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.?
This is one of those events you just don’t want to miss — and it’s easy to see why it sells out in a matter of days! The Te Aroha Romp is always a highlight on the NZMCA calendar, and once again the Waikato crew pulled off an amazing weekend.
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In the NZMCA park
I arrived at the NZMCA park next door on Thursday so I could settle in 🙂 It’s a nice wee park and so close to town too. With the Romp on right next door, the park was really humming. Russell the camp custodian was having a busy day and doing a great job keeping everything running smoothly.
Terry popping out!
Just after backing into my parking spot, I met Terry and Catherine a couple of vehicles along with their recently acquired Trailite. I joined them later for happy hour, a great crew and plenty of laughs.
The next morning, Russell told me the back gate was open, making it easy to drive straight next door to the event parking. After settling Rafe and opening a few vents, I wandered into the Silver Fern Farms Events Centre to check in. I bumped into Des, the OC of the event, who’s been running it since its early days in Tokoroa. He was in good form and ready to roll!
Click on the Gallery below to enlarge – The Parking
The Entrance
The parkers did an incredible job fitting in over 550 motorhomes and caravans, almost all on the Friday. The horseshoe shaped setup around the main rugby field looked fantastic, a real sight to see.
Over 550 Motorhomes and Caravans! Click to Enlarge!
That night, Coopers Run kicked things off with a great set in the Events Centre. They were excellent, but I was pretty knackered so retired to Rafe for a quiet movie night.
Coopers Run with plenty enjoying dancing to their music.
Saturday morning, the games began! I spent most of it catching up with friends I hadn’t seen for ages, but I did catch the egg-throwing contest, always good fun.
Jean during the Egg catching competition.The Egg Throwing
Then came the piping in of the Haggis and the whisky ceremony, followed by the pipe bands.
In comes the Haggis
If you’ve got any Scottish blood, it really gets the hairs on your neck standing up, just magic.
Click on the Gallery below to enlarge. – The Haggis
In comes the Haggis
During the afternoon there was a pipe band competition and a march of the combined Pipes bands in the main paddock. Seriously good sound 🙂
Click on the Gallery below to enlarge. – see the Pipe Bands
Coming in for the competition.
The judging grandstand
Disppaly on in the main ground.
Impressive marching and the sound was awesome.
After happy hour, I wandered back to the Events Centre for the Paul Madsen Band — a 70s hippy-themed night with some amazing costumes. For just three musicians, they really packed a punch, and Paul’s voice was something else.
Click on the Gallery below to enlarge – The Paul Madsen Band
Michael and Earl
Paul Madsen
The Paul Madsen Trio
Sunday morning, the rugby was on the big screen, plenty of nervous energy in the first half, but the All Blacks got the better of the Irish after the break. The collective sigh of relief was something to behold!
All Blacks v Ireland
Later that afternoon, Lisa Lorrell took the stage, performing songs from Phantom of the Opera and more. A relaxed, musical way to round out the weekend, topped off with another cheerful happy hour where I met some lovely folks from Taranaki.
Lisa Lorrall
Monday morning came far too quickly. After a quick coffee and a stop at the dump station next door, I pointed Rafe north up the Matamata Road and back to Auckland.
Another great Romp done and dusted, huge thanks to all the volunteers and organisers who make this event so special every year. Can’t wait for the next one!
Rafe’s tracker map to Te Aroha Romp and NZMCA park – Armada GPS
The weather was due to brighten up, and with Fiona working for the next few days, it was time to get Rafe off the blocks before the tyres went square!
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There was an NZMCA rally on that weekend at the Glenbrook Model Railway, and I was pretty keen to check it out.
When I was a wee chap, I had my own model railway layout that took up half a room, complete with viaducts, tunnels, and even lights in the buildings, so this was right up my alley.
Nice parking with a bit of sunshine at Kaiaua
After being an NZMCA member for more than 10 years, it was also probably the first rally I’ve been to in the Auckland area… so, it was definitely overdue!
The tide was out. The Kaiaua NZMCA park
Since the rally didn’t start until Friday, I decided to spend a couple of nights beforehand at the Kaiaua NZMCA park next to the pub. Always a great spot and the meals there are superb. I spent a sunny afternoon walking along the foreshore, checking out the Pink Dairy up the road, and wandering down to the muddy marina.
Click on the Gallery below to see enlarged images of Kaiaua
Kaiaua waterfront up by the pink Dairy
The bar at the pub.
Lovely spot in the corner
Friday rolled around, and after a quick stop in Pukekohe to top up with water, I set off for Glenbrook.
Parked next to the ride on track which wasn’t working due to a broken part.
I arrived at the Glenbrook Leisure Time Centre and met John, who was hosting the event and busy parking everyone up, and Rob, who had created the venue from scratch.
The Glenbrook Leisure Time CentreParked alongside the track
Just as I got settled, a Glenbrook Steam Train thundered past about 10 feet from the motorhomes, what a great sight! Sadly, I was too slow with the camera (not like me to miss that one!).
Checking out Robs huge model Train project.
Rob then gave us a guided tour of the whole model railway setup, and what an amazing place. He’s built everything himself, the buildings, the track, and even a small ride-on train, all beautifully detailed and clearly a labour of love. It’s a fantastic setup and well worth seeing.
Click on the Gallery (Enlarged) below to see who you might know 🙂
As the day went on, more and more motorhomes and caravans rolled in, and by the 4pm happy hour, the place was buzzing. There were raffles, plenty of laughs, and that great friendly rally atmosphere. Later, after dinner, we even had a bingo night, which was a real hoot.
Saturday was all about chatting and catching up with people, some familiar faces from the Dethleffs Owners Group, which was a nice surprise. I was hoping another train might go past, but being off-season, it wasn’t to be.
The weather held up pretty well too, a bit windy but warm, and only a couple of brief showers that barely registered.
All up, it was a fantastic weekend with great company at a fun and fascinating venue. Can’t ask for more than that!
Rafe’s tracker map to the Glenbrook Leisure Time Centre – Armada GPS
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.
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.
Cruising into Te Aroha was pretty interesting this time. With the weather bomb having just rolled through, there was water everywhere.
The main shopping area.
I drove down to the area by the river behind town, and the water had completely covered the carpark. Huge parts of the wetlands leading up to the NZMCA park were underwater too. I’ve never seen it like that.
Water everywhere
Later, once I was settled at the NZMCA park, I caught up with my mate Des, who was on duty as the park custodian. He explained that there’s often a delay with the water coming down from the Kaimais into the Waihou River, so they were half expecting it to rise like that. Good local knowledge!
There were a few hardy souls out !Te Aroha Museum
Des also runs the Te Aroha Town Romp, which used to be the Tokoroa Timbertown Romp, always a great event, and it’s held right next door at Boyd Park.
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! ?
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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.
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!
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….
On previous trips to Masterton, I’d always struggled to find decent parking for 8m Rafe anywhere near the main shopping area or even close. It was a real treat to discover there’s now a new NZMCA park that solves all that!
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Lovely park
This was our first visit to the relatively new Masterton NZMCA Park, and it’s an absolute cracker. There’s a raised walking track built on a bund beside the river that leads to a swing bridge and right into a park that’s basically in the heart of town. It’s an easy 15-minute stroll into central Masterton.
Neighbours at Masterton
The park itself is well set up with a dump station, fresh water, and huge parking bays. It has to be one of the best we’ve stayed at.
The track with the river beside.
The next day, we wandered along the river into the park for a look around. My two-year-old grandson has recently developed a big fascination with trains, and sure enough there was a ride-on, small-scale diesel train doing loops through the gardens. I couldn’t resist grabbing a quick video to send to him. He’ll love it!
The lake around the train.Looking along the river from the swing bridge.
After that, we explored the local museum, which is actually part of a wool shop complex. Tucked in alongside it is the Fire Museum, which turned out to be a real gem. Some of the displays were created by Peter Jackson’s crew, which added a bit of cinematic magic to the experience.
Click on the Gallery below to see more Images of Masterton
The ride on train
Looking along the river towards the suspension bridge.
Horse drawn Fire Appliance
In the wool display
Shearers in the Wool area.
Masterton
Right next door was a lovely little café, perfect for a relaxed lunch, and then straight next door again was the supermarket, so we stocked up the pantry too. Everything was super convenient.
We both found ourselves wondering whether we should just stay an extra night, but the wine trails of Martinborough and the boutique shops in Greytown were calling… so it was time to keep moving.
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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