Coromandel 2016

Weekend Off

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

Danby Field
Danby Field

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.

Morning in Thames
Morning in Thames

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
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.

Hot pools, Waikato

One of my favourite Motorcamps

One of my first ever camps that we tried with both Wee Rafe, the little caravan we had and with “Big Rafe” was Miranda Holiday Park on the Firth of Thames waterfront.
It’s not too far if you forget something crucial and it’s not too far if you have a catastrophe and it’s got an amazing Hot Pool. Those who have been reading my ramblings with know how I like the odd Hot Pool!

mirandaWith nothing in the book and our second annual services complete, I was out of town. My first thought .. Miranda and I thought it was probably time I did a story on it too.

Click on the images to see Hi Res or a slideshow

mirandaThere is one thing that many Holiday Parks get wrong is the placement of trees. Whoever designed Miranda obviously thought about it as there are only two parks where you can’t get TV due to a tree being in the way. Fantastic.

One night it was pretty winy and this chap slept right through it.
One night it was pretty winy and this chap slept right through it.

Nice big holes to park in and mostly Gravel for Motorhomes and some grass ones.

Fiona enjoying the pool
Fiona enjoying the pool

Plenty of trees for shelter, a mini golf course, a bmx track for the nippers, a volleyball court, a tennis court, a massage person and of course the hot pool.

Even the scooter
The Tenting contingent. Brave souls.
The pool
The Kitchen / Barbeque area
Playarea
Doggy Dump station
Back packers cabins
Bmx track
Mini Golf
The Newly developed area at the back

The showers are superb and are timed but very generously means you always get one., and there are plenty of them.
There are a mixture of rentable chalets and Apartments which look good too.

The Pets area outside
The Pets area outside

There is also a pet section which is outside the main camp but within easy walking from the pools and showers etc.
Behind is the famous Miranda Hot pools and a fantastic Fish and Chip shop so you don’t have to drive to Kaiaua. An all round easy camp staffed by nice people.

The Netspeed Speedtest stats for this site.
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Server: Auckland
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Int'l Motorhomes, My Motorhome

A Monster Caravan But Beautiful Too

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I woke up this morning and looked out of the window to see this. It’s huge but looks the business as well.

The view out of the window
The view out of the window

I first saw one in the flesh at the Covi show and photographed it as well. It turns out that Kel and Jenny had just taken delivery of their new baby and lent it to Jonas and the Dethleffs team for the Covi show. I had a think about this and thought, that would be hard to do. With something like this and having only recently got it, you’d just want to disappear in it 🙂

Click on the images for Hi Res

Kel and Jenny with their Caravan
Kel and Jenny with their Caravan

Kel and Jenny have sold their house in Auckland and are full timing in their 9.42 metre (incl drawbar) Dethleffs Exclusive caravan. Their first big trip was around the South Island early this year and it went well.

mirandaKel tells me he nearly cried when he marked one corner of it as he came off the ferry as the 4m back overhang swung out. I know how he felt as I nailed a corner on the back of Rafe not long after we got it and felt sick.. My new baby was injured ! Their parts are all here and she’s about to go to caravan hospital to made all better again so all’s well.

The Living area
The Living area
Bedroom
Bedroom

The Exclusive is 8.05 metres long(body) and its tare weight is 2040kg with a max of 2800kg.

One side of the Galley
One side of the Galley

I had a quick look through and can see lots of similarities with Rafe. The high standard of workmanship, the comfy feel, it’s all there. A very nice caravan and when I first met them both, they had smiles a mile wide so they’re obviously enjoying their freedom and their new home on the road.

Marine, Quirky things

Waterfront Parking

Sandspit Holiday Park is one of those places I’ve wanted to try out for months so I was chuffed when I found a good reason to stay here and with reasonable weather too.

It is an easy walk to the wharf for ferrys to Kawau so its well placed if you want to do a day or two at the Island. Its also an easy walk to the Sandspit Yacht club and the brand new marina that has just opened there.

Check out the images in Hi Res by clicking on them or for a slideshow.

Our spot near the water
Our spot near the water

We dropped in out of the blue after a few days of heavy rain so we were walked down to check the grass waterfront parks to see if they were up to handling Rafe’s weight. With plenty of gravel and sand about, I decided it felt pretty solid and we’d give it a go.

Neat Cottages that you can stay in all along the waterfront.
Neat Cottages that you can stay in all along the waterfront.

As it was off peak in winter, the cost for two of us was $32 with power for the night which I thought was great value.

After settling down Rafe, plugging in and opening hatches, I went for a walk with the camera.

Our spot before the tide came back in
The view with the tide out. Ferry Wharf in the distance
A Classic coming in
The TV Room
Real Snakes and Laddeers outside the Libary
Laundry
Kitchen and Toilets
Quiet a few permanents
Kitchen
The new Marina
The Ferry Wharf

They have some amazing quirky cottages and the buildings are great. There is even Horace the Morris parked in the grass.

Horace
Horace

The ablution block is almost brand new and the shower and toilets are amazing.

Bring the boat in
Bring the boat in

We went for a walk before the sun went down to the ferry jetty where boaties were coming in and a few were fishing.

A really interesting place.  We’re planning to go back with the Grandies as they could easily stay in one of the many cottages there.

The Netspeed Speedtest:
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Server: Auckland
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Close to home, Marine

A Latte in a Small Town

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On our way North, we stopped in at Warkworth.  It’s been a while since I’ve been to Warkworth as its one of those towns that you tend to drive through rather than stop at and it never disappoints. 

Remember to click on the images for Hi Res or a slideshow

The River
The River

We parked down by the river where there is one big Motohome park which Rafe fits in like a glove. It must be 7.6m long 🙂 

Our carpark by the river
Our carpark by the river

We went for a walk along the river side and then around to a French cafe in the town. I couldn’t believe how many Cafes and Real Estate agents there are in Warkworth. The Cafes are pretty much all next door to each other too. 

New Seating
The main street

After a nice lunch, we went for a walk around the shops and then we headed back down to the river to Rafe. 

WarkworthIt’s all looking very nice. The council have done a great job with local business’s contributing to the costs. It seem to be enjoyed by many while we were there and is a really nice place for lunch or just a stopping off point.

Motorhome Parking
Motorhome Parking

There is also motorhome parking at the end of the main shopping road within walking distance to the river.

Auckland Parks, Close to home

A Beautiful Day

With a great forecast for the weekend after weeks of wind and rain, friends Rob and Helen were keen to get away. “Were we doing anything this weekend?” Was the question. We’re joining you guys at Sullivan’s Bay which is where they were keen to go. 

Click on the images to see them in Hi Res or a slideshow.

As far as the eye can see. Looking down to Sullivans Bay
As far as the eye can see. Looking down to Sullivans Bay

A lovely day but it was cold so after topping Rafe up with water, we were off.

Helen walking past Rafe
Helen walking past Rafe

We arrived at Sullivan’s Bay about midday and Helen arrived back from Snells beach not long after.

The last time we were here the weather was awful. Because it has been wet, the self contained area was closed and we were parked just outside on the grass.

SullivansAlthough we were only 50 feet or so outside the SCC area, the Internet reception was almost non existent but from inside the SCC area, we got a better signal without aerials!  Interesting!

Isn’t it funny what people do at the beach
People doin their thing

The plan was to go to the opening of the new Sandspit Marina in Helens car. Click here to see that story.

We arrived back to Sullivans about 5:30 and with a snacky tea of meatballs in Rob and Helens Tracker and after a  few glasses of nice wine, we were ready to hit the hay. A very pleasant day.

Rafe and the Tracker
Rafe and the Tracker..

The next morning Rob and Helen left early. I went down to watch a couple go for a swim. It was 4C and at dawn was -2C! They weren’t in long and I think even the seagulls were shocked. 

It was -2 C that morning. Even the Seagulls look worried!
It was -2 C that morning. Even the Seagulls look worried!

A nice spot in paradise.  Yes, I know, I’ve raved about this place before but it is really nice!

Close to home, Day Trips

Lots of Lemons

Heading back to Auckland after a great weekend in the Helensville area, we stopped at a place called Provenance which we’d been to before a long time ago when it was Beesonline.

The Parking
The Parking

A huge carpark which makes it easy to get a Motorhome into and a very park like environment with a bridge to get to the Café.

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

parakai

When we went there, there had been thunderstorms the night before and the weather had been misbehaving badly so the pictures don’t show it  at its best.

Nice outdoor area
Nice outdoor area

I imagine their outdoor areas would be nice in the sunshine. It was also really interesting to see they had a huge garden where they grow a lot of there own veges and herbs.

Someone knows how to grow Lemons!
Someone knows how to grow Lemons!

They also have about 10 or so absolutely laden Lemon trees. Someone here knows what they’re doing.

Looking from the Carpark
The Garden
The Garden
The Entrance
Great Fireplace
The Bar
You can see your van from the cafe

There was a big fire raging when we got there and it was all very warm and toasty inside despite the weather and we sat down and ordered some lunch.

Corrugated Cow on the roof
Corrugated Cow on the roof

As I was still nursing my implanted tooth, I went for a mushroom penne  type of meal and Fiona had the same. It was just amazing.

When it was Beesonline, it was very popular and its good to see the same high standards still apply. They still have some hives out the back too.

Bees out the back
Bees out the back

If you’re heading out west to Muriwai or beyond, it is just on the left before you get to  Waimauku on the main road.

Close to home, Day Trips

Tyers Magic

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Before we enjoyed a great lunch at the Helensville Railway Station Cafe, we visited the Helensville Train Museum right next door.
Run by the Helensville Railway Station Trust by volunteers, this is well worth checking out.

Helensville Railway Station with the Museum behind
Helensville Railway Station with the Museum behind

parakaiThere is a gigantic model railway based on Helensville, even replicating well know local buildings and known points. There is even a little orange sign that says, “You are Here” 🙂
The chap that built the model spent 30 years putting it together.

Click on any photo for Hi Res or a Slideshow

Helensville Station. Note the pub in the background
Helensville Station. Note the pub in the background
The Pub over the road
The Pub over the road

After spending an hour or so, checking it all out, one of the volunteers came over and said to me, “come and check this out, I’ll demonstrate it for you”.
There were two red boxes with buttons and bells.
This was The Tyers Tablet system which railways in both Great Britain and New Zealand used up until 1994 on single lines to prevent head on collisions.
It involved a sophisticated coded bell system with switches with electromagnetic locks that allows a small disk, a Tablet, to be released for a train driver when the line is clear. The system was setup between railway stations at each end of a line.

All Packed
All Packed

Given that it was setup in the dark old days of bleeps over the phone lines, it’s a clever system. Helensville Railway Museum is the only one that we know of still in working order and when you think of what it had to do and when it was invented, it’s pretty clever.
If you want more info on this, Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about the Tyers Tablet system and here’s a youtube vid of the Helensville setup being explained.

 

The Railway Station in 1910
An old train at the station
Fiona in the ticket office

The two volunteers there were only too happy to show me everything at the museum and couldn’t have been more helpful. It’s a must do if you’re in town.
It’s $3.00 each and well worth it.

Close to home, Hot pools

On Track

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Helensville is a neat little town and after spending a nice afternoon in the Hot Pools at Parakai, we took Rafe in for a nosey around.
We’ve been to the Railway Station before we had Rafe and it has a fantastic cafe which is where the original NZ Railways cafe was.

The Railway Station in 1910
The Railway Station in 1910

There is also a antique shop run by a nice lady who once lived in Auckland but escaped to Helensville a long time ago!
The Railway Station is owned by the Helensville Railway Trust and they’ve recently just done up the building including the loos. There is plenty of parking so it’s an easy place to park your Motorhome.

Just a friendly reminder, click on the images for hi res or a slideshow.

It was time for lunch so to the cafe. Still being ultra nice to my front tooth, I had to skip some of the real bready lunches and had a “Train smash” I think it was called which was basically a full breakfast.. Very nice. Fiona had an Angus beef burger.

My "Trainsmash"
My “Trainsmash”
Fiona's Angus Burger
Fiona’s Angus Burger

On the wall is a great photo of the staff at that particular time. Looking at the gear, they’re wearing, I’d say it’s late 1800’s or early 1900’s.

NZR café staff in the early 1900's . The lady in the middle was the manager who recently had her 90th birthday at the Café.
NZR café staff in the early 1900’s . The lady in the middle was the manager who recently had her 90th birthday at the Café.

The woman in the middle was in charge at the time and she recently celebrated her 90th birthday at the Cafe. A great story.
There are some really interesting pictures on the wall, one which looks like it might have been in France where a train jumped out of a wall on a second story. Oops!

Oops. Seen on the wall.
Helensville Railway Station with the Museum behind
In the Antique Shop
Antiques
Fiona at the counter in the cafe
The cafe
The outside Cafearea
Post office
The BNZ building
Rafe in the main street

After having a look around, we stopped for a look at the shops in the Main Street.

Main Street
Main Street

Some interesting buildings, everywhere you look  you see history.

Marine

New at the Spit

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We were very lucky to be invited along to the opening of the new Sandspit Marina, hosted by the Sandspit Yacht club. Rob and Helens friend, Bruce who is Commodore of the Yacht club and along with his wife Glenys and their team, they did a great job of hosting several hundred people for drinks and nibbles at the opening.

The scene
The scene

The Marina has taken a few years to come together so it must been pleasing to get it open for all those involved. It also provides 130 berths for those at nearby Kawau Island and Yacht club members for their boats.

The official tent

While we were there, I bumped into my old Classic Yacht owner friend, Steve who had his boat pulled out on the hard stand at Sandspit.  It was really nice to catch up and good to hear the CYA Classic Register which I started with fellow launchie Alan, is in good hands as Steve has taken this on for this years edition.

The Marina
The Marina

A great do and a nice Marina and great asset for boaties in the region. Well done Bruce and team and thanks for having us at the opening.

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.