We’d been in Martinborough about 2 hrs and it was time for a nice glass of Chardy with Rob and Helen to fortify ourselves for the bus trip from the Top 10 Campground and Luna Estate on the other side of Martinborough where the concert was being held.
The VIP stands
The bus arrived at 3:30 approx and we were greeted with a huge line down the path to the Vineyard. At 4pm, the line had moved and at 4:30 odd, we finally made it into the concert to find that due to the bad organisation of getting people through the gates, most punters had missed most, if not all of the first act which was Boh Runga. We got the last 10 minutes or so and she was very good. Rob gave the officer of the day a good dressing down for the delays and things started to change :-). Go Rob !
Boh on stage
They were expecting 5000 people which is not a lot in terms of concerts these days and everywhere you looked, the actions of the volunteer troops shouted disorganisation.
Anyway .. Beyond that..the bar service was great.
Fiona, Chloe, Rob and Helen and the crowd.
The music and the mixing of the sound was sensational. Ub40 sounded like they always do.. Brilliant and given that most people brought foldout chairs and whatnot to sit on, very few people sat on them as they were dancing and shaking around for most of the night.
UB40 in full swing
The weather had been threatening to rain but thankfully held off..
A great concert despite the delays at the beginning.
It was our last night at Castlepoint and the puffs were really building. The forecast had been for the wind to drop around 9pm but it still seemed to be building.
Us on the top row with sheltered by the hill behind. Those at the bottom rows had the wind funnelling up the valley behind.
The Coastguard app on my phone was showing a steady 40 knots gusting at 60 at the lighthouse which was just across the bay from us.
Gary and Dianne had left earlier that day but we’re coming back later in the week to rejoin our wee convoy but I was quietly pleased he wasn’t there with his extra height and length.
Just as it was getting dark, Rob decided he would shift the Tracker and point it more Northwards into the wind coming around the hill so I followed suit and also brought Rafe back further to escape more of the wind.
About 1.30am, we were woken up by some huge puffs and Rafe was really rockin and rolling. I saw Robs light go on but didn’t get up to see what was happening.
I looked at the Coastguard app again and it was 55 knots with 73 knot gusts.. The local paper later recorded this as 120k ! So much for the forecast. By 3am it had dropped right back to less than 30 knots.. What a wild night !
In the morning, I found out that Rob had gone for a wild windy walk around the campground to find absolute devastation on the bottom level. Tents shredded and boogie boards flying.. It was mayhem apparently and we were better off where we were. Apparently many abandoned their sites and went home. The camp management talked about dumping a ute full of tent bits later.
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Both pointing into the wind 🙂
In the morning it was bright and sunny and very calm.. Amazing..
After an easy breakfast and a cuppa, we left together and headed towards Martinborough.
On the way we stopped at Greytown at a French bakery which Fiona is a bit partial to and then back to Carterton to head towards Stonehenge Aotearoa.
Fiona looking at the Seven Sisters
Stonehenge is about 11k’s east of Carterton on someone’s farm.
Very cleverly done with Audio visual explanations and basically, it is a huge Sundial with extra options 🙂 .. I’m sure there’s a lot more to it that that but it’s an interesting setup. Well worth looking at if you’re in the area with a Motorhome friendly carpark.
Dusk at Martinborough
We arrived in Martinborough around Midday in bright sunshine and settled Rafe down for a few days at the Vineyards 🙂
And our track to Martinborough from Rafe’s Tracker
After a great New Year’s Eve, we knew the wind was going to blow but I was keen to go for a walk up to the lighthouse and get some piccies.
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As we walked down the beach towards Castlepoint Reserve, you could feel the wind building. By the time we started walking up the track to the lighthouse and being exposed to the wind, you really had to hang on and lean into the wind.
Fiona battling with the wind
About half way up we were hanging onto the handrail to make sure you didn’t get blown over.. Madness! We weren’t far from the lighthouse now so it was worth persevering. The Lighthouse was built in 1913 so the lighthouse keeper must have had some interesting climbs up the rock to do his thing. These days it is all automated. After a good look around, we headed back down against the wind to find that it had been a steady 40 knots with 60 knot gusts. You could feel the sand stinging your legs from the beach as we walked along. Probably a bit silly really but I’m pleased we did it.
We left Dannevirke camping ground around 10 am and after a quick top up with diesel and to the Dannevirke Supermarket, we were under way. We had just gone through Woodville when Fiona noticed a gift shop that might have some old plates to update our ones in Rafe. About 15 minutes later, Gary and Dianne came around the corner in Rosie and stopped.. They had just been through the Manawatu gorge and back after missing the turnoff :-). Fiona had just come back when they were away again.
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We hadn’t gone very far when we arrived at the Tui Brewery. For those overseas, Tui is well known for the quirky billboards with clever advertising.
Fiona with the girls!
It’s also well known for their TV ads with the hot girls who are the workers so we had to get Fiona in on the act with their board with Employee of the month. With the old building covered in scaffolding, they must be giving it some love. There’s a great big carpark there so easy Motorhome parking and they look like they do great lunches. You can also do tours of the brewery too. A good place to stop.
We cruised on and stopped just outside Masterton and made our own lunch before heading on to Castlepoint. I’d booked the three of us into the Holiday Park there and they had allocated us an amazing park for three on the top of the hill looking out over the beach.
Our wee spot in the world. Rafe, Rosie and the Tracker
We were all blown away. The weather was amazing so we were going to have a great night. Click here to see the earlier post on New Year’s Eve.
After a great night at Wallingford Homestead, we woke up to a beautiful blue sky so I retook some of the piccies and after that we headed off done the road towards Porangahau.
Jen at Wallingford Homestead has told us a about a great Cafe where we should have lunch at but none of us could find it 🙂
We headed off down to Porangahau and then down to the beach.
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Porangahau Beach
There is a free overnight parking area there just behind the beach which was being well used but still room for more. The beach is stunning and goes for miles.
Porangahau Beach freedom camping area
Rob, Helen and Fiona went for a quick walk along the beach before Rob, Helen and Chloe left us there to head down to Cape Turnagain to see the Seals. We’d sort of lost Gary and Dianne at that point but figured they must be on the road to Herbertville somewhere.
Fiona, Helen and Rob walking along Porangahau Beach
After a cup of tea beside the campground, we headed off towards Herbertville, still looking for the mysterious cafe but happy to find anything else.
Fiona checking out the longest name in the world
We decided in the end to keep heading towards the Dannevirke Campground where we’d stayed before. It’s a magic little spot in the Dannevirke Domain run by the local council. The laundry there got a good workout as we all got the clothes cleaned up and we were ready to go again.
We had a nice catchup under awnings with a few glasses of wine. Another nice day.
Wonderwoman being Jen. She’s the one in the photo with Alfie, her dog. She’s absolutely amazing. She pretty much runs Wallingford Homestead on her own with the help of Charlotte the chef and her helper Sue, but it’s really all about Jen.
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Jen outside Wallingford Homestead
We had all driven down during the day from Clifton beach and we’re staying the night in the carpark after spending the evening there. Wallingford house is a special place and we were all looking forward to it.
The Tracker, Rafe and Rosie outside Wallingford
Wallingford Homestead was built in 1831 by Jen’s late husbands great great great great(not sure how many generations) grandfather JD Ormond.
Rosie, Rafe and the Tracker outside Wallingford
Jen and her late husband John moved to what was pretty much a derelict and rundown homestead 15 years or so ago and gave it some real love and turned it into what it is today. She showed us a picture of it with trees growing out it.
On 1800 acres with a full sheep farm and Truffles too, it is now 1400 square feet and comes with 14 bedrooms and numerous bathrooms.
It is used as one of the local meeting places for the locals in the area on a regular basis, the local hunt club and others too.
Not long after we arrived.. It’s still raining!
A nice old shed outside
The poolhouse and the pool
Chloe in the pool in the rain
In the poolhouse. Gary, Fiona, Dianne and Helen
In the poolhouse by the fire. Helen, Gary, Fiona and Dianne
One of the 14 bedrooms
The Kitchen
Wallingford Homestead
Gary getting the bubbly ready
Rob looking for some music
We arrived early (too early) and parked out of the way until a 70th birthday wrapped up with its 50 visitors. Around 4pm, all 7 of us were sitting in Rafe in pouring rain, having cups of tea when Jen knocked on the door and popped in to say she had prepared the poolhouse for a few drinks. The fire was going, some nice piped classical music, the pool was warm and Alfie the dog wanted to play. A great start to the day. Gary spent half an our or so entertaining Alfie with a ball before pouring some bubbly.
An hour or so later, Jen popped over and we got to enjoy this huge fire in the lounge and then into the dining room. It was just like we’d stepped into a history book with Trophy Cups and old pictures and family collectables all around us.
Helen, Fiona and Dianne enjoying the ambience and fire
Charlotte came out to carve a beast and with Jen, they presented a beautiful country home cooked meal for all of us. It was out of this world.
Us tucking in.. L to R, Helen, Fiona, Rob, Chloe, Dianne and Gary
After tea, Jen gave us a tour around this huge house. It was really something special and I felt very lucky to be invited into their home. Just a wonderful experience and Jen was just the perfect hostess.
Wallingford is about 29k’s south of Waipukarau in the central Hawkes Bay.
Rafe’s Track to Wallingford
There was no internet or cell phone reception but you can get wifi from Jen if you’re staying there.
The first night had gone well at Clifton Beach and it was time to go and play. After walks down the road and along the beach, it was time to get ready for a lunch that we’d booked at Elephant Hill Vineyard which is just across the road.
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Looking out towards Cape Kidnappers
We were perfectly positioned to take advantage of our primo parking place at Clifton. There was half an hour to go before our pre booked check in time so that was well spent checking out some really nice wines.
Dianne, Helen and Fiona walking to the vineyard.Elephant Hill Vineyard
The weather was prefect, the food beautiful, the wine fantastic, great company so what more good you ask for 🙂
A cell phone pic.. L to R, Rob, Helen, Chloe, Dianne, Me, Gary and Fiona
It is also Motorhome friendly for those who want to park there for a couple of hours while you have lunch.
Gary taking photos of the vineyard
The combination of Clifton Beach parking and Elephant Hill Vineyard.. A perfect match for when you’re in Napier.
Fiona and I arrived in Rafe at 3pm and set off up the hill to find our park. We couldn’t believe the park we’d been given for the next two nights but it would have to go down as one of the best parking spots ever. The image above shows Gary and Dianne enjoying the view from right in front of Rosie.
Our wee spot in the world. Rafe, Rosie and the Tracker
The view looked right out over the Castlepoint Beach and lighthouse. After meeting our immediate neighbours who very kindly gave us a some freshly caught Groper and a crayfish, Gary and Dianne arrived in Rosie and then Rob, Helen and Chloe not long after. They were thrilled with the park too.
Nice fish bites from our neighbour cooked on the induction cooker.Ready for New Year
As it was blowing quite hard, we decided to set up the induction cooker like you would a BBQ as there were no flames to blow around.. It did the trick nicely with the fish and later Fiona’s curry for our tea.
A great night watching the fireworks over the beach.
Diane, Gary, Fiona, Helen and Rob
Thanks you all for supporting us here and we hope you have a great year for 2017.
We set off around 10am to different parts of Taupo.
Rob, Helen and Chloe had to visit the dump station and water, we needed fuel and Gary and Dianne had to pop in briefly to see old friends on the way out. We were meeting at De Brett’s on the Napier road out where we later met and we were under way.
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The convoy in the car park
The road was in good shape and there really wasn’t much traffic to speak of. We were planning to stop at the Tarawera Cafe where there used to be a pub. You can also stay the night there as well with your CSC Motorhome.
How the Hotel was
Its interesting on a windy road how hard it gets to try and get people to overtake you. They travel along half way up your backside and when there’s an opportunity to pass and you move over for them, they sit tight. There was one car that followed Gary first and them came up behind me. It didn’t matter how easy I was making it, the bugger wouldn’t move on !
It was good to get to Tarawera Cafe and have a nosey around and I was really looking forward to the coffee at that stage. The really windy and up and down stuff was still to come on the road.
Us in the car park at Tarawera Cafe
The view
Fishing off the beach
Looking towards Capem kidnappers
Rosie and Rafe
After half an hour or so we set off.. All very uneventful and again I was pleasantly surprised how little traffic there was.
We arrived in Napier early in the afternoon and after a quick trip to the supermarket, we headed to one our favourite spots at Clifton Beach. Its just such a nice spot here and we keep coming back. We had a great night having a few glasses of the wet stuff and a meal out in the sun. A great day..
After 3 days over Christmas with Alex, Sarah and our Grandchildren Ayden and Liam, and after eating and drinking far too much 🙂 , it was time to head to Taupo and start making our way down to Martinborough and Cape Palliser. We had a great Christmas with Sarah’s family parked in their driveway with Rafe.
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Son Andrew with grandson Liam during Christmas lunchGrandsons Liam and Ayden on the side of the goat pen
On the way south, we stopped at the Hamilton Car Museum where we had stayed a month or so ago with the Dethleffs Owners group rally. We’d parked 75 odd Motorhomes here on the first day and it looked very different today.. See the piccies below.
At the car museum for a cuppaThe empty car museum
I was a bit panicked that about what we might find in the way of Christmas Traffic but it was not to be. The traffic was pretty good.
View from the Museum during the Dethleffs do.
We were meeting up with friends from Snells Beach(North of Auckland) Rob, Helen and Chloe who had been in Taupo for Christmas, and Gary and Dianne who live in Taupo. We were spending the night at their place and then heading on in convoy to Cape Palliser over the next few weeks.
We arrived in Taupo right on the dot of 3pm and Gary and Dianne were outside helping Rob back the Tracker into position so we could park along side. They had just arrived so perfect timing.
Gary and Dianne loading Rosie
Helen, Rob and Chloe with their Tracker behind
Parked up for the night in Taupo
The view from our park of Taupo
Rosie in pre pack mode
Gary had specially tidied up his wheels as he knew I was coming 🙂 we have this thing about shiny wheels !
After settling Rafe and the Tracker down, we were off for a drink by the BBQ! .. As you do.
We last saw Gary and Dianne at the Dethleffs do at Hamilton where Gary and I were the parking attendants and Di organised the event. It was nice to see them again. It had been a while since we saw Rob, Helen and Chloe too .. Great to see them too.
We were really looking forward to getting away as we’d been stuck in Auckland with pre Christmassy catchups and events.
The Tracker and Rafe about to set off for the next part of the trip
A great fun night around the BBQ and we all crashed fairly early.
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.
Bugger It, we are off - www.buggeritweareoff.com 
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