21.4.14 Before we left Rotorua for Lake Taupo we took the Sky Gondola to the top of the mountain to access the Luge. Of course, as it was a holiday weekend, the queues were very long but eventually we got to the top. The weather had been looking OK when we left the carpark, so foolishly, we did not take rainwear up with us. And, as soon as we got to the top the clouds came in and soon it started to rain. By the time Adam and Laura had queued to take a Luge ride it was raining steadily. For the first ride Adam was the driver with Laura as passenger. The rain got harder and harder and Bill and I stood waiting for them to return wondering how they would be. It seemed a long time before the chair lift returned them to us, both soaking wet. Laura wasn't too happy so she and I took the Gondola back to the carpark and the motorhome where she changed and got warm. Adam stayed and had about 3 more turns on the fast track before coming back for some lunch. He appeared to have enjoyed the experience immensely.
On the way to Lake Taupo the weather cleared and we detoured into Orakei Korako thermal area. A launch whizzes sightseers across the river then there is a walk of about 1 1/2 hours around a track with many steps past various lookouts overlooking thermal cliffs, steaming pools, hot water gushing, mud plopping etc. Called at a supermarket on the way into Taupo to stock up then booked into another Top 10 HP with excellent facilities for childrens' amusement.
22.4.14 This morning we went on the Huka Jet. "Fantastic Jeremy" was our driver and he was a cowboy and an extremely good pilot and guide. Firstly we zoomed down river to the barrage before the rapids doing many 360 deg. spins then back up river at some fantastic speed to the base of the falls. More spins. Laura absolutely loved it, with her hair flying everywhere (into knots), as we all did. Truly a fun and worthwhile thing to do. Later we found the "Hole in One Golf" and Bill and Adam had a try. Golfers pay for a number of balls and have to drive them out into the lake, hopefully getting the ball onto a small platform moored out in the water and then into the hole. The prize is $10,000 but sadly, no luck. Then we found the Mini Putt Putt Golf and had a couple of hours fun playing that.
23.4.14 Before leaving Taupo we had another round of mini golf, then drove down the Desert Road past the three volcanoes (views) as far as Waiouru for lunch. Cold and miserable so a good day to be driving. Decided to go to Ohakune and when we got there decided to travel on to Wanganui because of the weather. A wonderful view of Mt. Ruapehu along this road. The Top 10 in Wanganui had some pedal thingies that the kids had great fun tearing around on. Dinner out was not successful. Disappointing food.
24.4.14 We could not stay with our friends, John and Julie, outside Palmerston North because of Bill's cold and John's poor state of health so decided to go to Foxton Beach. Late morning tea/early lunch in Bulls MacDonalds. The beach was so uninviting in Foxton that I rang my sister in law, Frances, in Levin and we continued on to see her. My nephew, Robert, was able to leave his work and also came, which was an unexpected bonus. Also met his partner, Marina, briefly. Booked in at caravan park at Paraparaumu beach and had nice fish and chips for dinner.
25.4.14 It is only a short drive into Wellington from here so we had plenty of time after booking into the Lower Hutt Top 10 (excellent park) to drive into Wellington and visit Te Papa , the National Museum. A typical Wellington gale was blowing and this was an experience for the kids as they held their arms out and almost took off. Te Papa is a wonderful and innovative museum and to see it would take days. We enjoyed what we saw. More fun riding pedal cars when we returned to the park.
26.4.14 Back into Wellington this morning where, with some difficulty, we found a place to park the motorhome on Queen's wharf. Had a look around and went up to Kelburn in the Cable Car. Lunch in another MacDonalds. On the wharf helicopter rides were available so we jumped on and had an aerial view of the city. The kids first time in a helicopter. After much searching we, at last, located another mini golf course quite close to the HP. Much fun.
27.4.14 We had a late check out so the kids had plenty of time for free play before we left the park to go into Lower Hutt for lunch and then onto the airport. We handed them over to a guide about 3 pm for their trip home to Sydney. They went off happily and we felt sure they were in good hands.
So ended the main part of our trip to NZ. We hope that, in spite of the inclement weather, Adam and Laura enjoyed their time with us and will always remember it. We certainly had a wonderful time being with them.
Now we had a week to return the motorhome to Auckland and to make contact with old friends etc. We drove out to Upper Hutt to my long time friend Hazel's home where we had a delightful evening. She has made her new house into a lovely, welcoming, and warm home. Bill had to sleep in the van as he is still coughing. Managed to Facetime Angela on Hazel's Ipad to ensure the kids had arrived safely.
28.4.14 This morning Hazel and I went for a brisk walk along the Hutt riverbank before we left to find the doctor with whom Hazel had made an appointment for Bill. Finally left Wellington for Napier at 11 am. Drove up over the Rimutakas ranges on a road I found to be a bit scary. Narrow, steep, curvy with long drops to the valley below. The weather also closed in again and the temperature dropped considerably. 11degrees, rain and wind but it cleared after we passed Woodville. Had a huge and delicious lunch of home made soups in Masterton. Booked into Kennedy HP (an ex Top 10 park), excellent, and found our way to my oldest friend Jean. We had a most lovely evening catching up with Terakihi (fish) and veg for dinner. Jean seems to be happily and comfortably ensconced in her new little unit in the retirement village where she used to work (and still does occasionally).
29.4.14 Before leaving Napier Bill and I walked up and down the main street admiring the 1930's architecture. It really is a most attractive city with a character all its own. From here to Taupo over the Napier Taupo road stopping for lunch halfway at a small roadside café. More nice soup. We decided to go on to Taumaranui for the night as we had enough time to get across to New Plymouth the next day to see my elderly aunt Nancy. A very scenic pleasant drive. Taumaranui is an older town with some nice old trees and a very helpful I site. Dinner at the RSA Club was rather ordinary. The caravan park was tiny and basic but OK. Very cold night.
30.4.14 It was very cold and foggy in the early morning and we left at 9 am to drive the Forgotten World Highway, hoping the fog would lift. It did and we saw some truly spectacular scenery. A testing, slow, winding, exhausting drive but well worth the effort. Particularly the Tangarakau Gorge. Spent some time in the gorge by the river at the site of Joshua Morgan's grave. He was an early surveyor and died whilst surveying the road. Stopped in Whangamomona at the historic characterful pub and had coffee and a muffin. Arrived in Stratford for a late lunch. Popped down to Eltham to have a look at Bill's home town. Arrived in New Plymouth and booked into yet another Top 10. Found my Aunt Nancy in the rest home and she was thrilled to see us as I was to see her. 95 on 23rd December and whilst she is rather frail she is in good shape mentally.
1.5.14 On to Te Awamutu today. Lovely west coast scenery, black sand beaches etc. Called in to see my cousin, Olive, and caught her just as she was going out. A truly lovely reunion but much too short. Family memories. She is 84 on the 14th May and still very "with it". Still driving. Looked at her Fiat "Spyder" under wraps in the garage. Afterwards we went to Clive and Marians' home nearby and parked in their driveway. Much chat and catching up. Bill slept in the van again while I had the luxury of a proper bed.
2.5.14 We spent the morning talking and relaxing and I rang cousin, Pauline, to arrange a visit. Left after lunch to drive to Te Puna. Booked in at Omokoroa HP not too far from Te Puna. Found Pauline and John without difficulty, a lovely property in a delightful valley. Except for their very long narrow driveway with two right angled corners. Negotiated the first then the second then encountered low overhanging tree branches. This necessitated Bill backing up and turning around so that we could leave in the dark. A very very nifty piece of manouevring. After that excitement we had an excellent talk and dinner with Pauline and John. Once again, not enough time. Left about 9pm.
3.5.14 Our last full day in New Zealand. Decided to drive the short distance across to Mt. Manganui. Booked into the beach side CP right underneath the Mount. For a change, it was a beautiful day. We strolled along the beach front, had a relaxed lunch at the Coffee Club, then a rest. Bill managed to make contact with an old school friend and we met them for coffee back at the Coffee Club. Graham and Colleen Nummie. A very pleasant and lively couple. The afternoon was drawing in but we walked the Mount track for some much needed exercise. Great scenery, then we wandered over to the Hot Pools for a quick dip. Our last dinner was in a good hotel not far down the street and it was very good.
4.5.14 Packed, cleaned van etc. Left at 9.30am to drive to Auckland. Treated ourselves to a Tip Top icecream at the Criterion Dairy in Paeroa. Lunch in the shopping centre close to the Kea depot. Arrived back in Sydney and met by Tim. There by about 9pm.
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