with early evening revellers, though I suspect most are people still drinking after leaving work. The Tasting Room gastro-pub is heaving with young people having fun and making the most of the great drink and food on offer. Our waitress finds us a table and we order drinks. We must be the oldest group in the place, but don’t feel out of place. Food is ordered and the chef checks the Gluten Free fare on offer. I have pate and hot roll, followed by fish and chips and good beer, (If Carlsberg supplied the beer batter they would probably be the best fish and chips in the world - and they are). The chef comes from Manchester – I’ll bet he’s a City supporter because they have more flair than United. Service, food, beer and friendly place – makes it a must for any traveller to Wellington.
Waiting For Santa
Back to the Duxton a few drinks and off to bed. Out of our hotel window we can see ships moving in the harbour. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
23 Dec 2008
Day 12 - Dave's Birthday
23rd December – Napier Hawkes Bay
The sun is shining, it’s going to be another belter and it’s my birthday. Coleen has brought birthday cards with her. I open them and then we join Pat and Chris for breakfast. The dining room looks onto Marine Parade. A feast fit for a king, it is a continental breakfast with attitude. Cereal, fruit, juices, breads, pastries in a beautiful, airy Edwardian style. We eat or fill and plan the day. We have booked a wine tour with Vince’s World of Wine at 12.45, so plenty of time to kill.
Back at the room. Coleen calls Emma then Maria on the mobile. Amazingly it is only NZ$2 per hour, cheaper than calling them at home on a mobile. From our zero rated balcony view I have spotted a sports stadium so I head off with video camera to see what it’s all about.
McLean Park Cricket Ground
It’s a short walk along mainly deserted streets, over the railway line and through pleasant suburbs to find a dribble of people heading towards the stadium. New Zealand Black Caps are playing the Windies in the final day of the final test of the series. I have never been to a test match and there is one here on our doorstep. I managed to get in through a service door where trucks are unloading beer and other less vital supplies. The match is due to start soon, but there is only a smattering of spectators. It is an ideal place and day for watching cricket. BBQ on the grass, with a few cold beers and hopefully some good cricket. I film various activities, aware that I have to be back at base to get ready for the wine trip. Enough time to see start of play and few overs before strolling back through the suburbs to the beach front. Back at Manor on Parade, Coleen is still on the phone, so I get ready for the tour.
Vince's World of Wine Tour
We meet Pat and Chris at the information bureau where tame Maoris are doing a local dance and playing music. Others mill around, waiting for tour buses and guides like passengers in an open air bus terminal. Vince Picone and his wife arrive in the “safari” buses and we pile in. There are about 12 people on the tour. I have to sit in the front like some sort of dumb courier. Vince is a joke-a-minute guide to the area. Beneath the funny exterior is a guy who knows his wines and and is proud of the local achievements. I enjoy wines and don’t much take an interest in the history and chemical hype of wine making. Our whistle-stop tour takes in vineyards with young men and women giving us the quality stuff about their own places of work and proud they all are, followed by a quick taste and spit before moving on. One particular place I liked was a modern, shed-like building fronting a vineyard that sold pottery, olive oil, etc, oh, and some wine. Coleen bought olive oils for her and girls, Pat and Chris bought some wine.
The tour finished by visiting a vineyard where the salesman , “expert” was born and raised a few miles from our home back in the UK in Longparish near the small Hampshire town of Whitchurch.
Coleen befreiends a dog - nothing new here. On the way back Vince sells us a restaurant called Charlie Chaplin’s. Odd place run by a Chinese couple. They did not understand Gruten Flee food, but allowed Coleen to inspect the freezer to see what the contents of the frozen chip bags said. I enjoyed the steak which was one of the best I have tasted. Coleen was not impressed. We left early and went to bed at about 10.00. pretty early for a birthday bash, but we did have a long drive ahead.
The sun is shining, it’s going to be another belter and it’s my birthday. Coleen has brought birthday cards with her. I open them and then we join Pat and Chris for breakfast. The dining room looks onto Marine Parade. A feast fit for a king, it is a continental breakfast with attitude. Cereal, fruit, juices, breads, pastries in a beautiful, airy Edwardian style. We eat or fill and plan the day. We have booked a wine tour with Vince’s World of Wine at 12.45, so plenty of time to kill.
Back at the room. Coleen calls Emma then Maria on the mobile. Amazingly it is only NZ$2 per hour, cheaper than calling them at home on a mobile. From our zero rated balcony view I have spotted a sports stadium so I head off with video camera to see what it’s all about.
McLean Park Cricket Ground
It’s a short walk along mainly deserted streets, over the railway line and through pleasant suburbs to find a dribble of people heading towards the stadium. New Zealand Black Caps are playing the Windies in the final day of the final test of the series. I have never been to a test match and there is one here on our doorstep. I managed to get in through a service door where trucks are unloading beer and other less vital supplies. The match is due to start soon, but there is only a smattering of spectators. It is an ideal place and day for watching cricket. BBQ on the grass, with a few cold beers and hopefully some good cricket. I film various activities, aware that I have to be back at base to get ready for the wine trip. Enough time to see start of play and few overs before strolling back through the suburbs to the beach front. Back at Manor on Parade, Coleen is still on the phone, so I get ready for the tour.
Vince's World of Wine Tour
We meet Pat and Chris at the information bureau where tame Maoris are doing a local dance and playing music. Others mill around, waiting for tour buses and guides like passengers in an open air bus terminal. Vince Picone and his wife arrive in the “safari” buses and we pile in. There are about 12 people on the tour. I have to sit in the front like some sort of dumb courier. Vince is a joke-a-minute guide to the area. Beneath the funny exterior is a guy who knows his wines and and is proud of the local achievements. I enjoy wines and don’t much take an interest in the history and chemical hype of wine making. Our whistle-stop tour takes in vineyards with young men and women giving us the quality stuff about their own places of work and proud they all are, followed by a quick taste and spit before moving on. One particular place I liked was a modern, shed-like building fronting a vineyard that sold pottery, olive oil, etc, oh, and some wine. Coleen bought olive oils for her and girls, Pat and Chris bought some wine. Cricketers Inn Longparish Hampshire
The tour finished by visiting a vineyard where the salesman , “expert” was born and raised a few miles from our home back in the UK in Longparish near the small Hampshire town of Whitchurch. 
Coleen befreiends a dog - nothing new here. On the way back Vince sells us a restaurant called Charlie Chaplin’s. Odd place run by a Chinese couple. They did not understand Gruten Flee food, but allowed Coleen to inspect the freezer to see what the contents of the frozen chip bags said. I enjoyed the steak which was one of the best I have tasted. Coleen was not impressed. We left early and went to bed at about 10.00. pretty early for a birthday bash, but we did have a long drive ahead.22 Dec 2008
Day 11 - Taupo - Napier
December 22nd - Breakfast the Trees
View From Bedroom
Another fine day. Our bedroom patio windows look out across the lake. We bumble about until called up for breakfast with Jill and Brian. The upstairs is a pleasant open plan kitchen dining area opening onto a terrace overlooking the lake. I wonder if you can get fedup with such a view. Their grandson is staying with them, typical youngster - playing on the computer all the time.
Full English with toast, jams, juice and coffee. Brian and Jill give us a potted history of the area and fill us in on their background. Brian is of of Cornish descent. Under the quaint old English system, the family farm was left to the eldest son and others in the family had to make their way in the world. His grandfather headed to New Zealand. Quite daunting for such people in those days of steamship travel and little chance of returning. Brian and his brother John started their own farm near the coast about 40 miles from Napier (our next stop), clearing the trees and scrub by hand to create a farm for their families. His brother still lives there and has created a famous arboretum. The farm is now run by the next generation. Brian gives us a leaflet on the arboretum – nice sales pitch.
Pak 'n Go
It’s getting late and we pack and leave by 10.30. Back to Taupo - great views of the lake. At the nearest town we stop in a New World supermarket for petrol. Fuel is cheap here so driving a four wheel drive is nowhere as expensive as in the UK. The girls like New World as we get fuel coupons with our supermarket purchases (bit like Tesco at home).
All out and into the shop/cafe, where Brian’s sister-in-law, Fiona comes out to serve us. We tell her how we came to find them and she gives us an embellished version of clearing the brush and building the farm. The place reminds me of tourist attractions I visited in Africa in the 1980’s, old fashioned, pleasant, unpretentious, god awful local art for sale everywhere and pleasant service. We had coffee and I tried the nut and treacle slice. Brilliant, I must have been hungry as I don’t normally like treacle tart.
Paid our dues and set out on the garden tour. We are allowed to take the family dog, a Pharaoh hound called Sand. He seemed to know his way round. So he should, he lives there. The gardens were extensive with a wide variety of plants and trees all planted by Fiona’s husband. Kew gardens it was not, but we enjoyed the walk with a stop at the “chuck” house a coop with loads of chickens clucking about . The most amazing hydrangeas grow here in giant form.
We are spread out in our tour and arrived back at the shop in dribs and drabs. Coleen first then me, so we had a cup of tea. Fiona told us the farm story once again and we listened attentively. Lovely people, pity there aren’t more Fionas, Brians and Jills around as the world would be a better place (we never got to meet John).
Late lunch picnic in the car park. The yellow tractor has gone, so we won’t have to queue to get out of the car park.
Off To Napier
We come down from the pine forested hills to miles of landscaped, manicured vineyards before hitting Napier itself. I have never seen such tidy farms anywhere in the world. Napier is big, bland and a disappointment considering it calls itself the “Art Deco Capital of the World”. The tourist blurb goes something like “Internationally recognised as representing the most complete and significant group of Art Deco buildings in the world”. It does nothing for me, but neither does the Gillett building in West London or the Hoover building on the A40.
Our B&B is easy to find as it is on the seafront on Marine Parade. It is a beautiful building built in 1906 and one of the few building to survive the 1913 earthquake. we park up outside and unload. The house has a pleasant Edwardian feel to it. Downstairs guest lounge and our bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor. Pat and Chris are at the front looking down onto the seafront - 10 out of 10 for the view. It's a spacious and well appointed room. Our's is less so, smaller with an outlook over a motel car park - the view gets a fat zero in the later evaluation of the accommodation. We do have the advantage of a large balcony, which we test out with a few beers before going out for a meal. Chris has noticed in the booking in terms that soiled bed linen will be charged. For the first time we have to pay for overnight parking - must be an Engish mayor trying to up the council revenue.
The season starts in a couple of days, but the town is deserted on our foray to find a meal - like a Dollar film before Clint Eastwood rides into town. Many restaurants are shut early, but we find one called the Med Bar - lively and spacious. We are served by a friendly, Dutch waitress working in her student gap year. The modern parlance would be to call her a Holland girl (never quite understood this 21st Century use of country names instead of the nationality - France footballer Thiery Henry). The meal was excellent and well priced and the young staff all very good. Coleen gets her gluten free meal without any hassle. NZ food - so far so good.
View From Bedroom
Another fine day. Our bedroom patio windows look out across the lake. We bumble about until called up for breakfast with Jill and Brian. The upstairs is a pleasant open plan kitchen dining area opening onto a terrace overlooking the lake. I wonder if you can get fedup with such a view. Their grandson is staying with them, typical youngster - playing on the computer all the time.Full English with toast, jams, juice and coffee. Brian and Jill give us a potted history of the area and fill us in on their background. Brian is of of Cornish descent. Under the quaint old English system, the family farm was left to the eldest son and others in the family had to make their way in the world. His grandfather headed to New Zealand. Quite daunting for such people in those days of steamship travel and little chance of returning. Brian and his brother John started their own farm near the coast about 40 miles from Napier (our next stop), clearing the trees and scrub by hand to create a farm for their families. His brother still lives there and has created a famous arboretum. The farm is now run by the next generation. Brian gives us a leaflet on the arboretum – nice sales pitch.
Pak 'n Go
It’s getting late and we pack and leave by 10.30. Back to Taupo - great views of the lake. At the nearest town we stop in a New World supermarket for petrol. Fuel is cheap here so driving a four wheel drive is nowhere as expensive as in the UK. The girls like New World as we get fuel coupons with our supermarket purchases (bit like Tesco at home).Arboretum
We head for Taupo and then onto the S5 to Napier. Unspectacular scenery, but good camping country. We make good time as the roads are deserted and decide to visit the arboretum ( told you it was a good sales pitch by Brian). The road to the farm is a four mile dirt road. The holiday period does not kick in here until Christmas, so our arrival in the car park increases the number of parked cars by 100%. We park near to a yellow tractor. No need for parking wardens here.
Paid our dues and set out on the garden tour. We are allowed to take the family dog, a Pharaoh hound called Sand. He seemed to know his way round. So he should, he lives there. The gardens were extensive with a wide variety of plants and trees all planted by Fiona’s husband. Kew gardens it was not, but we enjoyed the walk with a stop at the “chuck” house a coop with loads of chickens clucking about . The most amazing hydrangeas grow here in giant form.Late lunch picnic in the car park. The yellow tractor has gone, so we won’t have to queue to get out of the car park.
Off To Napier
We come down from the pine forested hills to miles of landscaped, manicured vineyards before hitting Napier itself. I have never seen such tidy farms anywhere in the world. Napier is big, bland and a disappointment considering it calls itself the “Art Deco Capital of the World”. The tourist blurb goes something like “Internationally recognised as representing the most complete and significant group of Art Deco buildings in the world”. It does nothing for me, but neither does the Gillett building in West London or the Hoover building on the A40.Manor On Parade
Our B&B is easy to find as it is on the seafront on Marine Parade. It is a beautiful building built in 1906 and one of the few building to survive the 1913 earthquake. we park up outside and unload. The house has a pleasant Edwardian feel to it. Downstairs guest lounge and our bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor. Pat and Chris are at the front looking down onto the seafront - 10 out of 10 for the view. It's a spacious and well appointed room. Our's is less so, smaller with an outlook over a motel car park - the view gets a fat zero in the later evaluation of the accommodation. We do have the advantage of a large balcony, which we test out with a few beers before going out for a meal. Chris has noticed in the booking in terms that soiled bed linen will be charged. For the first time we have to pay for overnight parking - must be an Engish mayor trying to up the council revenue.Eating Out
The season starts in a couple of days, but the town is deserted on our foray to find a meal - like a Dollar film before Clint Eastwood rides into town. Many restaurants are shut early, but we find one called the Med Bar - lively and spacious. We are served by a friendly, Dutch waitress working in her student gap year. The modern parlance would be to call her a Holland girl (never quite understood this 21st Century use of country names instead of the nationality - France footballer Thiery Henry). The meal was excellent and well priced and the young staff all very good. Coleen gets her gluten free meal without any hassle. NZ food - so far so good.21 Dec 2008
Day 10 - Chris' Birthday (21st December)
21st December - Lake Taupo Here We Come
Birthday Boy
It Chris’ 48th birthday and breakfast starts with bucks fizz, a leisurely breakfast including Julie’s home-made rice pudding, pancakes and muffins and Rice Crispies.
Leave @94 mid morning and head down to lake Taupo and Will’s Place. Chris's web maps mean we can leave at a civilised time and know we will be at our next "home" in time for supper (getting posh in our old age). A mountainous route with excellent scenery. The roads are empty and we zing along through the forests. The weather is just great, sunny with clear blue skies. I cant' get Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now" out of my head. Maybe it's because we haven’t seen a drop of rain since our first day in Auckland.
An unexpected treat befell us as we made an unplanned detour - the Aratiatia Falls. Free parking with walkways and viewing points built by the tourist authorities, puts the UK to shame as our grasping councils and tourist quangos charge for every space they manage, even when it has been provided freely by patrons and government bodies (no more whinging about home, lets enjoy this great spectacle). This is a man-made lake on the Aratiata river. A few times each day, spill gates from the dam are opened at the top of the Aratiatia rapids and the narrow gorge fills with turbulent water surging past at up to 90,000 litres per second. The initial turbulence recedes to a placid stream. It shows the awesome power of the river.
At Aratiatia the Waikato River falls naturally through 28 metres in the space of one kilometre. This natural drop has been harnessed for environmentally-sustainable hydroelectric power - headwaters are diverted through a tunnel to the power station. Each day at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm - and also at 4pm in summer - the flow through the Aratiatia rapids is allowed to resume its natural rate. The river is fed by the mighty Lake Taupo. Above us still more sights as the Huka Falls are on our tourist radar.
This awesome display sits well with the other unplanned visits that await (Lewis Pass, Mud Hut winery, Kaikora seals and the Albatross colony at Dunedin)
Back on the road and off to Huka Falls. Chris has his AA maps and directions at the ready. Our whole holiday has been planned down to the last roundabout, traffic light and junction, but that saves lots of hassle and arguments.
Hub Cafe and Picnic Lunch
Lunchtime so we stop above the falls for a drink at the Hub Cafe with its helicopter parked outside. Beautifully clean, good coffee and not too many screaming kids. What children that are around are very well behaved. Lunch was a picnic opposite the cafe. It’s hot but we don’t care. A couple of Montleith cold beers washed down our salad, while the girls supped white wine. Hold on guys, somebody is driving. One final note the grass in the picnic area was mown, no litter and no dog crap – this is not civilisation as we know it Jim.
Huka Falls Here We Come
Free parking and a donation box for the upkeep of the area and the services. This is novel - free parking, a donation and friendly staff - this could attract tourists. The canyon is not that big, but the water flow is impressive. We cross the bridge from the shop to the footpaths opposite. Once over the bridge we can walk right up to the canyon edge.
The falls flow into a lake where there’s a jet boat hammering over the lake and doing 360 degree turns. Pat, Chris and I have booked ourselves on the Shotover Jet in Queenstown. Coleen wasn’t keen, but now wants to go as well.
Taupo Town
From Huka falls we head for Lake Taupo and the main town on the western edge, surprisingly called - Taupo. We breeze through it with the windows down and the American style aircon turned off. This car could keep the arctic ice flows at bay the aircon is so powerful. We head off for Omori and our overnight accommodation at Wills Place. The lake is huge. To think it was created from a giant volcanic eruption. It is over 100 miles around its perimeter and over 600 feet at its deepest point. The eruption in AD 181 was recorded by the Romans as the sunsets were turned vivid red by the dust in the high atmosphere. I wonder what that did for global warming. No doubt the Roman environment ministry at the time blamed it all on the rise in two chariot families and underfloor villa heating systems.
It’s around 6 o’clock when we arrive at Wills Place. We are greeted by Jill Wills. The house sits, overlooking the lake with a view to kill for. Our accommodation is the ground floor looking out over the lawns running down to the cliff top of the lake. There are two well appointed bedrooms and a lounge. The owners live above. It was their holiday home and now, retired from farming they enjoy the company of guests and the “holiday” lifestyle in this beautiful setting.
We unpack and go for a walk down to the lake. Jill is cooking our evening meal as it is Chris’ official birthday. As the girls are here to celebrate their 60th birthdays (Coleen August and Pat in February) they lose out as Chris and I actually have our birthdays during the holiday. So we let them have honorary birthdays like the Queen. The lake side has sub-tropical plants growing along the beach. Man-made paths and seats for the elderly and infirm are thoughtfully side-by-side jet-skis, waterskiing and extreme sports. We are still fit enough for extreme(ish) sports but still need to sit down and rest sometimes. Black swans bob on the water along with pumice stone pebbles floating like weird swans eggs. We pick some good sized ones as they will make useful presents for our girls.
Back to Wills Place for a few drinks out on the veranda before our meal. The Highlander needs all its immense power to carry our ice bags of wine and beer. Jill and Brian bring down our meal.
Birthday Boy
It Chris’ 48th birthday and breakfast starts with bucks fizz, a leisurely breakfast including Julie’s home-made rice pudding, pancakes and muffins and Rice Crispies.
Leave @94 mid morning and head down to lake Taupo and Will’s Place. Chris's web maps mean we can leave at a civilised time and know we will be at our next "home" in time for supper (getting posh in our old age). A mountainous route with excellent scenery. The roads are empty and we zing along through the forests. The weather is just great, sunny with clear blue skies. I cant' get Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now" out of my head. Maybe it's because we haven’t seen a drop of rain since our first day in Auckland.
Aratiatia Falls
An unexpected treat befell us as we made an unplanned detour - the Aratiatia Falls. Free parking with walkways and viewing points built by the tourist authorities, puts the UK to shame as our grasping councils and tourist quangos charge for every space they manage, even when it has been provided freely by patrons and government bodies (no more whinging about home, lets enjoy this great spectacle). This is a man-made lake on the Aratiata river. A few times each day, spill gates from the dam are opened at the top of the Aratiatia rapids and the narrow gorge fills with turbulent water surging past at up to 90,000 litres per second. The initial turbulence recedes to a placid stream. It shows the awesome power of the river.
This awesome display sits well with the other unplanned visits that await (Lewis Pass, Mud Hut winery, Kaikora seals and the Albatross colony at Dunedin)
Back on the road and off to Huka Falls. Chris has his AA maps and directions at the ready. Our whole holiday has been planned down to the last roundabout, traffic light and junction, but that saves lots of hassle and arguments.
Hub Cafe and Picnic Lunch
Lunchtime so we stop above the falls for a drink at the Hub Cafe with its helicopter parked outside. Beautifully clean, good coffee and not too many screaming kids. What children that are around are very well behaved. Lunch was a picnic opposite the cafe. It’s hot but we don’t care. A couple of Montleith cold beers washed down our salad, while the girls supped white wine. Hold on guys, somebody is driving. One final note the grass in the picnic area was mown, no litter and no dog crap – this is not civilisation as we know it Jim.
Huka Falls Here We Come
Free parking and a donation box for the upkeep of the area and the services. This is novel - free parking, a donation and friendly staff - this could attract tourists. The canyon is not that big, but the water flow is impressive. We cross the bridge from the shop to the footpaths opposite. Once over the bridge we can walk right up to the canyon edge. 
Wandering to the mouth of the canyon we are alone, so many people around yet seclusion is so easy to find. Take lots of pictures then off down the other end to see the falls.
The falls flow into a lake where there’s a jet boat hammering over the lake and doing 360 degree turns. Pat, Chris and I have booked ourselves on the Shotover Jet in Queenstown. Coleen wasn’t keen, but now wants to go as well.Taupo Town
Back to Wills Place for a few drinks out on the veranda before our meal. The Highlander needs all its immense power to carry our ice bags of wine and beer. Jill and Brian bring down our meal.
Chicken Breast in orange sauce, potatoes, sweet potatoes and salad, followed by meringue, ice cream and fruit (healthy beggars these colonials). All washed down with some excellent white wine. The meal gets a thumbs up. We are going to rate our meals and accommodation later over a few beers and glasses of wine - sad b*stards, but it is a good way of reminiscing.
It’s been a long day. We watch a documentary on Emperor Penguins who stand for six months at the South Pole to hatch their young, I think, as we all slept through most of it – then went to bed. Slept like a log.
20 Dec 2008
Day 9 - River Rats
20th December - White Water Rafting
Slept in today – only got up at 7.30. Breakfast great – still using Julie’s toasted home-made bread and muffins.
White Water Rafting (for Saga Louts and small children)
We take a leisurely ride through hilly, managed forest - pleasant scenery. Occasional puffs of steam are evidence we are still in a volcanic area. We are heading for the base camp of the River Rats white water rafting company based in Murupara or “Rundownsville” as we later name it. The first signs are not good, peeling painted signs, poor clapperboard housing and runny nosed kids hanging around with runny nosed mothers outside a runny nosed shopping strip. It’s the first time we have come across deprivation where the indigenous, Maoris have been left for dead in a ghetto area. Not really for us to comment on this otherwise beautiful country and people. It looks like this was a logging community, which was left behind when the monster logging machines came and did the work of 50 men. The visitor centre is the best place in town.
After several abortive attempts to find the River Rats we enter what looks like a derelict holiday camp. It’s not quite peak season, so where is everyone. It looks like an old WW2 military base. The River Rats bus arrives with two families on board and we join them to be kitted out. Body suit, Boots, life jacket and a helmet turn ordinary decent holidaymakers into a cross between Michelin Men and Mr Blobby.
All aboard the battle bus as we struggle to sit comfortably in our waterproof garb for the 20 minute drive to the starting point.
Our raft starts near to a hydro-electric power station. We scramble down rocks and along a narrow path about 10 feet above the swirling water. The two inflatables have been launched above us and come swirling through a narrow channel and we jump aboard. No good the UK 'elf 'n safety people being here. We are in and away, swirling down the river with our bus driver as boat captain. He’s a very knowledgeable guy, serious with it, and very professional (probably had a humour bypass when he was a child). He runs through some safety stuff before we go too far. The other boat has launched and we both head off downstream. He makes sure we know the ropes and has a set phrase "team paddle....paddle team!", which we repeat throughout the holiday like children, whenever we have to do anything together. The river is not too rough and its raining (I knew we had the wet suits on for a reason). A lesson in fauna and flora follows and Pat, Chris and Coleen all go overboard to do white water floating. The water is freezing, so I decline. Getting the Mr Blobbies back into the boat proves a little difficult, but then we don't want them being flushed out into the Pacific Ocean.
Back To Base
Moored up we helped carry the rafts to the top of a ramp where the bus has parked up. Headed back to base still in our Mr Blobby suits. The rain has stopped but the camp didn’t look any better. It was good to see the Highlander still in one piece and not up on bricks (obviously no scousers staying at the camp). The changing rooms were basic and the showers like camping at West Wittering in the 60’s. Food was served and we were hungry. Simple fare. Spam, salad, white sliced for sarnies and pickles. Not much for Coleen to eat.
Sulphur City
Mid afternoon and we drive back to Rotorua where Coleen has a urgent need to top-up the Vodafone card, some gluten free biscuits, wine and a coffee. It is an amazing city with geysers and mud pools spewing out sulphur gases. We take a tour of the city. The lakeside area is my favourite place (after the luges).
BBQ And Bed
Another great BBQ eaten with another of Julie’s freshly baked loaves. I'll bet she also does 2 fishes to go with the loaves.
Slept in today – only got up at 7.30. Breakfast great – still using Julie’s toasted home-made bread and muffins.
White Water Rafting (for Saga Louts and small children)
All aboard the battle bus as we struggle to sit comfortably in our waterproof garb for the 20 minute drive to the starting point.Our raft starts near to a hydro-electric power station. We scramble down rocks and along a narrow path about 10 feet above the swirling water. The two inflatables have been launched above us and come swirling through a narrow channel and we jump aboard. No good the UK 'elf 'n safety people being here. We are in and away, swirling down the river with our bus driver as boat captain. He’s a very knowledgeable guy, serious with it, and very professional (probably had a humour bypass when he was a child). He runs through some safety stuff before we go too far. The other boat has launched and we both head off downstream. He makes sure we know the ropes and has a set phrase "team paddle....paddle team!", which we repeat throughout the holiday like children, whenever we have to do anything together. The river is not too rough and its raining (I knew we had the wet suits on for a reason). A lesson in fauna and flora follows and Pat, Chris and Coleen all go overboard to do white water floating. The water is freezing, so I decline. Getting the Mr Blobbies back into the boat proves a little difficult, but then we don't want them being flushed out into the Pacific Ocean.
Back To Base
Moored up we helped carry the rafts to the top of a ramp where the bus has parked up. Headed back to base still in our Mr Blobby suits. The rain has stopped but the camp didn’t look any better. It was good to see the Highlander still in one piece and not up on bricks (obviously no scousers staying at the camp). The changing rooms were basic and the showers like camping at West Wittering in the 60’s. Food was served and we were hungry. Simple fare. Spam, salad, white sliced for sarnies and pickles. Not much for Coleen to eat.
Sulphur City
Mid afternoon and we drive back to Rotorua where Coleen has a urgent need to top-up the Vodafone card, some gluten free biscuits, wine and a coffee. It is an amazing city with geysers and mud pools spewing out sulphur gases. We take a tour of the city. The lakeside area is my favourite place (after the luges).
BBQ And Bed
Another great BBQ eaten with another of Julie’s freshly baked loaves. I'll bet she also does 2 fishes to go with the loaves.
19 Dec 2008
Day 8 - Kids Play on Luges & Rotten Eggs
19th December - Rotorua @94 on Springfield
Wake at 6.30 and go for a shower. Coleen makes tea. Pat and Chris are up and about. Are all older people like this, or are we still suffering time delay/jet lag? We are on holiday and strolling around at 6.30 like lost pensioners in an old peoples’ home. Pat and Chris go back to bed.
Lazy breakfast looking out the glass fronted lounge onto the golf course. Joggers disgustingly trot by the drive on Springfield and women walk their dogs. Meanwhile we (except Coleen) munch into the scrumptious muffins dusted with icing sugar. Yummeee!. Coleen eats her Rice Crispies.
Lazy morning after the long drive of yesterday. The women are itching to do something, so we go to the nearest New World (supermarket) for evening BBQ supplies, wine and beer and other less essential supplies like milk, eggs, butter, etc. The range and quality of meat is superb. They must send all the rubbish meats to Britain, as the lamb steaks are out of this world. Checkout "No we don't take Nectar cards, but we do have petrol discount vouchers. Girls are pleased we have another reason to visit supermarkets.
Coleen is in the driving seat. Leaving the NW we head back on the main road to @94. Half a mile and flashing blue lights behind signal us to stop. A bearded police traffic officer approaches the car from behind and Coleen winds the window down. Do all traffic cops have beards at some time or other? Must ask Clive when we get back. He advises her of her speed in the built up area: 65 kph in a 50 zone. She needs to produce her driving licence. She says sorry and tells him her licence is back at the B&B. He asks how long we have been in NZ and after a firm, but friendly telling off reminds her of the fixed price penalty of $NZ150 for speeding and wishes us a pleasant holiday. He’s the sort of guy you could invite to your BBQ. Coleen is furious with herself, but it reminds us all that all towns have at least a 50 limit which is about 30 mph.
Behaving Like Children – Luge Rides.
Cruised around Rotorua and eventually arrived at Skyline the Gondola and Luge park. Great price NZ$35 for Gondola and 3 luge rides and NZ$24 for Coleen who didn’t want to ride the luges.
The views over Rotorua and the lake were worth the entrance fee.
Brilliant luge rides. Like a cut-down fairground bumpercar with a brake and gravity for an engine. First off we try the scenic run - slower and less steep. Because you are sitting on the floor they seem to be going faster down the concrete runway than they are. At the bottom you push the carts together like supermarket trolley park and head for the ski-lift to go back again. The luges are automatically grabbed by the ski chairs and whisked up with you. Helmets are compulsory and the intermediate and advanced runs show they are sensible. Advanced run was shut so we did the intermediate. Pat was in pole with me then Chris third on the grid. On a tight lefthander I out-braked Pat to shoot by on the inside - yes!!
Coleen watched our childish antics. Afterwards we went for some lunch, but unlike American adventure parks the food had run out and we made do with dried pies and overcooked chips. Is this to be the worst food we are to endure on our travels?
"Sulphur City" Rotten Eggs Capital Of The World
Late afternoon we went into the main town (city) – the gushing steam clouds cast a pall of sulphur smelling gas over parts of the centre. Stopped by a park and went to see the boiling volcanic mud pools and lakes first-hand. The parking and entrance was free. So where are residents only parking signs? The bubbling mud holes slurped tunefully like a bronchitic Mike Oldfield piece. Chris and I filmed everything, though the end result would be just a load of mud holes and steam.
Shopping Trip
Into the main town and some shopping. Coleen buys a eye mask because of the moonlight in the bedroom. Meet Pat and Chris near the car for a coffee. They are well inside the almost empty cafe, some sort of 'elf 'n safety nonsense means they can’t sit near the door. (like being at home).
Had drinks with Julie and Des before getting the BBQ going. New Zealanders are so friendly. We get a potted history of the house. Des owns a computer business and fixes our apartment wireless internet connection, but it’s patchy. Des is a Spurs fan and watches their games on Sky - the "Nearly Men team". He’s never heard of our club, Reading, but has heard of Steve Coppell our manager. We must be the only club in the world where the manager is more famous than the club.
Gas BBQ (none of this old fashioned charcoal nonesense) produces great pork steaks, yummy sausages, salad and potatoes. Great grub washed down with copious amounts of wine. Ahhhh!– should sleep well tonight. Will the eyemask do the trick?
Wake at 6.30 and go for a shower. Coleen makes tea. Pat and Chris are up and about. Are all older people like this, or are we still suffering time delay/jet lag? We are on holiday and strolling around at 6.30 like lost pensioners in an old peoples’ home. Pat and Chris go back to bed.Coleen is desperate to buy some Rice Crispies. We drive to the nearby shops as soon as it seems shops would be open and buy Crispies. Back at the ranch (the house is sort of ranch style), Pat and Chris are laying out the breakfast, including Julie’s home-made blueberry muffins and the homemade loaf she has left us. Breakfasts have been gourmet afairs so far.
Lazy breakfast looking out the glass fronted lounge onto the golf course. Joggers disgustingly trot by the drive on Springfield and women walk their dogs. Meanwhile we (except Coleen) munch into the scrumptious muffins dusted with icing sugar. Yummeee!. Coleen eats her Rice Crispies.Shopping At new World
Lazy morning after the long drive of yesterday. The women are itching to do something, so we go to the nearest New World (supermarket) for evening BBQ supplies, wine and beer and other less essential supplies like milk, eggs, butter, etc. The range and quality of meat is superb. They must send all the rubbish meats to Britain, as the lamb steaks are out of this world. Checkout "No we don't take Nectar cards, but we do have petrol discount vouchers. Girls are pleased we have another reason to visit supermarkets.Nice Traffic Cop
Coleen is in the driving seat. Leaving the NW we head back on the main road to @94. Half a mile and flashing blue lights behind signal us to stop. A bearded police traffic officer approaches the car from behind and Coleen winds the window down. Do all traffic cops have beards at some time or other? Must ask Clive when we get back. He advises her of her speed in the built up area: 65 kph in a 50 zone. She needs to produce her driving licence. She says sorry and tells him her licence is back at the B&B. He asks how long we have been in NZ and after a firm, but friendly telling off reminds her of the fixed price penalty of $NZ150 for speeding and wishes us a pleasant holiday. He’s the sort of guy you could invite to your BBQ. Coleen is furious with herself, but it reminds us all that all towns have at least a 50 limit which is about 30 mph.Behaving Like Children – Luge Rides.
Cruised around Rotorua and eventually arrived at Skyline the Gondola and Luge park. Great price NZ$35 for Gondola and 3 luge rides and NZ$24 for Coleen who didn’t want to ride the luges.
The views over Rotorua and the lake were worth the entrance fee.
"Sulphur City" Rotten Eggs Capital Of The World
Late afternoon we went into the main town (city) – the gushing steam clouds cast a pall of sulphur smelling gas over parts of the centre. Stopped by a park and went to see the boiling volcanic mud pools and lakes first-hand. The parking and entrance was free. So where are residents only parking signs? The bubbling mud holes slurped tunefully like a bronchitic Mike Oldfield piece. Chris and I filmed everything, though the end result would be just a load of mud holes and steam. Into the main town and some shopping. Coleen buys a eye mask because of the moonlight in the bedroom. Meet Pat and Chris near the car for a coffee. They are well inside the almost empty cafe, some sort of 'elf 'n safety nonsense means they can’t sit near the door. (like being at home).
Julie's Little Treats
Back to @94 and Julie has brought us a tray of her home cooking, she’s worth taking on the rest of the holiday just for her cooking alone. Fresh bread, gluten free loaf for Coleen, rice pudding, spicy pancakes and a fruit bowl.
Back to @94 and Julie has brought us a tray of her home cooking, she’s worth taking on the rest of the holiday just for her cooking alone. Fresh bread, gluten free loaf for Coleen, rice pudding, spicy pancakes and a fruit bowl.Had drinks with Julie and Des before getting the BBQ going. New Zealanders are so friendly. We get a potted history of the house. Des owns a computer business and fixes our apartment wireless internet connection, but it’s patchy. Des is a Spurs fan and watches their games on Sky - the "Nearly Men team". He’s never heard of our club, Reading, but has heard of Steve Coppell our manager. We must be the only club in the world where the manager is more famous than the club.
Gas BBQ (none of this old fashioned charcoal nonesense) produces great pork steaks, yummy sausages, salad and potatoes. Great grub washed down with copious amounts of wine. Ahhhh!– should sleep well tonight. Will the eyemask do the trick?
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