The Grandkids in Rotorua

October 25, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

The school holidays had rolled around, and our son Alex had two business trips to both Wellington and New York so it was down to Fiona and I to entertain the two boys. Ayden 14, and Liam 11.

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Ngongotaha looking a little dreary on the first day.

Our oldest son Drew and his partner Jenna and their 10 month old son Archie were going to meet us in Rotorua later and were staying in a boutique Hotel in Rotorua town.

The three cuzzies, Ayden, Archie and Liam by the waterfront.

Our first thought was to stay at the Speedway track which is somewhere I’ve never stayed before or Ngongotaha NZMCA park. Fiona had the idea that she would follow us down in the car so we could run around down there more easily.

We were off. Ayden sat in the copilots’ seat and Liam came down with Fiona a wee bit behind.

We arrived in Rotorua early in the afternoon with passing showers so after checking out the Speedway which looked amazing, I decided against staying there only due to the power being 3 pin plug. Our 10 amp adapter is not weatherproof and the only spare 16 amp weather protected plug meant crossing some fairly boggy ground, so it was off to Ngongotaha.

I was pleasantly surprised that there were plenty of powered sites still free given it was school holidays and the park was quite busy. We plugged in and settled down until Fiona and Liam arrived in the car an hour or so later.

It didn’t take long for the boys to check out the park and they quickly found the hopscotch right next to the powered parks. Later that day we headed into town to the park by the waterfront for the boys to run around.

Click on the Gallery below for enlarged images at the Waterfront

The amusement fair on the waterfront.

Down on the waterfront

The boys in the playground

Ayden and Liam on a swing.

People on the waterfront

Down on the waterfront

Andrew and Jenna texted so it was off to see them at their hotel and then we walked to the Lone Star for a meal. I haven’t been here for a while, so it was a quick reminder on how big the meals are there 🙂

The next day after some more Hopscotch, we caught up again with Drew, Jenna and Archie.

Liam, Ayden, Archie with granny Fiona at the French cafe

After a nice lunch at Fiona’s favourite French cafe, we drove up to the Paradise Valley Animal Park for the boys, all three of them!

They really enjoyed it and saw the Lions being fed which was amazing. The slabs of meat get thrown over about a 30 metre high French surrounding the enclosure 🙂

Click on the Gallery below for enlarged images of the Animal Park

Liam feeding a deer at the Animal Park

Trout at the Anima Park

Archie in his pushchair

Jenna, Archie, Drew and Liam in the background with a llama

Jenna, Archie, Ayden and Drew with the Llamas

Liam with a Goat

Ayden having fun with a Donkey

The happy Lion after a feed

There was a fair / amusement arcade setup on the fields behind the waterfront park, so we took the boys there. Ayden had broken his thumb playing rugby and was in cast so that reduced the Funtime activities for him which was a shame. Liam had a go at the dodgems and Ayden settled for some candy floss.

The next morning, we were meeting Drew, Jenna and Archie at the Gondolas so that Liam could have a go on the Luge. He had a great time while we waited for him with cups of coffee in the Cafe.

Liam, Archie, Drew and Jenna on the Gondola.

Both boys came back with me in Rafe and we caught up with Fiona at Tirau.

It was a fun few days and they really enjoyed it and it was a nice change for us too. Here is a look at a previous trip to Rotorua with the boys.

Rafe’s tracker map to Ngongotaha NZMCA park – Armada GPS

Close to home, Preparation

Getting rid of the Judder

October 10, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 4 Comments

Anywhere you look on the Internet these days, you’ll find lots of stories about judder in reverse in the Fiat Motorhomes. Some of it is true, some of it not.

Over the last two years or so, I’ve noticed that Rafe has started to do this more and more so early this week, I rang the good guys at Italian Autos in Otahuhu to see if someone could have a look at it. I was stressing that it might be the clutch or the flywheel about to let go!

I turned up early in the morning and Barry had a minute free to have a quick look at the problem. He turned it around and reversed up and down in their driveway and very quickly said, “Nothing wrong with the clutch or flywheel but it would probably improve things with a new Gearbox mount.”

Click on any Image to enlarge.

Yippee I thought, they’re a bit less serious. So, I booked it in and after getting up early to get through the traffic, I arrived a few days later just as they were opening up for the day.

Rafe was picked up from the carpark and driven onto the hoist and after only lifting it a few feet from the floor, Engineer Eugene got underneath on a trolley and 40 minutes or so later, it was all done! Amazing.

Eugene under Rafe with the new Mount on the floor behind him.

The difference is remarkable!! It’s a beast of a part when you’re looking at it but very important in the scheme of things.

Apparently, the 3 litre Iveco (and Fiat) motor swings on two mounts at the top on either end. This Gearbox mount deals with the torque at the bottom and they are prone to wearing out, as every time you accelerate or decelerate, they’re under immense loads.

All done and all good. I can’t speak highly enough of the friendliness and efficiency of the guys there. Thank you and thanks for making it stress free 🙂

Waikato

Everything is easy at Karapiro

October 5, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

One of the loveliest spots to stay is at the Mighty River Domain on the banks of the Waikato River.

Complete with its own Cafe, it is also home to competitive rowing in New Zealand and most mornings you’ll find the nation’s elite Rowers and Kayakers going for row.

It is also very cost effective to stay there too.

We last stayed here with 25 Motorhomes with the Dethleffs Owners group get together last year. It worked well and was a lot of fun with two communal meals and lots of laughs.

Click on the Gallery below for enlarged images.

The rowing grandstand

The Outlook !

An interesting photoshoot while I was there 🙂

Part of the playground

Nice outdoor area from the Kitchen

I met some neat people from New Plymouth while I was here who I caught up with later.

There are two levels of powered parking, ablutions blocks everywhere you look (to cater for rowers) and plenty of places for some great walks. There is also a bike trail into Cambridge which is about 7 k’s away.

GPS instructions to get here included a trip across the top of a dam which you can’t do in most Motorhomes so the best way there is via Cambridge.

Rafe’s tracker map to Karapiro – Armada GPS

Rallies, Waikato

Mystery Creek 2023 – The Rally

October 1, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

After parking early on Thursday morning, and after a cup of coffee and getting things ship shape in Rafe, I went for a bit of a wander around the parking areas.

Click on any images to enlarge

It’s amazing just people watching and taking piccies as I went of things happening. The parking team did an amazing job getting lines straight and getting everyone in safely.

Talking to some of them later, it’s amazing to hear that there were a few whines from visitors not being able to park right next to their friends etc.

The blurb did say, “if you want to be next to friends or family, come in together”. It’s hard work for the volunteer parkers getting everyone in safely, let alone stop queues unnecessarily.

As I say, the Volunteer parkers did an amazing job well done yet again…!!

Check out the images of my walk about the parking area. I can’t get over the number of old friends I bumped into while walking around. Great fun.

Click on the Gallery below to see enlarged people images.

Reading something that doesn’t need to be plugged in 🙂

Off to the show

The Queue to get in

I’m not sure there were as many people as previous shows, but it was a fun place to be and lots to see.

Rafe’s tracker map to Mystery Creek – Armada GPS

Shows, Waikato

The 2023 NZMCA Motorhome Show

September 25, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

You never know how these are going to go given the economy as it is. Is there going be much new things to see? is it going to be well attended? but it was all that and more. For me it was also a great chance to catch up with quite a few friends I haven’t seen for a while.I arrived early on the Thursday morning and the first friend I caught up actually parked me 🙂 Great to see Alan and Keitha again 🙂Friday morning it was showtime. My first stand to see was the Zion Motorhomes stand where I caught up with Tony who was looking after the Morelo “Home” Motorhome on the stand.

Tony has been eagerly awaiting the delivery of his new Morelo Empire liner which will be the first of its kind in New Zealand. Delays due to Covid, delivery schedules and shipping delays have meant he has been waiting for nearly 2.5 years! It is due really soon. It is 10 metres long with a 400HP Mercedes Engine. As Tony says, Its a beast! Really exciting for both Tony and his wife Fiona and I wish them well.

After that, I got some images of the new Dethleffs Grand Alpa with its Dual rear axles and rear lounge. Nice Motorhome. 8.6 metres long with a GVM of 540kg’s. Great to see the Zion crew all looking good.

Click on the Gallery below to see an Enlarged images of the Grand Alpa

The Grand Alpa

Moving on from here I popped into the Nationwide RV stand to look at one of the new Autotrails. The F74 which runs on a WOF and has a rear bed with an extra drop-down bed. Nice motorhome and at 7.3metres is easy to manage for those wanting something a bit smaller but still comfortable with all the mod cons.

Click on the Gallery below to see enlarged images of the F74

Just next door was the new ACM Alltrax caravan which is brand new. They describe it as the Caravan version of the ACM Platinum which is a stunning Motorhome and so is this Caravan. Check out the images.

Click on the Gallery below to see enlarged images of the Alltrax

One of the most notable new things at the show would have to be the very retro looking German, Eriba 530 Caravan on the RV Mega stand. At 5.9metres overall and at 1400kg, it looks well built and comes with all the usual bits and bobs.

Click on the Gallery below to see enlarged images of the Eriba

From here I popped into see the good folk at the NZMCA stand and did my usual team pic see below.

The crew with the Rio. NZMCA’s founders Motorhome.

Click on the Gallery below for enlarged images.

The Queue

RV super centre

One of the Kia Campers

Gin and Bare it tastinngs 🙂

Sensium used to be called Armada GPS and they sold me my GPS tracker that I have in Rafe that produces all the maps you see on these blogs. A great product and nice to catch up with them too.

Sensium’s Peter McLean showing how small the units are.

Once I got outside, it was interesting to see some of the Aussie caravans here with their raised chassis. They are pretty solid looking beasts and certainly look the part.

Another great show and nice to see so many old friends there.

Close to home, Waikato

It is all go at Pukekohe

September 17, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

It has been a while since I was last out here in Pukekohe, a few years perhaps but boy it has grown. There are new houses everywhere you look, and the town has grown too.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

I checked in with Sarah at the Pukekohe A&P grounds where they’ve provided Motorhome parking for some years now. She very kindly showed me where everything was and after parking the van, I went for a walk over the road to the Z Zone.

I stopped in at the local Hollywood Bakery for a coffee and then popped into a few local shops. before heading back to the park.

When I first started coming here about 8 years or so ago, it was all grass with lots of mud when it was wet and a couple of power poles.

Ian was the man in charge, and I understand he is still involved. He has done a magnificent job over the years of developing this into a really nice area to stay.

Now there are Toilets, showers and a coin operated Laundry in the new(ish) amenities block. There is a circular gravel road which runs past many of the sites and on past the dump station. So no more muddy exits 🙂 .. Ans all at a reasonable price too.

There are a lot more power points all set out with plenty of space on big sites. It’s a fantastic setup.

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

The Amenities block, now with a Laundry

Just across the road is one of Pukekohe’s big shopping areas with the Warehouse and several other big stores. Pukekohe’s main street is just a few steps further on.

Having not been here for a while and seeing the changes, Ian, Sarah and the crew have done a fantastic job providing some Motorhome and Caravan accommodation in an area where there wasn’t any.

Here’s a link to my previous visit where I got to talk with Ian some years ago.

Rafe’s tracker map to Pukekohe – Armada GPS

Waikato

Motorhome Veterans go for space!

September 11, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

Valerie and Murray built one of their early Motorhomes themselves for accommodating horses and themselves at shows. Horses were at the back; they were in the front.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

Since then, they have had “6 or 7” with them being a mix from pop up Caravans, Pop up and small Motorhomes, to more recently a Swift Bessacar, Autotrail Commanche, a borrowed Roller team and now the main prize, the Swift Kon-Tiki.

They picked up the Kon-Tiki just 8 weeks ago from Wellington and what a beauty.

It is 9 metres long, has 2.5 litre motor and has everything that opens and shuts.

With the entertaining area in the front with seats down each side facing each other and a table in the middle. The Galley behind with a new tall Dometic double opening Fridge opposite. Behind this is the Bathroom with doors on each side and then the centre island bed at the back.

Its light and well-lit and they’re really happy with their new baby. They have done their first big trip in it up to Kerikeri and it went well. A very nice Motorhome with plenty of room.

Waikato

Antique Heaven in Paeroa

September 6, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

On the way from Waihi, I saw that the free parking in Paeroa was empty so I figured it might be timely to visit Countdown for some food and a look around Paeroa.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

I parked Rafe, paid for the parking and it was time to check out Paeroa… in the rain. It was pouring down. The Antique shops are amazing, but I had a feeling that there were a few more.

It wasn’t until later in the day when I popped into the Pub opposite the parking, The Paeroa Hotel that I found out sadly that several shops had not made it through the Covid lockdowns and the downturn that went with it. Several Antique shops too. Its always a shame to see a business fail especially when its outside your control to some degree like the Covid lockdown.

The Hotel was fun. I met several of the locals, had a few laughs and after a couple of glasses of wine headed back to Rafe.

The parking is essentially free unless you use power. That costs $5 a night and it’s all laid on by the Hauraki Council. It’s great to see a council that recognises that if you give Motor homers access to where the tills are and something to buy, buy they will so it’s a win win 🙂

Anyway, it’s a fantastic facility and so handy right in the middle of town.

I have always stayed in the Paeroa RV centre. Great folk there and a reasonable price but it’s a good half hour walk from town.

Rafe’s tracker map to Paeroa – Armada GPS

Waikato

Hot Pools, Olde Buildings and Parking.

September 2, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

One of the nice things about small towns dotted around the Waikato is the ambience of some of the old character buildings and Te Aroha is one of those towns.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

Along with its famous Hot Pools, sculptures on street corners, and nice old buildings, it also now has its very own NZMCA park. The best way to describe it is “long and skinny”, but it also backs on to a track that takes you straight into the town in minutes.

The Well know old Grand Tavern opposite the Museum

I was last here a few years ago at a rally next door to the park and it was a lot of fun. There was Kayaking down the river, the bike trails were busy, and the cafes did a roaring trade. Here’s a look back at that event here.

It’s a neat wee town and perfect for the bike trails up and into the Karangahake Gorge.

Rafe’s tracker map to Te Aroha – Armada GPS

Waikato

2023 Dethleffs Owners Knees up!

August 27, 2023 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

39 Dethleffs Motorhomes of all shapes and sizes arrived in Miranda ready to catch up with old friends and see other Motorhomes. There were quite a few first timers at this event but also the old hands that could remember others names to catch up with people they met earlier.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

Later in the day, there was happy hour for everyone to get together and there was an impromptu shared meal between a dozen or so friends in the evening.

There was a really funny moment after the meal when we were all sitting around having a few drinks and a few laughs. There was a group of about 20 odd teenagers on the table next to us and there were about 8 of us by then. A lady in the group stood up to make a speech and as soon as she started, one of our group started singing happy birthday and others joined in. She was saying no no, then gave up but our group stopped singing. Everyone was laughing. Then we found out it was an engagement so there were lots of congratulations from us too! Great time. 😂😂

The cyclists setting off for Kaiaua and the Cafe

The next morning was the bike ride to Kaiaua or to a cafe up the road. There were about 19 bike riders on bikes! A great turnout. Most were riding the 13k’s or so to the Kaiaua for lunch.

Fiona and I followed them and got pictures of them at stops with the car.

When we arrived at the pub, well before the cyclists, Quin the Manager had just arrived and was about to open so perfect timing.

We all went out to the back beer garden with the bikes and ordered coffees and lunch. Fiona and I had an amazing pizza.

About an hour or so there, we started the trek back.

To see an Enlarged slideshow, click on the Gallery below

Bruce and Judys Globe 4 (Rafe’s twin)

Catching up in the driveway

Liz and Nolina

Catching up on Friday

Friday night happy hour

Friday night

Friday night Happy Hour

On the trail to Kaiaua

Rays Rest

On the trail to Kaiaua

At Rays Rest

The Team piccy

Saturday night

Steve and Troy still behaving 🙂

Saturday night eating fest 🙂

Back to the hot pool and then later at 4, we had the team photo. Where we normally do the piccy was really boggy, so we had to move out to the motorhome parking.

Happy Hour came next, and the place was chocker with people.

Then came the shared meal and the meals were restaurant quality… just amazing and everyone got a great feed with some going back for seconds. Fantastic.

On the last day (Sunday Morning) we caught up again for a farewell coffee together.

A great event with lots of fun and thanks to everyone for coming.

Here’s a reminder of our last get together.

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.

	Phyl Binney on An amazing Little Town Called…
	freelygeneral1a93899… on Over the Hill to Woodville
	Warmenhj on Over the Hill to Woodville
	Kath Ingram on Heading South for the New Year

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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.