Tag Archives: Cafe

Wairarapa 25

Brewtown and a visit to the Gallipoli Display

4 Comments

Our first morning at Brewtown kicked off with a great wander around the place it’s huge! The bars are all built into old warehouses, so the ceilings soar more than four or five metres high, giving everything a real feeling of space and energy.

Booking in was a bit of a mission, though a funny one in hindsight. While we were still in Greytown, I tried to book online using my phone, only to discover (as you sometimes do with iPhones) that the site didn’t play nicely. After leaving a message on the answerphone for Phil, the Manager/Owner, I gave it a go on the iPad, and it worked perfectly first time!

The Boneface Bar
Te Aro
Brewing lessons at Te Aro

Five minutes later, Phil called me back. We had a great yarn about websites, the booking process, and funnily enough he knew this blog! Even weirder, as I popped out later to chat with someone in Greytown, I spotted a Brewtown ute… it turns out Phil was just on the other side of the hedge from us in his caravan. Small world!

Wild Kiwi Distillery
Wild Kiwi Distillery

Fiona was keen to catch the train into Wellington, and with the station just across the road, it couldn’t be easier. Unfortunately, trains weren’t running that weekend, so we jumped on a replacement bus which took just over an hour and actually quite comfortable.

Outside the train station
From the bus on the way into Wellington
Amazing Wellington Railway Station

We made a beeline for Te Papa, especially to see the Gallipoli exhibition, which Peter Jackson had a major hand in. It did not disappoint, incredible, moving, and completely immersive.

A famous Medic having to deal with another injured soldier.

Both Fiona and I come from staunch Army families, so the exhibition really hit home. The attention to detail, the storytelling, and the sheer size of the figures was breathtaking. Absolutely worth the visit.

Along the waterfront on the way to Te Papa

After exploring a few more of the museum’s exhibits, we stopped at a café before catching the bus back to Upper Hutt.

Click on the Gallery below for enlarged Te Papa Images  

Outside the train station
Upper Hut’s main street
From the bus on the way into Wellington
Amazing Wellington Railway Station
Along the waterfront on the way to Te Papa
A booby trap.
Rations
A famous Medic having to deal with another injured soldier.
A nurse who was looking forward to meeting her soldier brother finding out that he’d just been killed in action.
Looking back into the city

Back at Brewtown, it was time to pop into one of the craft bars though despite being at a beer haven, I found myself ordering a Chardonnay, while Fiona had a G&T.  Old habits die hard! The bar we picked was Te Aro Brewing Co, a great spot to unwind.

Upper Hut’s main street

The next day, Fiona caught up with an old friend at a local café, and I later joined them for lunch after strolling through the mall. Upper Hutt is a nice little town, easy to get around and very friendly.

The Bar right behind us, we’re parked to the left.

That night, we had dinner at Fermented, the restaurant literally 20 steps behind Rafe. Great atmosphere and even better food.

Click on the Gallery below for an enlarged Slideshow of Brewtown

A Chef busy at the Bodeface bar.
Looking along the outside decks of three Bars
The Boneface Bar
Brewing lessons at Te Aro
Te Aro Bar. We had an amazing shared platter here.
Te Aro
Te Aro
Wild Kiwi Distillery
Wild Kiwi Distillery
Wild Kiwi Distillery
At the Brewtown Leisure area.
Fiona walking back to the Truck
The Bar right behind us, we’re parked to the left.
After tea
Close to the action
The markets in action
Fiona getting the veges.

We were warned that the Farmers Market opposite us might get a bit noisy early in the morning, but we barely noticed a thing. It was super handy and full of good stuff. Fiona stocked up on fresh veges, which set us up nicely for the days ahead.

Close to the action
Fiona getting the veges.

After that, it was time to hit the motorway north. Our three days at Brewtown and in Wellington had been full of fun, flavour, and a bit of nostalgia too.

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

Over the Rimutakas to High Tea

After the excitement of the balloons in Greytown, we stayed on for a couple more nights, hunkering down for some bad weather that, thankfully, never really arrived. That gave us time for another wander through the shops, always a treat in Greytown!

Click on any Image to Enlarge

The garden at Aston Norwood

On the Sunday (a public holiday), we decided to check out Carterton, just 15 minutes up the road. It was pretty quiet with most shops closed, but we found a café open, perfect excuse for a coffee and something to eat. After a quick stroll along the main road and a bit of window shopping, it was time to hit the road.

At Aston Norwood

Our next stop was Aston Norwood, a café, wedding venue, and garden centre on the downward run over the Rimutakas. We’d booked in for High Tea, something a bit different and very special.

The garden at Aston Norwood

For the past few months, we’ve been following a video blog by a Wellington couple, Mark and Fiona, who built a 51-metre Nordhavn and sailed it from Turkey around the Mediterranean. Fiona is now back in NZ running Aston Norwood, so we thought it would be rude not to stop by and support them!

Their Video Blog can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/@AwanuiNZ

The drive over the Rimutakas was uneventful, but I always enjoy passing through Featherston, even if it’s just a drive-through, it’s such a neat little town.

Looking over to the Garden centre at Aston Norwood

We arrived at Aston Norwood and found a good spot for Rafe in the carpark. Then it was time for High Tea: a rolling selection of delicious homemade cakes, scones, and savouries, all beautifully presented. While I’m not much of a tea drinker, the coffee was excellent!

The Garden centre at Aston Norwood

Afterwards, we stretched our legs with a stroll through the garden centre, a lovely way to walk off some of those treats.

From Aston Norwood, we carried on over the hill to Upper Hutt, where we planned a few nights at Brewtown. Built in a former industrial area, Brewtown has transformed into a vibrant hub of craft breweries, eateries, and entertainment, all within walking distance of the main shopping area and train station, super convenient.

The Bar just behind us
The Bar right behind us, we’re parked to the left.

We rolled in, plugged in, and settled Rafe into place before heading off to explore. With six or more breweries on site, each offering its own style of food and drink, there was plenty to see, taste, and enjoy.
More to come….

Rafe’s tracker map to Brewtown – Armada GPS
Coromandel 2025, Waikato

The Lure of the Trains

3 Comments

Since I was a wee boy, I’ve always had a fascination with trains. That fascination only grew when it involved history—and now, motorhomes. There’s something about the old charm of locomotives and the stories they carry that pulls me in every time.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

Waihi Beach NZMCA park

After a relaxing stay at River Glen, we spent another night at a bustling Whitianga park and enjoyed a day exploring the town before heading off to the Waihi Beach NZMCA park. Unsurprisingly, it was also packed with holidaymakers making the most of the sunny weather.

Busy at Waihi Beach

One of the highlights of our stop at Waihi Beach was catching up with old family friends, Lee and Ian. We’ve known them for years, and it was wonderful to see them again. They were in great form, and it’s always a pleasure to reminisce and share stories over a cuppa. After a quiet, easy night at the park, we set off the next morning for something special, a visit to the Goldfields Railway Station in Waihi.

Getting settled at Goldfields.

The Goldfields train is a real gem. You can also stay in your Motorhome there with Power and Toilets. It runs regularly from Waihi Station to Waikino, with a stop at the charming Station Cafe. We timed our arrival perfectly, getting there around 10 a.m., just in time to catch the train for a scenic ride to Waikino.

Fiona in one of the old carriages.

This wasn’t our first time on this lovely little train. Not long ago, we brought our grandsons, Ayden and Liam, along for the ride, and they had an absolute blast. They waved at all the passing cars, thrilled every time they got a friendly toot in return. It’s the kind of simple joy that makes experiences like this so memorable.

Once we arrived at Waikino, we headed straight to the Station Cafe for lunch. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere made it even better. Sitting there, soaking in the history of the place and watching the trains come and go, it felt like stepping back in time.

Click on the Gallery below for an enlarged Slideshow

The Taniwha on the side of the line.
Waikino Station
All aboard
Traffic below

After our leisurely lunch, it was time to hop back on the train for the return journey to Waihi Station. The ride back was just as enjoyable, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks.

In the Cafe

The Goldfields Railway folks have done a fantastic job over the years, not only maintaining the railway and its vintage charm but also streamlining the whole experience. From booking tickets to the overall park setup, everything was smooth and efficient. It’s great value for what you get—a slice of history, a scenic ride, and a memorable day out.

For me, this trip was a perfect blend of nostalgia and adventure. There’s something magical about trains that never seems to fade. Whether it’s the sound of the whistle, the steady chug of the engine, or the simple joy of waving at passing cars, it always brings out the kid in me. I’m already looking forward to our next railway adventure!

Rafe’s tracker map to Goldfield Railway – Armada GPS
Coromandel 2025, Waikato

Magic Coromandel

The morning after Christmas, we hit the road bound for Coromandel Town. Despite being Boxing Day, the traffic was surprisingly light, making the drive smooth and easy. We stopped at Kopu for some diesel before continuing up the coast toward our destination.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

The NZMCA park at Coromandel when we arrived.

Arriving late in the morning, we checked into the NZMCA park, got the jug boiling for a much-needed coffee, and opened the vents. With the air conditioning finally off, it was great to let some fresh air flow through, perfect for the warm day ahead.

Our favourite spot in the Town. The Star and Garter.

Hungry from the drive, we headed into town in search of lunch. Being a public holiday, many places were closed, but we lucked out with a fantastic little Turkish spot serving mouthwatering chicken wraps. A great find!

Neat shops
I never get sick of seeing this.

After lunch, we made our way to one of our favorite spots, the Star and Garter Bar for a refreshing drink. From there, we wandered down to the Four-Square supermarket for a few essentials and then strolled over to the marina to admire the boats.

The Marina

There’s something special about Coromandel. Even though we’ve visited many times before, it never loses its charm. With its unique atmosphere and welcoming vibe, it’s always a pleasure to spend a few days here.

A bit of traffic downtown but nothing to get concerned about 🙂
A Mural on the side of one of the shops

Over the years, we’ve sampled several of the local cafés and bars, and they’ve all been top-notch. This visit was no exception.

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

Looking down the road towards the wharf.
A Mural on the side of one of the shops
The Marina

After a leisurely afternoon of exploring and soaking up the laid-back vibe, we returned to the truck to escape the heat and enjoy some well-earned chill time. Nothing beats relaxing in Coromandel.

Rafe’s tracker map to Coromandel – Armada GPS
Coromandel 24

Cathedral Cove is Open!

Tim and Annette, my younger brother (not so little anymore!) and sister-in-law, flew over from Melbourne for a well-deserved break. It has been a while since their last visit, so when Tim shared his packed itinerary, we were really pleased to be able to join them for two nights in Hahei.

Click on any Image to EnlargeInitially,  Cathedral Cove wasn’t on the agenda, but with Annette being an avid kayaker and the iconic spot just reopening after the cyclone damage, it quickly became a must-do.

Hahei Beach

They had booked one of the Beachfront Villas at the Hahei Resort, and the team there gave us a motorhome park conveniently almost right behind them. Perfect!

The Villa’s

We arrived on a sunny Thursday afternoon and wasted no time setting up the awning and settling into deck chairs for some shaded relaxation. Tim and Annette arrived later after visiting an old friend in Tauranga. Luckily, Fiona had packed one of our trusty Bargain Box meals, which turned into a lovely, shared dinner, complemented by a few G&Ts.

The next day was all about enjoying Hahei. We wandered into the shopping center for a leisurely lunch before Tim and Annette geared up for their kayak adventure to Cathedral Cove. After a short safety briefing, they were off. Fiona and I opted for a swim back at the beach, enjoying the calm, sunny weather.

Getting instructions.
Tim and Annette at Cathedral Cove.
Pic by Cathedral Kayaks

When Tim and Annette returned from their kayaking expedition, we gathered on their villa’s deck overlooking the beach. The tales of their paddling adventure were as lively as the backdrop was beautiful. The early breeze had settled, leaving behind a perfectly calm day on the water.

While enjoying the afternoon back on the deck, a familiar face appeared at the top of the stairs, Caroline with a friend!  It had been a few years since we last each other, and after a moment of mutual hesitation (the “do-I-know-you” look), and after another old friend Chris, arrived in a car to confirm the situation, we pieced it together 🙂

Tim, Fiona and Annette enjoying a morning coffee on the deck.

Chris and her late husband, Gary, were old boating and motorhome friends, and we had spent many holidays together. It was lovely to see Chris and Caroline again.

The Deck bar area.
The amazing bar and social area.

Hahei Holiday Park has always been a favorite of ours, and this visit didn’t disappoint. A new bar, restaurant, and beach club had opened in the campground’s heart, a fantastic addition. That evening, we headed over for burgers and chips, and wow, those burgers were incredible! Quite possibly the best we’ve ever had.

Annette, Me and Tim at the Bar.

We bumped into Caroline and Chris again at the bar, enjoying dinner with their group.

The Kayaks

After another evening together on their front deck, we set off the next morning back to Auckland. We only there for a couple of nights but it was a lot of fun. Nice to see some old friends too.

Rafe’s tracker map to Hahei – Armada GPS
Bay of Islands, Northland

Rainbow Falls and the Packhouse Markets.

After the Hustle and Bustle of Paihia with the festival, we decided to head for some peace and quiet at the NZMCA park at Rainbow Falls. A nice location away from it all where we blobbed out. I went for a look at the Waterfall .. it would be rude not to 🙂

Click on any Image to Enlarge

The NZMCA park at Kerikeri
Rainbow Falls

We ummed and ahhed about walking down to the Stone Store but decided after our Paihia walking, we’d have a quiet day instead.

The NZMCA park at Kerikeri

Early the next morning, we set off towards Kerikeri to visit the Markets and the Packhouse Cafe. The markets are on every weekend and we had the most amazing lunch in the cafe.  I would have to say would be one of the Bay’s easiest and safest parking areas for Motorhomes around. I call them “Motorhome friendly Parking” places!  …. with a great Cafe and Markets as well 🙂

The Packhouse Cafe and Bakery

I parked right next to a Grader at the back to the carpark, a lovely spot.

The Parking !

We wandered around enjoying talking to some of the stall holders. A very friendly place 🙂

Click on the Gallery below for an enlarged Slideshow

The NZMCA park at Kerikeri
The NZMCA park at Kerikeri
The NZMCA park at Kerikeri
The Packhouse Cafe and Bakery
The Packhouse Cafe and Bakery
The Packhouse Markets
Hats at the Packhouse Markets
The Parking !

I bought a dress for my 2-month-old Granddaughter with advice from Fiona 🙂

The Packhouse Markets
The Packhouse Markets

We worked our way through the huge building towards the cafe with the bakery attached where they make the most amazing breads and pies. There is also an attached Butcher and Delicatessen that had everything including the amazing local Cheese from the Mahoe Cheese factory.

The Packhouse Cafe and Bakery
The Packhouse Cafe and Bakery

As the day went on, the wind picked up and the rain came down as forecasted so we decided to head for home. We had a fantastic weekend in the Bay… back next year 🙂

Rafe’s tracker map to Kerikeri – Armada GPS
Bay of Islands, Northland

The Paihia Blues and Jazz Festival

1 Comment

Fiona and I came to one of the first of these about 9 years ago, not long after we first got our Motorhome. It was held at the Falls Camping ground which was then owned by Jan Molloy and partner who along with others helped get the festival under way. I remember the band that was there then was Kantuta along with some others.
Jan and her partner later sold that and set up the Bay of Islands Campervan Park which they still own.

Click on any Image to Enlarge

Bay of Island Campervan Park

This year I called Jan who and she was able to squeeze us in for a couple of nights. We’ve been here before, and it is so handy. They’ve had quite a bit of rain this year so the parks were a bit on the damp side so we had to be mindful of parking so we could get out easily.

Rafe in his spot with the Olive Trees

It is such a great location as you can walk pretty much everywhere and there was a Coach doing a regular circuit of the venues so you could see all the bands playing.

Looking bay to Waitangi

We arrived half through the Friday on a lovely fine day with the odd shower and settled in. There is a Countdown supermarket right opposite, so Fiona went over to get some last-minute provisions.

Paihia

The next day, we were up early and walked to Jazz HQ which was about a 25-minute walk at the Scenic hotel in Paihia. On the way along the waterfront, we passed a band playing on the footpath outside the shops with several people dancing and getting into the swing of the festival.

The street band

After getting our day ticket at the Hotel, we sat down to enjoy some of the music by a really good Napier Blues band called DejaBlue. Fantastic sound and we were able to get a really nice Seafood Chowder for lunch. They were followed by The Nairobi Trio who were really entertaining and again, some great sounds.

Here are some more Images from the Festival

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

The Street Band on the way
Nairobi Trio
Nairobi Trio
Nairobi Trio
Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie
Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie
Walking towards Paihia
Looking out twards Russell

It was early afternoon then when we decided to head to the Paihia Club where we heard a couple of bands, one of them from Taranaki who were really good. Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie!!….

DejaBlue
Nairobi Trio

They played a Led Zeppelin song and several of their own. Fantastic sound washed down by a G&T and the acoustics there were good too.

Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie
Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie

After a couple of hours, we wandered on to the Paihia Sports bar and then caught the coach to the Twin Pines Manor at Haruru Falls, where we saw another good band, Herbie and the Heartbreakers!

Twin Pines Manor
Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie

About 6pm the bus arrived, and we decided to call it quits and head back to the Campground while the bus was there.

Courtnay and the Unholy Reverie

A great fun day out and lucky with the weather being able to walk to almost everywhere.

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

2024 Dethleffs Get Together in Rotorua

1 Comment

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
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
Taranaki 2024

Those lovely white cliffs at Mangaweka

2 Comments

We’ve popped in here a few times over the years with friends Dianne and Gary. I even had visions of buying a building here, but it wasn’t to be but fun dreaming and talking about it 🙂

Argyle Hotel in Hunterville

After leaving Wanganui, we headed across the back of Marton and stopped in Hunterville for lunch. Hunterville is another one of those towns you tend to whizz through on your way somewhere.  All the cafes here seemed to be going gang busters which was nice to see.

Parked at Mangaweka.. those cliffs!

After an hour or so here, we cruised up the road a bit to Mangaweka. Since we were last here, they’ve built a new bridge for vehicles which has taken a chunk of the campground, but I think from memory, its actually easier to get into now with a new access road.

The new Road bridge.

We parked Rafe and plugged in and then walked over the bridge to Awastone to pay for the night and have a cup of coffee.

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

The Village in Hunteville
Close to nature
enjoying the water
Parked at Mangaweka.. those cliffs !
The old bridge, now pedestrian only
People camped on the grass by the river.

Awastone is the full featured, big brother campground, owned by the same people across the bridge.

Awastone over the road

After that we cruised back to Rafe to check out all the people playing in the river. The place was pretty busy with people opting to park right down by the river with their Caravans and Motorhomes. It’s a lovely spot

We met the people next to us too … nice people. One lot of their way home from Auckland to Nelson and some others who used be locals come back to their old stamping ground.

Hot and wet!

We only had time for one night here this time, but it was lovely to be here and see those amazing cliffs again. The chap who used to live here was telling me that every time a plane flies over the cliffs, bits fall out of them so that wasn’t good news. It seems they quite soft.

Rafe’s tracker map to Mangaweka – Armada GPS