One of the first places we ever took our motorhome, about ten years ago now was Leigh.
Plenty of room.
Back then, we were still very new to motor homing, so the plan was to head somewhere not too far from home… just in case we’d forgotten something or if anything went wrong. Of course, nothing did! Instead, we ended up discovering a fantastic little village overlooking the sea.
Down at the wharfLooking out over the water from the wharf.
A few years later I came back while Fiona was working to see the village light itself up for their annual light-up event. It made for some great images; you can see those here.
The park before the wee storm with the conference centre and Motel units also part of the campground behind.Entrance to the Conference-Wedding centre.
Last weekend was another one of those “unsupervised” trips while Fiona was at work. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous on the first day with hail, thunder, and strong winds in the forecast. The weather did arrive, but it was nothing to lose any sleep over.
The Library
Once the sun reappeared, I headed off for a wander through town and down to the wharf, only about a 10-minute walk. It really is a magic little place.
Scary driveway !
The Fish and Chip shop near the Camp.
Lots of colour
Really nice cabins too for friends without Motorhomes.
While I was out, I met the owner of Leigh Central who introduced himself and had a good yarn. A really friendly chap, and he mentioned there are some big improvements planned for the future.
Looking up the main street of Leigh
The campground itself is fantastic, close to everything, quiet, and super relaxed. On my last night, I tried the fish and chip shop right next door to the camp… delicious and very reasonably priced.
Character buildings.
And of course, one of the best things about Leigh: it’s so handy to Auckland. Only about 60-odd kilometres from Devonport, so it’s an easy and super convenient weekend getaway.
Another great stay in a favourite little settlement by the sea.?
What a lovely little place to sneak away to! And the best bit, it’s not far from the big smoke.
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Fiona was at work, so with a couple of days free I thought it was the perfect time to stretch Rafe’s legs, and Sandspit beckoned.
At just over 50km north, straight up the motorway, it couldn’t be easier.
After checking in, I grabbed a prime waterfront spot, opened a few vents, and headed out for a wander. Across the road is the marina, where a boardwalk winds its way through the mangroves, great for a stroll and a stickybeak at the boats. The bar there was closed (only open Thursday to Sunday), but I was more interested in the boats anyway.
The BoardwalkWorking on the boats
From there, I carried on down to the wharf where you can hop aboard the Mail Boat as it does the delivery run around Kawau Island. It’s a brilliant trip that takes most of the day, with a stop at Mansion House Bay (I’ve written about that trip before, see that here.
Click on the Gallery below to check out the Baches
Amazing Baches
By lunchtime I was back at the campground, soaking up the sun by the water and admiring some of the cute old baches nearby. Most of the baches you can stay in, but some are privately owned.
The Marina
With the weather set to turn, I made the most of it by walking up the hill to check out the famous big chair and take in the view.
The big chair on the top of the hillThe View from the top
The park itself is a gem. I hear it’s on the market after being in the same family for more than 40 years. That’ll be a sad moment for them, it’s not often you find spots like this anymore.
A fantastic spot, close to home, and one I’ll happily come back to.
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 BarTe AroBrewing 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 DistilleryWild 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 stationFrom the bus on the way into WellingtonAmazing 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 actionFiona 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.
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!
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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!
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 usThe 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….
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.
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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
We’d been really lucky with the weather so far, but with a front on the way and rain in the forecast, we figured it was a good time to head to Greytownand check in with Ken at the Greytown Holiday Park.
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These Caravans are effectively cabins you can stay in.Lots of room at Greytown
This park is a real gem, set on a council reserve and just a short walk from the heart of town. We first met Kenaround six years ago, and he’s been running the place brilliantly ever since. It’s competitively priced, relaxed, and nothing ever seems to be a problem.
Ken’s new project. New Caravans for accommodation.
Ken was telling me about his new project with some replica Heritage caravans he has setup for more accommodation. They’re fully powered and look very comfortable.
Inside the new caravans
The rain came and went, but with umbrellas in hand, it was easy enough to duck between the amazing little shopsthat line Greytown’s main street. We visited a few cafés, browsed through some boutique stores, and then popped into a gin tasting shop, as you do.
Amazing shops
We came away with a bottle of Greytown Gin. Fiona chose a variety called Frostbite, which seems to be a local favourite. It comes in a refillable hip-flask-style tin, perfect for future visits!
Click on the Gallery below for images of Greytown.
From the Soldiers Walk
The Soldiers memorial walk
Inside looking the other way.
Ken’s new project. New Caravans for accomodation.
There’s also a great little walkwaythat runs along the edge of the Holiday Park, which we think is called the Soldiers Memorial Walk. It’s a lovely shortcut into the camping area, and we used it often while we were there.
The Soldiers memorial walk
We’ve had some great times at this park over the years, and after two nights we even considered staying longer. But with Martinborough vineyardsand some bike ridingstill calling, and the weather still holding, it was time to move on.
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.
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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
Hidden away just back from the Coroglen pub in Coromandel is a lovely little campground called River Glen.
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And it wasn’t cold..
I first came here on my own a few years ago while Fiona was at work and although it was early in the winter, I virtually had the place to myself with only one or two others.
Lovely area.
From our visit with my brother Tim just before Christmas to Hahei, one of the locals stressed to me how it was absolute chaos anywhere around the beaches area in the Christmas / New Year period.
The weather was stinking hot. It was the day before New Years Eve, and I was ready for a swim in the river! And it was busy, but I wouldn’t describe it as chaotic 🙂
Tents, Tents and more Tents !
The lovely lady checking me in couldn’t have been more helpful even though they were clearly very busy. Due to it being so busy, there were no powered sites left, but we were happy to give the new Lithium batteries a run for their money. We were directed to a big area on the other side of the campground and told to pick a spot.
Towards the river
The concept sounds great but there was no parking areas painted or marked out for safe parking, which at such a busy time, I thought was a bit risky as some were a bit too close together for my liking but there were no dramas.
We ended up with some amazing Neighbours who were from Wellington, just over the hill from where I went to school as a grasshopper 🙂
After arriving, Fiona and I headed off down to the river where others were enjoying the fresh water too. I thought it would be cold, but it was amazingly refreshing but without the bite.
After chatting with some of the others there, we headed back to the truck for a drink and got on with making the tea.
Cabins
Gemma and Wayne currently run the campsite which was setup by Waynes parents some years ago. Wayne is a qualified builder and has built many of the buildings they have. It has a really rustic back packers feeling about it but also clean and tidy.
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.
What a fun weekend. Fiona and I arrived in Waipu Cove just after lunch and found our park almost next to the track over the Sandhills. Very handy but it was too cold for me swim yet 🙂
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That fantastic beachFabulous Beach by the doorstep!
Peter and Judy were right next to us with their 2014 Esprit so it was nice to have probably the oldest Motorhomes out of the 24 that had arrived parked together.
The oldies. .. Peter and Judy’s 2014 Esprit and our 2014 Globe 4.
I spent the early part of the afternoon catching up with people and checking in with people I hadn’t seen for a while.
Everybody getting settled24 Motorhomes.
Happy hour came around and as we were the only ones at right angles to the wind that had a bit of a bite to it, we squeezed in between the old girls, The Globe4 and the Esprit 🙂
Friday night
The next morning, it was about getting ready for the 8k bike ride to McLeod’s Pizza and Brewery bar in Waipu which was mostly on a trail and was about 20 minutes ride away. We started with the customary team photo of all 29 of us and we were away.
29 heading for the Waipu Brewery 🙂 (and pizzas!)
It was a pretty easy ride and was mostly pretty flat. As we arrived early before the Brewery had opened, we headed off for a coffee across the road. Fiona saw one of the girls in the shop sneak off for some more milk 🙂 Great business for them as there were quite a few of us.
Bikes everywhere. Leaving Waipu for the campground.
Chris and Mary and Ben and Joss bought their vans in and joined in the fun.
Martin and Jill’s new Grand Alpa with Chris and Mary’s Esprit
Although there was quite a bit of wind around, it had dropped a bit, and the sun was shining so it was looking good for the Potluck dinner planned for later that day.
The official team pic 🙂
With the wind in the Southeast but a bit less of it, we decided to have the happy hour between the two oldest vans again to shield from the wind. It worked pretty well and then we shuffled off for our team photo.
Happy hour on Friday nightSaturday Happy hour
6 pm came around and it was time for us to move over the Kitchen where there were several tables available which made life easy.
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Up Early 🙂
Bikes everywhere. Leaving Waipu for the campground.
The official team pic 🙂
Saturday’s Happy hour view from the top of the sandhill 🙂
The queue for the food was out of the door and the food was amazing. Everybody made a real effort. A fabulous night and it was fantastic to see everyone tucking in and having fun.
The Camping Ground is one of our favourites with its 10 metre square parks and we were all literally only steps from one of the best beaches in NZ.
A few of us stayed over for another night and after a nice lunch at the Cove Restaurant down the road a bit, we enjoyed a fun happy hour with Mary and Tony outside their new Baby Alpa.
Happy hour on Sunday at Mary and Tony’s
A lot of fun and thanks you everyone for taking part.
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.
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