Tag Archives: Biking

Rallies, Wairarapa 26

The 2026 Dethleffs Get Together – Part 2

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We were into the last full day of catching up with everyone, and it kicked off with a visit at the far end of the carpark from the Ulysses Motorcycle Club, who arrived with a line-up of amazing motorbikes.

Click on any Image to enlarge.

They were a big attraction, and after plenty of admiring and chatting, about six energetic souls headed off on their push bikes to explore the area properly.

After that, there was the usual relaxed carpark catch-up session. Fiona headed into town for a walk while I wandered into the Coach House Museum again. It really is very well done, with some fascinating displays. There’s even a buggy you can sit in and “travel” around the city via a large TV screen. It is much better than it sounds!

The blacksmith’s shop was another highlight, with a whole series of live machines that start up at the push of a button to demonstrate how parts of a coach wheel were made. Very clever, and great to see it all working.

Coach House Museum

On the way out, I had a lovely chat with a couple at reception who were also Army people. He had previously been a Beefeater in the UK and was an incredible source of information about military medals. I could have stood there talking for ages.

Day 2 in the Sunshine

Later in the afternoon, we regrouped for our daily debrief before heading into town together for dinner at Murray’s Irish Bar. The food was fantastic and very reasonably priced, and there were quite a few keen to properly test the Guinness! It was a great night, and a bit later than planned we all wandered back to the museum under the evening sky.

A great day in a neat little town.

The next morning, we gathered one last time for a farewell coffee before everyone headed off in different directions. It had been a wonderful catch-up, with lots of familiar faces and plenty of laughs. Well done to Richard and Carol for organising such a well-run event in a terrific location.

Fiona and I headed towards Marton to pick up SH1 and travel north via Taihape. Just before midday, we pulled into our favourite café in Taihape — and who should arrive but our next-door neighbours from Devonport.  A complete surprise. We enjoyed an easy lunch and coffee together before getting ready to move on.

As we were leaving, I thought I heard my name. Sure enough, it was Peter and Charmaine, who had been parked right beside us at the event. Peter had heard that SH1 north was closed due to a serious accident, so suddenly our tidy travel plans were up in the air.

At the Taihape Golf course waiting…

Fiona went for a wander around Taihape while we went back into the café to figure out our options. In the end, we decided to head just up the road to the Taihape Golf Club and stay the night, then reassess in the morning.

We’d only just parked up, opened a few vents, and poured the coffee when Peter heard that the road north had reopened. So, off we went again! By then it was about 3pm, but we still had enough time to make it to Taupō, where we stayed at the Taupo Racecourse.

Our first visit to the Taupo NZMCA park at the Racecourse

I was slightly disappointed we didn’t get to stay at the golf course after all, but it was nice to be on the homeward stretch, and we got to have our first night in Taupo Racecourse. All in all, a fabulous weekend.

Thanks again to Richard and Carol for putting together such a great event

Waikato

Karapiro Music Festival

The big drawcard for this event was seeing two iconic 70s performers, Shane and Suzanne. Suzanne, of course, performed with her sister Judith as one half of The Chicks. A real trip down memory lane.

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Karapiro is the home of Rowing and Kayaking in the North Island.

I’d booked in for four nights to make the most of it. The event itself ran for three days, but being Karapiro and with them offering a great deal for concert goers, I figured I’d go all out!

Looking over at the River

I initially scored a front-row spot overlooking the river, but thanks to the rain, the ground was a bit too slippery to get Rafe level. So, I moved just back behind the front row where the surface was more solid and flat, which was much better. Later that day, a lovely couple with a caravan parked in front of me but offset, so we both had views. Perfect setup!

Click on the Gallery below to see the area enlarged.

Looking up from down the bottom
Jet boating on the river
Waterskiing races were on too.
Waterskiing spectators

The first day was mostly about everyone arriving, setting up, and getting a feel for the place. I’ve been to Karapiro a few times before, once even with 30-odd Dethleffs motorhomes when I organised a Dethleffs Owners Club get-together. They’ve always looked after us here, and it’s such a beautiful spot.

Click on the Gallery below to see the Walk Ups enlarged.

Line Dancing
Walkups

The second day, more vans rolled in. After lunch, I wandered down to the Don Rowlands Centre to check out the action. They were holding “Walk Ups”, where keen singers and musicians could perform on stage with the volunteer band and some of them were seriously talented! Great guitar work, strong vocals, and a really good vibe.

Lovely area

There were line dancers going for it, people dancing everywhere. It was just good old-fashioned fun. During the dinner break, a few caterers were on hand offering simple, tasty meals, and then it was back into the music until late.

Line Dancing

Show day arrived and, after another round of walk-ups, it was time for the main event, Shane and Suzanne. They looked amazing, sounded great, and considering they’re both well into their 70s, they put so much energy into their performance.

Shane getting the clapping going

During Shane’s performance, he jumped down off the stage to get people to join in. Turn on the sound and click below 🙂

It really took me back to the Happen Inn and C’mon days on 60s TV where they both featured regularly.  Nostalgia dialed up to 11!

Click on the Gallery below to enlarge Shane and Suzanne.

Shane and Suzanne
Classic looks from both performers.

The next morning, I tidied up Rafe and started heading for home.

On the last day!

A great few days away, amazing location, and some real music legends. Karapiro never disappoints.

Rafe’s tracker map to Karapiro – Armada GPS
Wairarapa 25

On the Bikes at Martinborough

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Martinborough has a real vibe about it, maybe it’s the vineyards, or the easy, flat roads perfect for biking between cellar doors. Either way, it’s got charm.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

We rolled into the main square a bit early for check-in, so we popped into the local museum. A super friendly guy welcomed us at the door and gave us a tour, which turned out to be fascinating. Funny twist, he was the brother of a journalist I used to work with at The Auckland Star. Small world!

The Martinborough Hotel

After the museum, the Martinborough Hotel (just across the road) was calling our name for lunch.

We had a quick wander around the square after lunch before heading to check in at the campground.

Us tucked in for the evening.
At Martinborough Top Ten

We’d booked a spot at the Top 10 Holiday Park, the only campground in town. After checking in, we reversed carefully into our site, just big enough at an angle so I could get the bikes off the rack. Plugged in, settled down, and ready for a great day of riding ahead. We had a couple of days’ clear weather before the next front was due.

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

Our bikes at Poppies in the vineyard.
Fiona all ready to get started 🙂
People enjoying themselves at Margrains
Other people at Poppies
Us tucked in for the evening.
The BBQ are in front of the showers and loos
Cabins too.
This was the VIP area.
In the main Square
In the centre of the Square getting ready for Anzac Day.

The next morning, the sun was out, so I got the bikes sorted, pumped up tyres, unpacked the gear, the works. While I was sorting the bikes stuff out, Fiona watched a Hot Air balloon sail past just behind Rafe across the sports field behind.

Last time we were here, we had a great lunch at Margrain’s, but this time we wanted to try something new. About 7–8 years ago we’d had a drink at Poppies but never made it back for a meal, I’d heard great things, so that was our lunch destination.

People enjoying themselves at Margrains

On the way, we stopped at Ata Rangi. I did a tasting and wow, their Chardonnay was like silk ($38 a bottle), dangerously nice! They had a top-shelf one at $70, even more refined, but we walked away with a bottle of the $38, yum!

Fiona all ready to get started 🙂
Other people at Poppies

Then it was on to Poppies. We got a table outside, under a clear blue sky in the shade. Just magic. We shared a big platter full of all sorts of goodies, followed by a shared dessert platter that was just as good. Fantastic service too, such a treat.

The Dessert platter!

On the way back, we stopped in at Margrain’s for a glass of Chardonnay and a coffee. It’s such a lovely spot, overlooking the vineyard with the café perched right on the edge.

In the centre of the Square getting ready for Anzac Day.

After another stroll around the square, we headed back to the campground and packed the bikes away, ready for the next day’s adventure.

A perfect day in paradise
Click on the map to enlarge

Rafe’s tracker map to Martinborough – Armada GPS
Waikato

Little Waipa

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For years several friends of mine have been telling me how nice this place is, and I finally got to stay here. It is right on the Waikato River just north or Arapuni. It is also right on the Waikato River trail for biking and walking.

I arrived here in the morning and there was quite a bit of room. (Mid-week) There are some pretty flash loos here too, but they are clean long drops.

Its lovely just sitting there with the music on watching the Swans and Ducks and generally taking it all in.

Stunning

A nice spot given it is freedom camping and it just shows how spoilt we are in the Waikato region with the council providing parking like this.

Rafe’s tracker map to Mystery Creek – Armada GPS
Close to home

First trip away on the new Lithium House Batteries at Kaiaua.

Our handy go to place for a weekend without huge cost is Kaiaua and its fantastic right next to both the Kaiaua Hotel and the Fish and Chip shop.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

We left Auckland late on the Saturday morning on the way to our son, Alex’s new house in Mangere Bridge and it’s looking great. It’s really nice to see him in his own house and he is really chuffed with it.

After an hour or so, we thought we’d better hit the trail towards Kaiaua to avoid the worst of the motorway Kings Birthday traffic and cut across to Manukau and went out the back way through Clevedon.  We celebrated with a coffee stop in a Clevedon Cafe!

The Kaiaua NZMCA park from up the hill.
By the creek

An hour or so later we were rolling into the Kaiaua NZMCA park and there was plenty of room left. It’s a seriously nice part of the world here with the water just outside the gate and plenty of places to walk and a trail which runs from here all the way to Matamata via Thames if you’re really keen 🙂

We started off by visiting the pub and having a G&T out in the Garden Bar.

The Garden Bar

It was a fairly drab old day with the clouds hanging over us and the odd peep of sunshine coming through but not enough to seriously do any meaningful charging, so I was expecting to see it how the two new Lithium Phosphate, 150AH batteries went. They do have a Bluetooth arrangement where they connect to an app on the phone and show you what’s happening.

At 4:30pm, the Sail GP was on, so the TV was on through the Mi Box which we’ve recently installed. (better quality picture than the dome) This would bring a bit of a drain but with the sun popping in and out on the panels, we really didn’t use much.

By the time the Racing was over it was dark, and we headed over to the Fish and Chip shop for Fish and Chips. Really nice Fish too.

Back with Rafe, we watched a Netflix movie through the Mi Box again and at the end of the night when I switched everything off, we’d only used 20 Amp hours. Unbelievable. Somehow on the AGM’s we would have used heaps more than this and the voltage would have dropped too. The Batteries were showing 13 volts at the end of the night!!

My birthday was only a few days before this so lunch was a plate of Mussels with a G&T each at the Pub!

After lunch, we walked down to the pink dairy and checked out all the Motorhomes parked in the free parking by the beach. Fiona wandered over and bought Ice creams, so we sat there and soaked in the ambience 🙂 A lovely spot.

The Pink Dairy

We went back to Rafe to watch the Sail GP second day and then it was back to the Pub for a birthday dinner, and it was stunning. I had a Rack of Lamb which was melt in your mouth…!!

The Lamb.. yum

That night we didn’t really use a lot of power, early to bed so only the Router, the TV until about 9pm, the odd flash of the water pump during loo flushes and making cups of tea and a few LED lights but we did get a few peeps of sunshine during the day … about 8 Amp hours.

The next morning, I checked on the batteries and we were 20 AH down for both days!! Amazing.

The Bluetooth App showing the two batteries on the last morning before we left.

For all the people I discussed this with beforehand who all said, “It will change your life” and take the stress out of not being plugged in and the ability to use power without thinking about it. They’re all right. It’s amazing and I wish I’d done it earlier.

Enjoying the coast

By the time we got back to Devonport we were fully charged off the alternator, so the system works!  A great weekend too.

Rafe’s tracker map to Kaiaua – Armada GPS
Rallies, Rotorua

2024 Dethleffs Get Together in Rotorua

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We arrived in Rotorua early in the afternoon after getting a puncture in Fiona’s bike repaired in downtown Rotorua. It turned out that the Tube had completely split inside without any outside intervention. One of those things 🙂

Click on any Image to Enlarge

After checking in slightly later than planned, at the Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park where we were all booked in, many of the team were already there and enjoying catching up with others. There was a great circle of chairs already forming outside Greg and Shona’s Advantage, just across where we were parked and as the afternoon went on the circle got bigger and bigger 🙂

Friday Happy hour

The Holiday Park reckon there were more than 25 Motorhomes in our group that had booked. I could only count 23 so to simplify things we called it more than 25 🙂

Click on the Gallery below to see some of the Motorhomes

Spot the XLI

Fiona and I checked in with a few people and then went for a swim which was literally only meters away from where we were parked which was really handy.

After the mandatory 4pm happy hour where we all came together, it was time for tea. We joined in with the crew at Greg and Shona’s spot. Great fun and nice to see everyone again.

Setting off for the Bike ride

The next day at 10am, we were all setup outside ready for the bike rides. We split the group into two. Steve took the more experienced, fitter riders on the Loop which was 42k’s or thereabouts and included the blue and green lakes.   A decent ride.

Steve’s images from the Loop ride to the blue and green lakes. 42k’s
Steve’s image from the loop ride. An event beside one of the lakes.
Fiona returning on the easier bike ride.

Thanks heaps to both Steve Miller and Neal Butt for making sure we all got there and back and safely.

Neal took the other group up a pathway that he knew along the Taupo Road which was great nice and safe and an easy non tree stump and tree root route with a Cafe stop afterwards.  We got back after 15k’s odd feeling like we had had some exercise 🙂 It was time for a swim!

Click on the Gallery below for some casual expressions 🙂

On time for the second Happy Hour 🙂
Happy hour on the Saturday

It was time for the 4pm happy hour and the Team photo event and it was a full turn out. Great to see everyone and this carried on for the potluck dinner at a nicely placed set of covered tables outside the kitchen. Thanks to Judy and some others who stepped in to give the table tops a bit of a clean which they needed.

The Happy Team – Click on the photo to enlarge.

The food prepared was sensational and we even had some desert too. The weather held out and we had a great night finished off with another swim in the hot pool 🙂

Click on the Gallery below to Enlarge.

The meal !
Steve and Rene having a natter… There must have been some bumps on the bike ride 🙂
Tea time

Fiona and I thought we’d stay on for another night to relax and after saying goodbye to everyone as everyone departed, we jumped on the bikes and rode into downtown Rotorua.

After stopping at a couple of shops, we headed down to a Cafe we’ve been to before down by the waterfront called Lime.  After a great lunch and an Ice Cream later by Eat St, we slowly headed back to the Campground.

A fantastic weekend seeing everyone. There were quite a few people looking at other’s Motorhomes and swapping notes and all I could see was lots of smiles.

Enjoying the Hot Pools

The next Event is at Waipu Cove Campground on the 18th and 19thOctober. A big Campground right beside an amazing beach. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Rafe’s tracker map to Rotorua Holiday Park – Armada GPS
Waikato

Easter at the Raceway

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With the next Dethleffs get together coming up this weekend in Rotorua, Fiona and I headed off to one of our favourite wee towns, Cambridge. Staying at the Raceway on the edge of town, this was where we had last year’s Dethleffs do under and around a big tree.

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The Greyhounds under the tree’s where the Dethleffs do was.
Great parking behind the grandstand

Getting down there with the Easter traffic was painful as we left it a bit late, and it took hours.

Looking out from the stand

This year, we left the bikes behind which was a mistake in hindsight, but we ended up having several big walks into and around town.

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

The pub overlooking the town.
The Main street
Nice old Buildings
Cambridge Town Hall

There’s a big Cafe in the middle of town called the Deli which makes amazing coffee and also has some nice options for lunch. Being Easter, most of the shops were shut but it was still nice looking around.

Fantastic Cafe

The Racecourse also has a Bar and Restaurant called the Clubroom, which was open only on the Saturday night, so we headed there for a G&T. But there is an amazing Hamburger place underneath the Clubrooms all painted orange so you can’t miss it. Fantastic burgers and with the park being pretty full of NZMCA Caravans and Motorhomes, there were plenty of customers for them.

Cambridge Raceway

A nice weekend away and great parking in a nice place.

Rafe’s tracker map to Cambridge – Armada GPS
Taranaki 2024

Feeling at home at Ngongotaha

We left Turangi early and headed up the side of the lake as Fiona was really looking forward to “doing the shops” in Taupo.  We’ve met several people over the last few weeks have given us different views of the changes at Taupo and none of them are all that flash so we were a bit unsure of what we might find.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

Along the waterfront at Rotorua

Driving along the Taupo waterfront and hour or so later, there were thousands of people enjoying the sun and the lakefront and it looked fantastic. I got to the end of the waterfront to the town and suddenly out of the blue was right-hand bend into the back of the town.

Late afternoon at Ngongotaha NZMCA park

How to get to the day Motorhome parking on the other side of town easily. Too hard I thought with all the people, so we decided we’d skip Taupo and head straight for Rotorua.

Busy busy

An hour or so later, we were at Ngongotaha plugging ourselves in and getting ready for our first bike ride into Rotorua down the bike trail. We’ve done this before too but it’s always different and new things to see and do. Fiona’s favourite French Cafe was closed due to the silly season, so we had a lovely Cafe lunch just by the waterfront before biking up to a well know baby shop to look for some clothes for my year-old grandson.

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

Along the waterfront
Ohinemutu
The Trail into town
Eat St
Pleasant day
Late afternoon at Ngongotaha

We had two nights there and after another night at the Ngongotaha park and some more riding around the waterfront, we packed up and headed back to Auckland.The park is looking good and is always busy which is good to see. It’s so handy to town too.

Rafe’s tracker map to Ngongotaha – Armada GPS
Waikato

Everything is easy at Karapiro

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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.

Plenty of space up on the top level
The bottom area

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.

Friends down on the lower level.

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.

Part of the playground

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
Waikato

Hot Pools, Olde Buildings and Parking.

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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.

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Downtown Te Aroha
One of the corner sculptures
A Great old building

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 Museum Building
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.

The NZMCA park with Mt Te Aroha behind
NZMCA park

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