Magical Mangakino

Before we moved on from the Whakamaru Reserve we wanted to get the bikes out and complete part of the Waikato River cycle trail we had done two years ago. By riding back from our position we could finish the route between Whakamaru and Mangakino. One of our fellow campers who appeared quite the experienced… Read More Magical Mangakino

Whakamaru. Lakeside Paradise.

After leaving the Horahora Domain it was time to find a new destination without having to travel too far. This trip was about relaxation not seeing how far we could drive. Also with the price of diesel climbing through the roof who wants to have to keep filling their tank. We have had a number… Read More Whakamaru. Lakeside Paradise.

Saddle Sore In Waihi

After spending two restful nights staying with our friend Terry (see last blog), it was time to move on. However, before doing that, we wanted to take advantage of the coolness of the morning and squeeze in another bike ride. To be honest about it, my legs and lungs felt positive about the ride. My… Read More Saddle Sore In Waihi

What Goes Down Might Not Come Up

Time to move on from Bulmers Landing. Not because we had too instead, we were keen to continue exploring the area. The road map shows a couple of possible routes alongside the Waikato river one closer than the other. Deciding to hug the river on the narrower backcountry road, we found ourselves almost alone on… Read More What Goes Down Might Not Come Up

Where will we land?

With the first round of chemo taking place on last Thursday and Friday, I took the weekend to recover. Then it was off in the motorhome for an eagerly awaited break and some rest and relaxation. Last time I went through chemo, it was (almost) a breeze. Sadly not so this time with a ghastly… Read More Where will we land?

Kaiaua and Fish and Chips 😀

After leaving Tapapakanga we planned on exploring another of the Auckland regional parks, Waharau which is only really just down the road a few km’s but rather than being on the coastal side is part of the Hunua Ranges and as such the park is set into the bush. The drive between the two parks… Read More Kaiaua and Fish and Chips 😀

Nipping into Napier

After spending 3 nights at Whakaipo Bay it was time to move onto another destination with the aim of this trip to head towards the Wairarapa and the beaches along the eastern shoreline the next logical step was to overnight in Napier. We had visited a couple of freedom camping spots last year and had… Read More Nipping into Napier

A Guide To Buying Your First E Bike

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about buying your first motorhome. Later, when I was talking with some friends, we started talking about E-Bikes and the benefits of having one with you when you travel in your motorhome. From there, the discussion turned to “why don’t you write a blog about E-Bikes?” so… Read More A Guide To Buying Your First E Bike

Mangungu Mission and Horeke

Imagine standing on the front porch of your house looking out over the harbour to see 400 waka beached along the shore and 4000 Maori standing in your front garden. This would have been the case had you been at the Mangungu Mission on February 12th 1840 for the largest single signing of the Treaty… Read More Mangungu Mission and Horeke

Greymouth

Leaving the beautiful camping area at Lake Brunner it was time to head back towards civilisation to stock up on a few supplies. However the plan was to take a bit of a detour on the way stopping at Blackball a town made famous by a labour strike at the coal mine won in the… Read More Greymouth