Tag Archives: worth doing

Coromandel 2016

Nicks and Scratches

March 29, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

The Goldfields Railway station at Waihi was the perfect place to base ourselves for the bike ride to Karangahake and back. See my earlier blog on Goldfields Railway.

Rafe, Helen and Robs AutoTrail, and Dianne and Gary's XLI safely tucked in at the Goldfields Railway Motorhome parking — Rafe, Helen and Robs AutoTrail, and Dianne and Gary’s XLI safely tucked in at the Goldfields Railway Motorhome parking

We arrived at Waihi about 11am and plugged ourselves in and had just levelled Rafe up with the ramps when our friends from Snells beach, Rob, Helen and Chloe arrived in their AutoTrail Tracker and parked beside us.
A few more Motorhomers arrived straight after that and we were a wee bit concerned that there wouldn’t be enough powered parks left for Gary and Dianne in their XLI who were still to arrive from Taupo. I went and paid for our sites and we were given some cones for their site. They arrived not long after anyway.
It was hot and humid so we thought we’d have to do sundowners while giving Gary and Diannes new XLI’s Air conditioning a good workout and it stood up to the test well along with lots of laughs!

The next day we were up ready for the 10am train to Waikino with our bikes.

Waihi — Dianne, Helen, Rob, Chloe and Fiona on the train

Rob, Helen and Chloe set off for the 15k’s round trip walk and we were to meet up further down the trail.

We got our bikes off the train at Waikino as planned, and set of over a walkbridge to the Victoria Battery where there was pretty much a whole town setup, complete with power house and other buildings. It’s just a big empty space now. The power house is the site of the museum which is really interesting and well worth a look through.
As Fiona slowed down to stop in front of the first sign, she over balanced and ended up on the ground. Fortunately, it was just few scratches and bruises and she was back on her bike and away again.

On the train

Fiona on the first bridge at Waikino

Victoria Battery

In the Victoria Battery museum

Heading to karangahake

Others heading into the tunnel

Gary about to go into the tunnel

The view before the tunnel. You could be anywhere in the world.

Dianne, Gary and Fiona heading into the tunnel

The narrow bit. Gary on his bike on the right. The girls were further around.

The swing bridges at Karangahake looking behind!

After leaving Victoria Battery, there was a 3-4k flat run until we got through to the tunnel. This was quite a sensation. Gary and I rode through the tunnel but Fiona and Dianne pushed their bikes through on foot. It was amazing to ride through as although it is lit, it really is still quite dark. There is also quite a bit of water from the rain seeping though and quite muddy. Gary and I and the bikes were in a bit of a state when we came out the other end🤓. Rob, Helen and Chloe had done well on foot to get here in good time and were looking good. Gary and I were covered in mud.
After the girls caught up, we were keen to get some lunch so we biked back across the swing bridge to a great cafe called the Talisman where, as Gary read from the sign, they have “world famous BLT’s” which were amazing. They also have a big Motorhome compatible carpark if you want to go directly.

Fiona and Dianne coming out of the tunnel

We set off after lunch back across the swing bridge to head back to Waikino. The first part of the track is really not rideable and in some parts is only a few feet wide and right next to the river. A stunning walking track so close to the raging water that you could be anywhere in the world…
Where it joins up back to the tunnel entrance it becomes rideable again all the way back to Waikino.
We got back to Waikino and caught up with Rob, Helen and Chloe with 10 minutes to spare before the last train of the day was departing at 2:30.
Gary and Dianne decided to ride back to Waihi, another 8k’s or so so off they went. We briefly saw them from the train across the river on the trail as we caught up to them when we’re nearly back at Waihi. Unfortunately Dianne took a tight turn in the track and came off, an accident black spot that probably should be marked. Like Fiona, luckily, the damage was restricted to some grazes and bruises and she was able to continue riding back.

After the ride/walk and before the rain! Gary, Fiona(back on) Rob, Helen and Chloe — After the ride/walk and before the rain!
Gary, Fiona(back on) Rob, Helen and Chloe

We sat under Gary and Diannes awning with some heavy showers, with a few cold ones after that comparing notes and the girls compared their battle scars. Neither looked too good but there were no broken bones and I think after a couple of ciders, all was ok.

Gary cut the back of his leg on his pedal and I got a scratch on my leg but can’t remember how, so it was bandages at dawn for us all.😀

We all agreed it was a fantastic day enjoying some fantastic NZ scenery which you can only get to by getting out on foot or bike. If you’re in the area, a must do!

Waikato

Jukebox and Classic Cars

March 24, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

As you arrive into Hamilton off the expressway from the north, you will see at one of the roundabouts, a car on top of a pole.

This is the Jukebox Cafe and Classic Car Museum. NZMCA members can stay the night here for free and there is tons of room at the back of a huge carpark.

The Jukebox cafe is all decked out with an American 60’s Rock n roll type decor along with the staff wearing the retro clobber. While we didn’t eat here it all looks pretty good.

Click on the images for Hi res / Slideshow

The Auburn

The back of the Auburn

A car I had as a teenager, a Mark 1 Zephyr

Corvette

The front of the Auburn

An Alvis

Fiona’s favourite, the Messerschmitt

The Classic Car Museum is a must do and is someone’s private collection. It includes a caravan, a Cord, and an amazing looking Auburn which I’d never heard of.

There’s a Messerschmitt along with trucks and many others. You’ll easily get lost in here for an hour or two.

Us and Dianne and Gary's XLI — Us and Dianne and Gary’s XLI

We went through here with Gary and Dianne before they headed back to Taupo and were sitting in the carpark getting ready for a cuppa while waiting for Fiona. She was really taken with the Messerschmitt.

Close to home, Friends

Mike’s Fridge upgrade – The Detail

March 18, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Mike and Wendy are the proud owners of a French Rapido A class Motorhome which they bought nearly a year ago.

He discovered after he received it that his fridge wasn’t doing what he wanted it to and being the clever person that he is, and a Plumber and Gasfitter with more than 40 years experience, he decided to do something about it.

Some of you will remember his earlier post but this greatly expands on what he did earlier.

In Mike’s words and pictures .. Go Mike:

RAPIDO OTT RV FRIDGE UPGRADE

French Import: Rapido
Model: 890F
Year of manufacture: 2014
Length: 7.39m
Width: 2.35m
Height: 2.82m
Fridge make: Dometic
Fridge model: RMD 8505
Fridge climate classification: SN
Type of Gas: LPG

My name is Michael Brick. We were luckily enough to purchase a Rapido A class motorhome which we really love.

Over the past year there have been a few upgrades mainly to accommodate our needs. Firstly I installed a new LPG regulator which was part of certification requirements and a pipe system upgrade to accommodate the two gas bayonets at the rear of the motorhome, then the outside shower and finally the OTT FRIDGE UPGRADE.

The original fridge installation carried out by Rapido was to good manufactures specifications, however the fridge’s cooling ability was not meeting my specifications.

At this stage I would like to point out I am not a fridge technician, however I have 45 years experience as a Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter.

THE OTT FRIDGE:

Unfortunately the data plate revealed an: “SN climate classification” SN = Subnormal, suitable for use in ambient temperatures of +10°C to +32°C suited for European countries.

Ouch!!! I was told, better to have had the ST climate classification.
ST = Subtropical, suitable for use in ambient temperatures of +16°C to +38°C suitable for NZ climatic conditions.

To find a solution I wrote to Dometic NZ with the following questions and was pretty chuffed to get a very comprehensive reply.

Q. What are the differences between the “SN” and the “ST” climate classification fridges.

A. “T” rated fridges have something called VIP vacuum insulation panels, high value insulation, better insulation in the door et.

If you purchased a “T rated” fridge and put it in the existing cavity it would not go any better. The main issue is the venting. If you take the top vent out and can see the condenser fins it will not work. The bottom of the top vent should be above the top of the fins and a deflector plate from the top/back of the fridge to the inside/top of the vent. While this may seem a subtle difference it makes all the difference.

MY INSTALLATION.

THE COOLING TOWER

Proper baffling of the upper portion of the cabinet is a must to prevent eddies of air from hindering the hot air from escaping.

A lack of airflow across the condenser fins may require additional fans to help circulate and exhaust the hot air from the cooling compartment.

1). FAN BRACKET:

Through the LS300 vent aperture I lowered a 25x25mm aluminum angled bracket to 40mm below the condenser fins, then fixed to the side walls. The fan was then lowered and fitted to the alloy bracket (long screw driver needed).

2). THE BAFFLE: This pre made baffle was lowered through the LS300 vent aperture. The long flat portion slides between the alloy bracket and the outside wall of the motorhome. The top of the baffle is set 6mm below the bottom of the condenser fins.

3). THE FLUE: Spills temperatures of over 200 degrees into the cooling tower next to the cooling fins of the condenser. To stop this heat spilling around the fins I created a division in the baffle then fitted a curved shield around the chimney/flue pipe to guide hot gases up towards the vent aperture.

This photo shows the position of the baffle. The top edge is placed 10mm below the cooling fins. The cold air travelling up the tower is diverted onto the cooling fins.

This photo shows how the bottom of the baffle interlocks with the fan bracket. The baffle can be raised or lowered to, to set the correct distance from the condenser fins.

4). BOTTOM FAN: this is placed at the bottom of the cooling tower. Controlled by a 70 degree temperature thermostat (normally open) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on.
Duratech 120mm: YX-2584
Air flow: 64.3 (CFM)
Current: 0.22A
Fan Speed: 1500 rpm
Noise: 25dBA
Burner Pressure: 2.75kPa

5). TOP FAN: This is placed under the cooling fins of the condenser. Controlled by a 50degree temperature thermostat (normally open) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on.
Duratech 120mm: YX-2584
Air flow: 64.3 (CFM)
Current: 0.22A
Fan Speed: 1500 rpm
Noise: 25dBA

6). FRIDGE FAN: This is a double fan assembly fixed to the cooling fins by an alligator clip.

These fans are controlled by a 100 degree temperature thermostat (normally shut) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on. Wires for the fans run through the hole provided for the thermistor cable. To gain access to this hole, the cooling fins have to be removed.
Air flow: 14.7 (CFM)
Current: 0.18

7). FRIDGE FAN: This is a single fan fixed to the bottom of the 2nd shelf right hand side of the fridge. Testing in many spots found this to be the best position.
Controlled by a 100 degree temperature thermostat (normally shut) and a switch wired into the fans power supply so that I have control over when the fan is on.
Duratech 90mm: YX-2572
Air flow: 31.32 (CFM)
Current: 0.13A
Fan Speed: 1500 rpm
Noise level: 20dBA

8). TEMPERATURE THERMOSTATS:

9). FAN SWITCHES: there is full control of all fans.

10). THERMOMETERS: Two type K thermometers are visible for convenient monitoring of temperatures.

The top thermometer: Its wire probe is placed under the 100 degree thermostat. When temperatures of 100 degrees are reached, the fridge fans have turned off. In essence the fans just tricks the fridge into cooling for longer periods.

If the fans were installed with no means of control the cooling cycle remains on too long, which under certain circumstances may cause overheating of the ammonia.

The bottom thermometer: This records temperatures of the rich ammonia solution eg the cooling process. It’s wire probe is attached to the liquid heat exchanger which is below the absorber tank.

The digital Manometer:
This shows the fridges correct burner pressure of 2.75kPa.
Note: If you increase this pressure you can expect your flame to produce more heat and higher temperatures throughout your cooling system.

11). TESTING: While comparing the fridges performance on LPG I noticed the ammonia temperatures were a lot higher than when testing on 230 volts. With concerns there maybe a overheating issue I wrote to Dometic NZ. Again, I was very pleased with there informative response.

A. Dometic AU.

While running on an element such as 12 volt DC or 240 volt AC the heat input is over a very precise area around about 85 mm in height this is shorter than the actual element as the filament in the body of the element is short than the over all of the element.

The electric elements are held against the pump tube using steel tubes welded to the side of the pump which directly conducts the heat energy into the side of the pump tube.

The gas flue is welded to the pump tube in the same area as the electric elements for about 90 mm so you end up with the 2 electric sleeves and the gas flue tube all welded to the pump for the same distance and in the same vertical location.

The difference is the electric elements only produce heat energy over a short distance you could say the full length of the welded sleeve about 90 mm, yet the gas flame running up the gas flue heats the full length of the gas flue. The part of the gas flue welded to the pump does all the work adding heat energy into the pump in the right place to separate ammonia from water.

The fact the gas flue runs up the pump tube means there is added heat energy leaking into the overall vertical height of the pump tube which does not happen when running on electricity.

The gas flue is located so it does not touch the pump tube above the weld but it is still very close and encased in insulation which holds in the extra energy.

The result is while running on gas you have a number of things happening which do not happen while running on electricity.

The steel pump tube on gas is hotter all the way to the top and conducts more heat all the way across the condenser.

There are also chemical reactions taking place inside the tube which raise the condenser surface temperatures due to the prolonged heat input over the full length of the pump.

With the added heat to the pump above the weld the pump tends to add more steam to the mix leaving the pump area so the ratio of ammonia vapour and water changes when compared to electric operation.

With more steam (Water) in the mix the condenser must work harder shedding more heat as it turns the steam into water which runs back to the pump.

Stating the above is true however added heat to the condenser without increasing the airflow to remove that heat will raise the surface temperature. This all designed into the unit and is expected.

Just because the temperature goes up in some areas when running on gas doesn’t mean the overall result is not the same as when on electric.

Higher surface temperatures through the condenser while running on gas is not unusual.

11). Wireless fridge/freezer thermometer:

The top thermometer is 1 degree out. The correct reading is fridge -1, freezer -19.

Northland

The Markets

March 17, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

After the Covi Show, I picked up Fiona and we decided to head up north. Waipu sounded good and we with the weather looking good for the weekend, we knew we could probably stay at the Caledonian Park.

The trip was easy and we scooted up the motorway and up to Waipu arriving early in the afternoon. We were greeted with a No Camping sign which looked a bit flash but looked as though it might have been forgotten about and left out by accident.

It is such a nice place to stay that I thought it was worth a phone call to see what was up. The really nice chap on the other end said that it was because they had two weddings over the next two Saturdays and they didn’t want big motorhomes being in their faces just outside the window BUT ! .. if we were to park down the other end and and park end on, we were welcome to stay the night.. yippee !

Parked end on at the end of the field. Alan and Bev on the right. The wedding in the hall in the distance

$10 a night with power, just behind the main street in Waipu, fabulous spot and walking distance to everywhere.

Just after we got settled, a knock on the door from another motohomer asking about the sign. I gave him the number, explained about the weddings and he parked more into the trees than I was. Fiona wanted her TV signal so that prevented me from getting right underneath 🙂

Alan and Bev were English and had been here for most of summer and are retired camp ground owners and have been coming here to see their family. Nice couple and they’re currently trying to sell their motorhome to go back to the UK.

We decided we’d walk down to the McLeod Pizza barn where the pizzas are fantastic. Thin bases with heaps on them and very good value. I had been suffering from hayfever so was feeling pretty knackered so after that, we headed back to Rafe and crashed.

The next morning, the sun was out and it was market day. Every Sunday, they have a market at the hall in the main street. Great vibes with local people doing their thing.

The sign

The Markets

At the Markets

Fiona bouight some Peaches from here . Yum

The Markets

Mosaic pots

As the day went on, Bev and Alan left to go down the coast and several new people came in with their vans. It really is a great spot in fine weather. The grass is solid but I’m not sure I’d want to be there after or during a heavy all day rain. Their is some gravel parking with power around the other side for that but being under the trees in the sun was very pleasant.

Later in the day, our water pump started making some funny noises like louder and a bit whiney. I texted Jonas the importer and he suggested we get it looked at as we passed the repairers at Silverdale. On the way home the following day, we stopped of at Vantage RV to get it checked out. Johan turned the galley tap on and looked at me with a “yuk” type face. “We won’t waste any time with this” as he left and went and got another pump and installed it there and then. The submersible pump showed signs of being on its last legs, with water creeping up the wire into the pump motor and Johan reckoned it was not far off seizing. It must have been a duff one from the start. The whole process took less than an hour and we were off back to Milford.

Hats off to Jonas (Dethleffs NZ) and Johan and the team at Vantage RV for very prompt service.
The whines from the pump were bad, imagine the whine from Fiona if she had no water 🙂

Coromandel 2016

Karangahake History

March 12, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

On the way back from Waihi we stopped in for a look at the Karangahake gorge.

The two Batteries over the bridges. Karangahake at its best! — The two Batteries over the bridges. Power station in the middle. Karangahake at its best!

We are intending to do the bike trail but it’s all about gathering up more knowledge before we take this on.

The first battery as it looked at the time

It’s a really interesting area with several short walks that are not part of the trail. We had a look at a couple of the old power stations and batteries while we were there which takes an hour according to the sign. The walking doesn’t take anything like that and it’s well worth a look.

Click on the images to see them in hi res or slideshow

The overall map on the site

The first swing bridge

The second swing bridge with the battery ruins on the left

The River in the gorge

Fiona being a goldminer

The river

The second battery

The second battery at the lowest level

The second battery at the middle level with the huge wall remaining

The second level wall with the walkway across the river

Remains of the track for the ore

The battery end of the skyway ore buckets. (Flying fox)

Looking along the river with the road alongside

Looking back into Karangahake

Looking back to Karangahake as it was at the time

Karangahake was a small town which included all the things you’d expect to see in a town like Te Aroha or similar.

We walked across the swing bridges and up the hill past the power station, the two batteries built down the hillsides. The ore was swung across the river from the tops of hills in a flying fox type of setup before processing with cyanide. It really was a huge setup. It’s not until you’re up there that you realise the scale of it all and looking at the remains, what it must have taken to build the buildings themselves and the infrastructure to go with it.

We walked all around and as the weather deteriorated, we worked our way closer to Rafe in the carpark. Another one of those feature areas that I’ve driven past lots of times and was really pleased we stopped for a look.

Coromandel 2016

The Goldfields train

March 10, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 3 Comments

Isn’t just great having the NZMCA app now running on our iPads. Even though I’ve had the gps files installed in Rafes in dash gps, it’s really nice sitting in the deck chair with the iPad and figuring out where to next with the app.

The Motorhome parking behind the station

We found in the iPad, a great spot in Waihi that sounded fantastic. It’s at the Goldfields railway station at Waihi. For $10 per night, there are 6 powered sites and more space for others as well. There is also access to water and the Rail Trail toilets as the Rail Trail ends at the railway station. About 15 minutes walk away is the centre of town.

Click on the images for hi res or slideshow

Waihi station

The train with the Waihi station

Today’s driver

Nicely kept carriages

Rafe in the overnight area from the train

Pulling out of Waihi, off to Waikino

The traffic to waihi

Close to waikino

A nice Mitzi zooming past

Arriving at Waikino

Waikino station

Inside the cafe at Waikino station

Outside Waikino station

Shifting the loco

Allaboard

Back to Waihi

On the way back to Waihi

The Conductor watching at a crossing

We arrived and plugged in, paid for the park and we’re just in time for the last train ride to Waikino and back. The perfect way to check out the bike trails before walking or biking the Karangahape gorge trails.

Waihi station with the parking behind — Waihi station with Rafe parked behind

The train stops for 15 minutes or so, just enough time for a beer, glass of wine or just a coffee or ice cream. A great way to spend a couple of hours and fun too.
There are 3 return trips each day from Waihi.

Close to home

Gulf Harbour

March 2, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Over the last few months there has been quite a lot of discussion on the NZMCA forum on the changes to the Free camping area at Gulf Harbour.

Nice spot for overnighting with a great view

We were going to spend a night with my brother in law John and his other half Marnie at Silverdale and as we were a bit early, we decided to check it out and stop for a cup of tea. The weather wasn’t playing the game so it wasn’t looking its best as the nice overnighting spot that it is.

Nice for a cup of tea, Great outlook right back to the City

I think the council have done quite a good job of separating the boat trailer car parking, the Motorhome parking and the ferry parkers.

The sign writing is nice and clear and allows plenty of room for everyone.

A great spot with good facilities including a dump station

My only comment for improvements would be to take a leaf out of Taupo councils book and paint the 3m fire safety gap, as No Parking between each park, so the tourists and those not aware, don’t try to jam in late at night.

Oops, maybe here for the day — Oops, maybe just stopping for a moment.. Nice long trailer parking for the boaties.

We only stopped for a look and moved on to Silverdale but a big improvement.

Art Deco 2016

Wairakei Steam

February 25, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

I don’t know how many times I’ve driven past Wairakei over the years but as we left Gary and Diannes place this time and we had plenty of time, I thought we’d get a closer look at where some of our power comes from.

The plumbing undera bridge and the steam

After taking a couple of wrong turns and ending up at a semi rural café and camping ground down a dusty road and getting rafe all covered in muck and another turn ending up at a Contact office block, we found the Lookout road alongside a BP service station. There is very little to say where the lookout is but the road leads along fences, past lots of expensive looking plumbing and you end up driving up a hill to the lookout. Well worth the effort.

A panorama from the lookout. Click on this for more detail.

I took a few piccies and we were on our way.

Amazing to think that all that heat comes out from under our feet and creates our power or at least some of it.

Close to home

Tug Racing lots of images

February 3, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Anniversary Day on the Waitemata Harbour (Auckland Harbour for our off shore friends) is always a spectacle. Especially for those of us that like to smell some diesel and hear some noise 🙂

Oh and by the way – this is still a motorhoming blog 🙂 .. apologies for all the marine things but its that time of the year !

The Tug Race is now open to all Work boats and its always nice to see some of the Classic old timers mix it up with the new machines on the water.

Lots of pictures.. click on the images to see them in there full glory.

Sterling

A Yacht struggles in the wash

Sterling

Steam Tug William C Daldy

Te Hauraki

Ferro

Ferro with visiting Passenger ship

Sierra

Enjoy

To see images from the Mahurangi part of this event see http://www.waitematawoodys.com

Close to home, Great Beaches

Wenderholm – another great Auckland Park

January 31, 2016 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

With the heatwave, if you can call it that, we set off for a park beside a beach where we could swim.

Our friends Rob and Helen have stayed regularly and highly recommended Wenderholm Self Contained parks. The park is well setup with a boat ramp (tidal), Electric BBQ’s and Picnic Tables that are free to use and nice new toilets too.

Remember to click on the images for Hi Res

Our parking area with the BBQ and table in the foreground

We arrived in the early afternoon, settled down Rafe and headed straight for the beach. A really nice beach with views across to Whangaparoa and you can even see Rangitoto Island.

I was surprised it was so busy for a Monday but it was hot and it is still holiday time. As the day went on, more motorhomes arrived and while we had a glass of wine before tea, a visitor from Wellington was out entertaining us with his metal detector looking for treasure.
He found a house key, several coins and said he’d previously found an expensive ring!

With the Waikato Buses

Behind the beach picnic areas

People enjoying the Estuary

The Toilet Block

The Boat Ramp

At Dusk

Late arrivals at the ramp

I’m think that I would prefer to park in a fenced off parking area like Sullivans Bay, another Auckland City Park further north. In saying that, where we were and because there were a few of us, it gave the impression that it was a motorhome area and cars didn’t park near us.

We have had a situation where we’ve been at beachs where the day trippers have been quietly drinking all day and leave to drive home where they can barely walk.(Not this one)

All in all, a nice place to stay, nice beach and things to cook on too.