Mangakino

After our rally driver efforts to escape the DOC camp at Arohena, we decided to look for somewhere, let’s just say a little less stressful to enter and depart. We had heard good things from lots of people about Mangakino. Given that it was really the next available place to stay along the river, it… Read More Mangakino

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?

Te Awanga – A Popular Spot

During the time we were in Taupo we were debating about going left or right. Left to Napier – Hastings or right to Whanganui. In the end, we chose left, giving us the chance to catch up with some fellow motorhomers who we hadn’t seen since earlier this year. It also allowed Sarah to visit… Read More Te Awanga – A Popular Spot

I’m Over There In The White Fiat!

A corny joke told hundreds of times already but one that’s rather apt for the Hamilton Motorhome Show. Although my van is silver, not white and also not in this photo. We have been to the show for the last two years, but this year Sarah had decided that since we weren’t buying a new… Read More I’m Over There In The White Fiat!

The Beauty of Bland Bay

Just a few km’s back down the road from Elliot Bay is the turnoff to Bland Bay and our usual go-to destination Puriri Bay the DOC camp at the end of the road. This time however without a DOC pass the thought of paying $15 per person per night to park on a bit of… Read More The Beauty of Bland Bay

Brian buy’s a Dinghy

Getting out and about around the country gives you the chance to meet various people in all sorts of different places. We had just arrived in Middlemarch from where we planned to ride the Otago Rail Trail as part of our South Island tour. We had pulled in behind a large bus and got chatting… Read More Brian buy’s a Dinghy

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 😀

Kairakau – Camping on the Beach

After the short stop in Napier it was time to start our exploration of the coast south from there towards Castlepoint. In some ways it’s a good thing that the road doesn’t run down the coast as this probably deters many people from taking the long and winding roads that lead towards these beautiful beaches.… Read More Kairakau – Camping on the Beach

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

Heading South – First Stop Taupo

We had planned that our next trip would head south with the idea to explore places that we hadn’t seen or been too for several years. I had told Sarah that I didn’t want to drive any further than Taupo on the first day although if she wanted to stop elsewhere on the way that… Read More Heading South – First Stop Taupo