Category Archives: Coromandel 2016

Coromandel 2016

Watch where you put your feet

August 1, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 9 Comments

As I left Coromandel, I popped down to the NZMCA park to say goodbye to several friends in different Motorhomes and Caravans.

I had a plan to go around to the eastern side and head down towards Pauanui or Whitianga. As I checked out with my new friends from Christchurch, Rory and Henny, they were heading that way too and were happy for me to tag along so we were off to Whitianga.

I had made a loose arrangement to catch up with a new Dethleffs White Magic owner Paul and his wife Judith. The White Magic is the new version of the Globe 4 like ours but with a few different options and I was keen to see both them and their new van.

After a windblown crossing of the hills above Coromandel I stopped at The Esplanade at Whitianga for a cup of coffee and Paul and Judith arrived not long after.

I had another cup of coffee with them and after lots of swapping notes, they went for a walk into town, so I headed back to Simpsons Beach Camp where I was going meet up with the Rory, Henny, Dave and Karen in their caravans.

Rafe, Rory and Henny and Dave and Karen's caravan — Rafe, Rory and Henny and Dave and Karen’s caravan

Click on the images to see Hi Res or a slideshow

This camp is owned by an elderly couple, the Simpsons, who donate the $10 charge they make per night to a charity of their choice every year and it is just a fantastic spot right on a great beach. There is fresh rain water available and a black water only dump station. Its just a magic spot and a great swimming beach in summer. .. or winter if you’re brave!

We were sharing the area with a lot of Sheep, so the only thing we had to watch for between Motorhomes and Caravans was sheep poo and there was plenty of it !

Paul and Judith popped in to see Simpsons Beach to check it out for a future stay and agreed, it was a lovely spot but they were committed to carry on to Matarangi for the night. It was great to see them.

As this blog had just hit the 100, 000 hits mark at 5.00am that morning, I was keen to crack open a nice Italian red and celebrate with them. At around 4:30, we had a few drinks in Rafe as the showers rolled through.

A couple of hours later, I cooked up a lovely steak before Rory summoned be by phone from next door, so they could teach me a new game of cards they all played. I cant quite remember the name of it.. 10 something but it doesn’t have suites and is a little like snap without the snap 🙂 A great game and they were great company.

The next morning was time for lots of cups of coffee and walking.

It is such a great spot. Rory, Henny along with Dave and Karen were heading to Hot Water beach and invited me to go too, but with only one night left before Fiona came home, I thought I’d head to Pauanui for the night as it was that little bit closer to home and its nice to plug in as well.

Its not the first time I’ve stayed here before in summer and it never disappoints.

Coromandel 2016

Illume

July 30, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

One of the main reasons for my trip to Coromandel was to be part of this amazing event. The Thames Coromandel District Council had arranged along with locals, to run this annual event on two nights. It has become an annual event but this year by all accounts, is much bigger.

The theme was “light” where people wore lights, the buildings were lit up, some of the trees, vehicles, the local kids and there was also live music in a marquee set up in the middle of the town. The whole community was involved.

Click on the images for Hi Res or a slideshow

A Hula hooper with lit up Hoola Hoop

A great scene. retailers had market stalls setup outside their shops. There were people with lit hula hoops, juggling and later there was a parade of lights led by the local Fire Brigade.

The local preschool kids were all lit up along with bike riders and dancers.

The event finale was a huge fireworks display which you could see and hear from everywhere. Spectacular and I’m pleased I didn’t miss it.

Well done Coromandel.

Coromandel 2016

Character, Soul and Scones

July 28, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 3 Comments

After meeting my new friends from Christchurch, Rory and Henny and their friends Dave and Karen, I made a point of making sure that at some stage during the day, I should pop down to the NZMCA park and have a cup of tea with them and a catch up.

The Coromandel Pub, you can also stay behind this for $10 including power — The Coromandel Pub, apparently you can also stay behind this for $20 including power

I set off reasonably early on my bike with my camera tucked down inside my coat and made my way down to the other end of Coromandel town.

Don’t forget to click on the images for Hi Res or a Slideshow

The shops and buildings are fascinating and you can feel a real vibe about the place. They were getting really for the Illume parade and event that night so it was even more buzzy than normal.

The free parkingover the road from the Police Station ..Handy!

This is right in front of the NZMCA park

The Causeway to the wharf

Down at the wharf

After getting some nice piccies and talking to a couple of the locals, I biked around to the wharf and then back to the NZMCA park where I caught up Rory and Henny and with typical South Island hospitality was just in time for some of Henny’s lovely homemade scones and a cup of coffee. We had a great hour or two talking about everything and they’re great fun and good company.

I biked back, checked out the campground and blobbed out with the stereo before hittting the sack early to get ready for another big day.

Looking back towards Coromandel .. my bike on the right

A neat place to visit, some great places to stay and despite the weather, plenty to do and see.

Coromandel 2016

Weekend Off

July 24, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Fiona and her sister Sara had organised a girls trip to Wellington and I wasn’t invited 🙂

So I thought about a trip up around Coromandel for a few days on my tod. My first night was at Danby Field in Thames where there were plenty of holes free.

I met my neighbours and their friends with their new Trailite and Burstner Ixeo which was interesting. The new Burstner Ixeo is like one of the new Dethleffs where they’ve completely done away with a permanent bed and rely solely on a drop down bed from the ceiling. Instead of having a bed at the back, the whole back area is devoted to a shower, toilet area and storage. I’m not sure that it’s my cup of tea but it’s an interesting way of reducing the overall length of the Motorhome and still have plenty of space for a big social area at the front.

The next morning with it being windy, I had an early start and set off towards Coromandel town up the coast road. After having a couple of close shaves with reckless logging truck drivers coming the other way, I got to Coromandel quite early and headed straight to the NZMCA park in the town.

Looking towards Corormandel from the top of the hill

With all the rain we’ve had and with it being quite low lying land, it was a mud bog but after only a few minutes parked there, I met quite a few people who were all parked together on a tar sealed area on the side.

One caravanning couple, Rory and Henny, from Christchurch were traveling with their friends from Whakatane and the more I got talking to him, the more members of my family he knew, some probably better that me! Small world stuff. It turns out that Rory grew up in Diamond Harbour where my grandfather had the general store, was postmaster and the local real estate agent as well. He remembers buying ice creams off my grandfather when he was a kid and described him to a tee. .. Wow.. He also knew some of my Christchurch rellies on my Mums side too.

I also met a couple in a CI Motorhome that we’d previously met in the NZMCA Ngontotaha park and some others who had recently received their brand new Dethleffs Trend. It was nice to talk to them too.

Seeing the amount of mud there and with another good thunderstorm and rain due that afternoon, I thought it would be prudent to check in at a local Campground and spoil myself in preparation for the Illume festival that night.

Coromandel 2016

Nicks and Scratches

March 29, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

The Goldfields Railway station at Waihi was the perfect place to base ourselves for the bike ride to Karangahake and back. See my earlier blog on Goldfields Railway.

Rafe, Helen and Robs AutoTrail, and Dianne and Gary's XLI safely tucked in at the Goldfields Railway Motorhome parking — Rafe, Helen and Robs AutoTrail, and Dianne and Gary’s XLI safely tucked in at the Goldfields Railway Motorhome parking

We arrived at Waihi about 11am and plugged ourselves in and had just levelled Rafe up with the ramps when our friends from Snells beach, Rob, Helen and Chloe arrived in their AutoTrail Tracker and parked beside us.
A few more Motorhomers arrived straight after that and we were a wee bit concerned that there wouldn’t be enough powered parks left for Gary and Dianne in their XLI who were still to arrive from Taupo. I went and paid for our sites and we were given some cones for their site. They arrived not long after anyway.
It was hot and humid so we thought we’d have to do sundowners while giving Gary and Diannes new XLI’s Air conditioning a good workout and it stood up to the test well along with lots of laughs!

The next day we were up ready for the 10am train to Waikino with our bikes.

Waihi — Dianne, Helen, Rob, Chloe and Fiona on the train

Rob, Helen and Chloe set off for the 15k’s round trip walk and we were to meet up further down the trail.

We got our bikes off the train at Waikino as planned, and set of over a walkbridge to the Victoria Battery where there was pretty much a whole town setup, complete with power house and other buildings. It’s just a big empty space now. The power house is the site of the museum which is really interesting and well worth a look through.
As Fiona slowed down to stop in front of the first sign, she over balanced and ended up on the ground. Fortunately, it was just few scratches and bruises and she was back on her bike and away again.

On the train

Fiona on the first bridge at Waikino

Victoria Battery

In the Victoria Battery museum

Heading to karangahake

Others heading into the tunnel

Gary about to go into the tunnel

The view before the tunnel. You could be anywhere in the world.

Dianne, Gary and Fiona heading into the tunnel

The narrow bit. Gary on his bike on the right. The girls were further around.

The swing bridges at Karangahake looking behind!

After leaving Victoria Battery, there was a 3-4k flat run until we got through to the tunnel. This was quite a sensation. Gary and I rode through the tunnel but Fiona and Dianne pushed their bikes through on foot. It was amazing to ride through as although it is lit, it really is still quite dark. There is also quite a bit of water from the rain seeping though and quite muddy. Gary and I and the bikes were in a bit of a state when we came out the other end🤓. Rob, Helen and Chloe had done well on foot to get here in good time and were looking good. Gary and I were covered in mud.
After the girls caught up, we were keen to get some lunch so we biked back across the swing bridge to a great cafe called the Talisman where, as Gary read from the sign, they have “world famous BLT’s” which were amazing. They also have a big Motorhome compatible carpark if you want to go directly.

Fiona and Dianne coming out of the tunnel

We set off after lunch back across the swing bridge to head back to Waikino. The first part of the track is really not rideable and in some parts is only a few feet wide and right next to the river. A stunning walking track so close to the raging water that you could be anywhere in the world…
Where it joins up back to the tunnel entrance it becomes rideable again all the way back to Waikino.
We got back to Waikino and caught up with Rob, Helen and Chloe with 10 minutes to spare before the last train of the day was departing at 2:30.
Gary and Dianne decided to ride back to Waihi, another 8k’s or so so off they went. We briefly saw them from the train across the river on the trail as we caught up to them when we’re nearly back at Waihi. Unfortunately Dianne took a tight turn in the track and came off, an accident black spot that probably should be marked. Like Fiona, luckily, the damage was restricted to some grazes and bruises and she was able to continue riding back.

After the ride/walk and before the rain! Gary, Fiona(back on) Rob, Helen and Chloe — After the ride/walk and before the rain!
Gary, Fiona(back on) Rob, Helen and Chloe

We sat under Gary and Diannes awning with some heavy showers, with a few cold ones after that comparing notes and the girls compared their battle scars. Neither looked too good but there were no broken bones and I think after a couple of ciders, all was ok.

Gary cut the back of his leg on his pedal and I got a scratch on my leg but can’t remember how, so it was bandages at dawn for us all.😀

We all agreed it was a fantastic day enjoying some fantastic NZ scenery which you can only get to by getting out on foot or bike. If you’re in the area, a must do!

Coromandel 2016

Karangahake History

March 12, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

On the way back from Waihi we stopped in for a look at the Karangahake gorge.

The two Batteries over the bridges. Karangahake at its best! — The two Batteries over the bridges. Power station in the middle. Karangahake at its best!

We are intending to do the bike trail but it’s all about gathering up more knowledge before we take this on.

The first battery as it looked at the time

It’s a really interesting area with several short walks that are not part of the trail. We had a look at a couple of the old power stations and batteries while we were there which takes an hour according to the sign. The walking doesn’t take anything like that and it’s well worth a look.

Click on the images to see them in hi res or slideshow

The overall map on the site

The first swing bridge

The second swing bridge with the battery ruins on the left

The River in the gorge

Fiona being a goldminer

The river

The second battery

The second battery at the lowest level

The second battery at the middle level with the huge wall remaining

The second level wall with the walkway across the river

Remains of the track for the ore

The battery end of the skyway ore buckets. (Flying fox)

Looking along the river with the road alongside

Looking back into Karangahake

Looking back to Karangahake as it was at the time

Karangahake was a small town which included all the things you’d expect to see in a town like Te Aroha or similar.

We walked across the swing bridges and up the hill past the power station, the two batteries built down the hillsides. The ore was swung across the river from the tops of hills in a flying fox type of setup before processing with cyanide. It really was a huge setup. It’s not until you’re up there that you realise the scale of it all and looking at the remains, what it must have taken to build the buildings themselves and the infrastructure to go with it.

We walked all around and as the weather deteriorated, we worked our way closer to Rafe in the carpark. Another one of those feature areas that I’ve driven past lots of times and was really pleased we stopped for a look.

Coromandel 2016

The Goldfields train

March 10, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 3 Comments

Isn’t just great having the NZMCA app now running on our iPads. Even though I’ve had the gps files installed in Rafes in dash gps, it’s really nice sitting in the deck chair with the iPad and figuring out where to next with the app.

The Motorhome parking behind the station

We found in the iPad, a great spot in Waihi that sounded fantastic. It’s at the Goldfields railway station at Waihi. For $10 per night, there are 6 powered sites and more space for others as well. There is also access to water and the Rail Trail toilets as the Rail Trail ends at the railway station. About 15 minutes walk away is the centre of town.

Click on the images for hi res or slideshow

Waihi station

The train with the Waihi station

Today’s driver

Nicely kept carriages

Rafe in the overnight area from the train

Pulling out of Waihi, off to Waikino

The traffic to waihi

Close to waikino

A nice Mitzi zooming past

Arriving at Waikino

Waikino station

Inside the cafe at Waikino station

Outside Waikino station

Shifting the loco

Allaboard

Back to Waihi

On the way back to Waihi

The Conductor watching at a crossing

We arrived and plugged in, paid for the park and we’re just in time for the last train ride to Waikino and back. The perfect way to check out the bike trails before walking or biking the Karangahape gorge trails.

Waihi station with the parking behind — Waihi station with Rafe parked behind

The train stops for 15 minutes or so, just enough time for a beer, glass of wine or just a coffee or ice cream. A great way to spend a couple of hours and fun too.
There are 3 return trips each day from Waihi.

Coromandel 2016

Cat flaps and Avocados

March 8, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

To beat the traffic south, we stayed overnight in Rafe, in their Ardmore driveway with Alex, Sarah and the boys.
At around 8:30 in the morning, we heard the little knock from 3yr old Liam wanting to come in. Fiona let him in and he jumped on the bed and played his favourite games on Fiona’s iPad.
We got up and had breakfast 15 or so minutes later when Ayden(7yrs) arrived to join in. He went on to tell us that Liam had sneaked out to see us and in doing so, got stuck in the cat flap in the back door. To cries of “help please” Sarah got up to help him back out of the cat flap and free himself. We had no idea but when I mentioned it to him later, he shrugged his shoulders and just grinned at me. 😀

After saying goodbye, we headed towards Paeroa to stop briefly at Countdown for groceries and then on to Katikati to join in with the NZMCA promoted Katikati Wine and Avocado festival at Uretara Domain.

Rafe in front of the the park. Although we could have stayed there, we moved later over to the edge of the park closer to other Motorhomes.

We did this for the first time last year and it was a real hoot. Great music, interesting food and nice wines. I bought a nice bottle of Chardonnay and Fiona had a cider and we ordered several bits to make up a great lunch. We joined up with some nice people from Tauranga. After them, we were joined by another couple also from Tauranga but originally from Auckland. As it turns out, our sons had both been posted overseas one after the other to the same place. Small world stuff.
It was a great day. The Katikati Lions club did a great job arranging parking for about 30 odd Motorhomes and setting up the event.

The normally free are next to the reserve.. Chocker !

Earlier in the day

Everyone was involved

One of the stalls

One of the wine dealers

Lions club people cleaning up as the day went on. They did a fantastic job.

One of the early bands

One of the wine stalls there

I’m not sure who they were but she was amazing on the bagpipes too.

You can see the Motorhomes in the background

One of the main bands

Dancing

Talks around the cricket pitch

Later I moved Rafe over with the other Motorhomes once some cars left.

Last year, we were in the normal free parking next to the domain but this year, there were more vans so we parked right on the domain behind a temporary fence which worked really well.
Later we were invited over to our neighbours two buses for the customary happy hour with about 18 others from Motorhomes.

The proceeds of the festival were for the local rescue helicopter.

A great fun day for everyone and I hope this years charity, Katikati rescue Helicopter rescue squad did OK from the proceeds.

Coromandel 2016

The Pauanui Club

January 14, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 3 Comments

A shocking Friday’s weather left me thinking that Fiona might not be too keen to drive down to Thames after she’d finished work at 6pm.

The plan was for her to drive down to Thames, park the car at Thames and we’d go to Pauanui in Rafe to catch up with the Grandkids. She had to be back at work on Monday as the holiday period meant standing in for people away.

The rain was just relentless and although it was supposed to be finishing around 5-6 pm, one can never tell with weather forecasts!
The rain slowed around 4pm and the roads all started to dry out.
Around 8:15 odd, she arrived in Thames and we settled down for some Tv.
Saturday, the weather was looking much brighter so I parked the car and we were off to Pauanui in Rafe.

The trip through to Pauanui is virtually up, then down the other side and you end up in Pauanui or Tairua.
We stayed in an amazing ground run by the Pauanui Club. Excellent value and lovely people to deal with. For $8 a night, 4 big areas to park plus power and access to toilets and a cold shower. You also get membership of the club for a day which means you can buy a drink or two and get great meals there at reasonable rates. The park is right next to the mini golf course and you can bike ride anywhere so take your bikes.

Rafe at the club park with the mini golf behind

When we arrived, we settled Rafe down with the power and opened some vents for fresh air and jumped on the bikes to head down to the water. We arrived just in time to see son Alex and his family trying out their new Christmas Kayak. They tell me they got caught by the wind in a few inches of water in front if a queue of people and youngest grandson Liam (3) shouted out Help at the top of his voice while older grandson Ayden said “get a helicopter”!
Isn’t it funny what kids come up with.

After a nice lunch with the family, we spent a couple of hours at the Pauanui Club and then biked around to my grandchildren where other grandparents, Paul and Mary put on a fantastic Bbq tea.

The next morning, Alex biked around with Liam in a child’s seat and Ayden on his own bike and we all rode into the township “for a treat”!
Pauanui is quite a neat place. There is a airstrip where the houses are built along the side, many with hangers instead of garages, some with both.

A house with a plane outside

A plane takes off from Pauanui airfield.

House hangers

The Pauanui club

The town is completely flat so it’s a neat place to take a bike. Although we were the only Motohome at Pauanui club that night, as we left, two arrived. A fantastic place and I’m sure they be well patronised once the word gets out !

A lovely place to stay.

Coromandel 2016, My Motorhome

Nana & Poppa Bus

January 12, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

After 15 years of owning their 7m 1990 Nissan Civilian, Engineer Dave and his wife Josy are finally enjoying their now completed Motorhome.
About 10 years ago, Dave and a friend got started on the restoration of two buses, a Hino for Daves Friend and the Nissan Civilian for themselves.
After years of using it while the restoration carried on, it now looks fantastic.
Daves friend had access to a CNC router which they used to make the Matai bench top and bathroom hand basin and the results are amazing. The floor was hand made using strips of native NZ timbers put together to look like parquet flooring but a whole lot nicer.

The Galley showing the pantries opened

The swivel tv above the bed

The Helm

Looking forward

The Bedroom

The swivelling drop down TV which can be watched from anywhere. Two slide out pantries.

With the centre island bed, it is very comfortable.
I met them both at Te Mata point as we enjoyed a cold drink. It’s great to see them enjoying the results of their hard work.

They tell me that although they’ve been all over NZ, there are still nooks and crannies that they’re yet to explore.

Fiona & Chris, two empty nesters put their dreams of doing something different into reality… Now back in a house, they were living in their Motorhome, come along for the ride.

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Fiona & Chris, two empty nesters put their dreams of doing something different into reality… Now back in a house, they were living in their Motorhome, come along for the ride.