I was on a bit of a mission. I needed to get some leaky taps replaced out at Zion Motorhomes, and I had to be in Pokeno by 8am on a Tuesday. Anyone who knows me knows… I’m not a morning person! ?
Click on any Image to Enlarge
The lake next to the Club
Solution? I’d been wanting to check out the Waiuku Cossie Club’s motorhome parking and explore the township properly, so this was the perfect excuse.
Lovely outlook
I left Devonport around lunchtime on Monday and cruised down the Southern Motorway. Traffic was light, and I found myself in Waiuku early in the afternoon.
Parked next to the Wizard
On the edge of the carpark, in his motorhome, was my neighbour Wizard, doing a few running repairs on his newish Roller Team. He’s a full-timer and a real character.
The Waiuku Club
The setup here is great. There are three blocks of power boards with around eight sockets each. One quirk: when you pay your $25 with power, you also leave a deposit for a key to the power boards so you can switch your socket on.
The Bridge to Waiuku
After I’d paid, I found a spot near Wizard. He was plugged into a board nearby and kindly used his key to power up a socket for me, a great neighbour to have!
Click on the Gallery below for a Slideshow of Waiuku
Lovely Parking
The Historic Church in town
Downtown Waiuku
The Kentish Hotel
The park opoosite the Kentish Hotel looking out towards Glenbrook Steel Mill.
History everywhere
Loveley outlook
I’d driven through Waiuku quite a few times before, but only stopped briefly, so it was nice to have time for a proper wander. There’s a real charm to the place with plenty of older houses being lovingly restored and a tidy, vibrant main street.
The club’s motorhome park is tucked beside a lake, with a walk bridge that takes you straight into town in about 10 minutes. It’s a lovely, quiet spot. If you’re a member of the Clubs NZ network, you can also enjoy meals and drinks at the club, another bonus.
The park opposite the Kentish Hotel looking out towards Glenbrook Steel Mill.
All up, a great place to park up, unwind, and enjoy a charming little town.
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.
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.
Click on any Image for to Enlarge
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.
There is always a feeling of excitement when you are driving down the hill to Mystery Creek for the Park and Stay at these shows. You never quite know what is coming next.
Click on any Image to enlargeI was very lucky to get a spot not far from the gate thanks to the efficient parking from the Counties parking team.
I arrived in the middle of the afternoon on the Thursday, and it seemed like most of those staying was there too. Apparently, they had 900 registered stayers and another 150 odd for power… a great turnout.
People queuing to get in on Friday Morning
On the Friday morning, I went in for my first look and the thing that struck me most was the number of Ozzie Caravan manufacturers here with their raised Caravans. They’re built like Tanks 🙂
Inside the Urban Caravan
Perfect for the rough Ozzie outback. I had a quick look at one of them from a Melbourne company called Urban. Apparently, they’re Tig welded which they emphasised as a selling point.
Click on the Gallery below to enlarge the Urban Caravan
Nicely appointed and they look bullet proof but for a medium sized Caravan, available at $189,000.
One of the first Liteweight caravans
So, from there I was off to see the old Cars and Caravans and with their Art Deco decorating they looked stunning. These guys put their heart and souls into these.
Click on the Gallery below to see the vintage Cars and Caravans
I was lucky enough a few years ago to catch up with an old mate from the Herald who I worked with at a Liteweight Caravans get together at Cambridge and it was fabulous. We also met some of the well know members of the family who built them too. See that here.
My next stop was one of the most popular Dethleffs at the Zion stand, the Grand Alpa which is a beast. This comes in at 855cm and is 5.4 Tons and was going as a show special for $341,000. There is also a smaller version of this available which possibly suits NZ roads being 748cm long.
Click on the Gallery below to enlarge the Grand Alpa
This the outside of the XLI as the Grand Alpa was jammed in but they look identical from the outside.
I really enjoyed catching up with some old friends on the Dethleffs stand, some that I caught up with later for a cold one as you do 🙂
The Team at the NZMCA standThe crew at Kiwi fuels
I popped over to the NZMCA stand and checked in there. Nice to see the happy faces there too.
The UCC stand
I also checked out the new Rockwood’s and they’re massive insides with all the slide outs. Very nice and nice seeing a smart bunk layout for the kids.
Click on the Gallery below to see the Rockwood 5the Wheeler.
In the Gallery below is a general roundup. I saw the new Weber Traveller Barbeques which look great. Apparently, they have a complete set of extra bits and bobs just for these new models.
Click on the Gallery below to enlarge ..
No 1 Reo NZMCA
The Weber Traveller
Trailite Caravan
The Galley area inside Trailite Caravan
Inside the Trailite Caravan
Looking through the Trailite Caravan
The bedroom – Trailite Caravan
It was off to the tented pavilions then. From floating sunglasses to Gin, it was all here.
Click on the Gallery below for the outside exhibits.
Outside in the Park and Stay, it was fun, and I bumped into quite a few people I knew. By the Saturday though, there were some big holes opening in the parking which was interesting. People getting in early and going.
Click on the Gallery below for lots of white Motorhomes
This was the first one I’ve been to where there was a Stay and Eat area too for those parked so that was fun. A great show and lots of friendly faces.
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 KerikeriRainbow 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 MarketsThe 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 BakeryThe 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 🙂
On New Year’s Day we said goodbye to Steve and Rosemary. They were heading down towards Carterton.
Click on any Image to Enlarge
We were well overdue for a trip to Gisborne as it has been 7 years since our last visit!
We headed off via the coast up past Wairoa which seemed to go on forever. The forecast bad weather had arrived and was settling in.
We found a neat little Fish shop just by the turnoff to Mahia Peninsula which had the best Fish and Chips I’ve tasted for a long time then we headed off again up towards Gisborne.
The park
The new NZMCA park in Gisborne is a beauty right over the road from the beach. With the weather the way it was it was no real surprise to see a couple of cruise ships anchored off the coast.
Fiona checking out the cruise ships
The next day we spent the morning catching up with the Laundry, bedding and all. It was nice to have a everything clean again. After that we headed off to find a nice Cafe for some lunch and got some more groceries while we were right next to a 4 Square.
Waikanae BeachFiona on the beach
The new park is a cracker with the beach right over the road.
Well done to the local crew for the Garden Art, it looks great.
Thats exactly what it is too! Set out over 50 acres with Restaurants, A Wedding Venue, A Chapel, a Pub, an Art Gallery, A Gym… the list goes on.
Click on any Image to Enlarge
Nice parking
On our way to see friends on the Takaka Peninsula, we’ve driven past here a few times to it was time to try it out and see the markets on the Sunday which is Fiona’s favourite thing to do.
I booked two nights as I thought Fiona was coming too but at the 11th hour, she came down with a germ and told me not to stay around. It turned out that I came down with it anyway a few days later!
At the ride on train stationThe ride on Train
I arrived early in the morning on the Saturday and after getting settled in, I walked the 300 metres odd to the Cafe and central area. I was in the queue in the Cafe when good friends Mark and his wife Dinah arrived with Dinah’s brother Wayne.
The Cafe
I haven’t seen Wayne for years, so it was really nice to see them all. After a cup of coffee and something to eat, they headed off to a working bee at their place nearby.
Click on the Gallery below to see an Enlarged Slideshow
Inside Smiths, the pub.
Outside Smiths.
The Wedding reception area.
One of the Loos
After that, I went for a walk back to Rafe just as new neighbours were arriving.
I later went over to the pub to check it all out and it seemed there was a wedding on. Lots of people glammed up and had popped through from the adjoining wedding reception area.
The Gallery
I later met the General Manager Peter who was telling me that they had been absolutely dealt to by the rain and had all sorts of plans to upgrade the parking for the Motorhomes and add some new sites.
The Action Ninja World for kids
After a quiet drink with my neighbours, I packed it in for the night looking forward to the Markets the next morning 🙂
Rafe’s Tracker map to Matakana Country Park – Armada GPS
A big chunk of my family came from Oxford so its probably no surprise that we like it here.
Click on any Image to Enlarge
We popped into the cemetery to check on my grandparents.
The last time we were here, we popped in at the Museum and there was a few notable relatives who were in some displays in the Museum. They’ve done a wonderful job of expanding the Museum and adding to the collections.
Great pub
We called in a the Rustic Hotel at the end of the main st in Oxford. For $20 they provide powered parking behind the hotel. They also provide a nice meal to with it.
The Stairwell complete with the old phone
One of the chaps I was talking to who was a regular turned out to be a crane driver who did the lifting required for a cousins house not far down the road in Rangiora. Small world!
The Back parking area
We dropped in after parking Rafe and met some really interesting people at the bar and had a good look around. It was a fun afternoon and very reasonable parking.
An amazing old building with a very friendly helpful publican Ross, in a neat town.
After a couple of good nights at the NZMCA park in Te Anau, we set off towards Queenstown. By the time we got to Lumsden, it was time for a coffee and a walk to stretch the legs.
Click on any Image to Enlarge
Lumsden – Great parking
We were last here a few years ago and the place looks fantastic. The Heritage Train Station project is looking really good and is now a full fledged parking spot for Motorhomers wanting to stop in for a night or two. The Train and carriages are covered over and its looking great.
Carriage done
We wandered down to a small Café just on the main rd. next to the Train area which carried on the rustic them but with really nice food and coffee.
Click on the Gallery below to see enlarged Slideshow of Lumsden
Lumsden
The Trains now all covered
Carriage done
The Station
After half an hour we set off towards Queenstown. One of my favourite drives around here is alongside the lake up to Jacks point alongside Lake Wakatipu.
Enjoying the beach at Queenstown
We arrived at Creeksyde Motorcamp right on lunchtime. The first thing we did was give Rafe a wash and a general spruce up and what a difference, it changed colour!
A clean Rafe at CreeksydeThe Gardens
Queenstown was having one of those partly overcast / cloudy days which improved as the day went on. We decided after the last few days at a hectic pace we’d blob out a bit and spend a few days here so Fiona could catch up with her cousins Heather, Jan and Jan’s other half Rob.
Fiona was also keen to have a Fergberger which we did for lunch after we’d settled Rafe after his wash and opened vents etc.
Click on the Gallery below enlarged Slideshow of Queenstown
The Earnslwa on the lake
Queenstown
Queenstown
The bow of the Earnslaw
Downtaown Queenstown
On the bike ride to Frankton
Looking out twoards the Remarkables
One of the outdoor areas at Creeksyde
Outdoor area at Creeksyde
The loos at Creeksyde
So I got the bike down, Fiona wanted to walk and I met her down at the wharf and later outside the Fergberger shop ion the main St. The burgers are everything the ad says, they are fantastic.
After that we headed off towards the gardens and had a coffee outside the beachfront Café and watched all the goings on.
Looking out towards the RemarkablesQueenstown
The next day, we woke to a fantastic clear blue sky but still no snow on those mountains. Fiona got in touch with cousin Heather who popped around and we met in a café over the road and then came over to see us in Rafe in the campground. Its always neat to see Heather, she is always on the go.
The Boatshed CafeThe view from the deck at the Boatshed Cafe
After that, we decided it was a good day to do a bike ride through Queenstown, around the gardens on the point and right down to Frankton. Its about 15k’s for the round trip and is an easy ride through some of the best scenery.
We stopped in at The Boatshed Café which is close to the Frankton Marina and partly overlooks it. Their front deck over looks the water and looks out to the Remarkables and the food and service is amazing. There are heaps of bike racks there so you can secure your bike while you eat.
A great day out after which we headed back to Rafe and blobbed out with a nice G&T!
The Dump station st Creeksyde
We’ve stayed at Creeksyde quite a few times over the years. Its quite a quirky place with the plumbing decorations and the artwork.. one of the best dump stations around and well decorated too.
The loos at Creeksyde
They were doing a deal that if you stayed three nights, the tariff dropped to $49 a night down from $55 for two. Given that it is an easy walk to Queenstown shops and is well appointed with the best loos and showers around, I think its pretty reasonable and they’re always friendly and helpful.
On the edge of the Waikato river at Karapiro is an amazing complex set up for our competitive rowers. All the top rowing regattas are held here and most of our top Olympic and Commonwealth Games Rowers and Canoeists all train at this fantastic facility.
Click on any Image to enlarge
Nice parking on the lower camping areaDown by the river
Attached to this is the Campground run by Liz and her assistants and it is HUGE. There are two campgrounds and they’re dead flat. The top one is set back a bit from the river but has a view through the trees and the bottom campground, right on the river.
The Dethleffs Rally on the top campground
We had arranged to host the 2022 Dethleffs Rally here tip toeing a bit around the Covid outbreak which was at its peak. We lost a few due to Covid and about 8 or so more wanting to keep their heads down.
Click on the Gallery below for a Slideshow/to enlarge
Rowers finishing for the day
Rowers watching other races.
We spent some time at the Café here which is great too.. nice food and great coffee and an easy walk from the Motorhomes in either campground. Its a great spot for just watching the rowing too with a cuppa in hand.
It is 7 k’s odd from Cambridge and there is a bike trail all the way in so bring your bike. There is a no dogs policy but cats are ok.
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.
Bugger It, we are off - www.buggeritweareoff.com 
You must be logged in to post a comment.