The Great Summer Road Trip Comes to an End

Another stopover in Hamilton where I mixed with the local riff raff.

A late night trip to the casino turned $20 into $38 before striking a jackpot of $900!  Thank you, Outback Jack!

Hamilton Gardens were well worth the visit the next morning ...

... then on to Taupo and back to home, where a little black cat was very pleased to see me.

Petone Ponderings looks forward to resuming our Summer Season of postings. 

The Great Summer Road Trip, Day 10

The morning was spent exploring the wee settlement of Kohukohu. This is reached by car ferry from Rawene and it is a busy, frequent service.

Kohukohu is a beautiful, serene town and one I had wanted to visit for a long time.

Continuing the 'we've got the oldest' theme of this trip, I was intrigued by this sign.

The bridge was the first stone span in New Zealand and is the oldest surviving bridge overall. In the old photos it looked to be very pleasing to the eye, but has been allowed to be partially buried and largely unloved today. Come on Kohukohu, sort this out.

At midday it was time to hit the road for the first leg of the return journey. We didn't get far before a stop at Opononi was called for. Northland really does sand dunes very well!

I still have my stamp album from childhood and I recall the issue and collection of a stamp featuring Tane Mahuta. Back then the traveller could touch and lean on the mighty kauri, but we are taking much more care now. You can still get very close, but Tane is given a little personal space and has his own dedicated Department of Conservation officer on hand to keep the fans at bay.

The Great Summer Road Trip, Day 9

The rain was just starting to fall and was at times very heavy as we headed west (actually, west, south, north, east, west ... these road signs are very confusing) and in just over two hours completed the fifty minute trip from Paihia to Rawene, on the Hokianga harbour. The sun was shining as we arrived in this lovely village. 

Accommodation is in the charming Postmaster's Lodgings, and the following photos are particularly for our regular blog visitor, Sue, who will appreciate the decor!

As much as I would like to lie around in my splendid room, I will take a walk around the area and soak up the charm a little more.

The Great Summer Road Trip, Day 8

They really need to be a little more precise with the road signage up here in the winterless north. When you are setting off for Kerikeri and see a sign that says 'Mission House' it is easy for the out-of-towner to assume that this is the mission house, sometimes called Kemp House, that is right next door to the Stone Store you are heading for. This is not the case. There is a Te Waimate Mission House, too. Luckily this mission house is absolutely exquisite and comes with a beautiful church and historic graveyard, and the hours taken getting lost and exploring it are well spent.

They really love being the oldest in things up here, so today I saw the oldest and second oldest buildings in New Zealand, and the oldest oak tree and oldest pear tree. More importantly I walked the Waitangi Treaty grounds - very, very special.

Oh, and eventually the Stone Store was located, too!

The Great Summer Road Trip, Day 7

An early start to a busy day. 90 Mile beach very impressive as the bus whizzes along. Also had the chance for a walk and paddle. Thoroughly worth visiting. Much prefer this 'hole in the rock'.

A turn off the beach and up a stream bed lead to amazingly high dunes and the chance to body surf down. Quite a climb up the steep slope but lots of fun coming down.

I'm so glad I have finally made it to Cape Reinga. 

Lots to see on the way back, but I was particularly taken with Mongonui.

Dinner calls. Paihia waterfront awaits.

The Great Summer Road Trip, Day 6

The Great Summer Road Trip took to the water today.

We were bound for dolphin watching, the famous 'hole in the rock' and an island visit for lunch. We did indeed see a pod of dolphins, they played happily around the boat but from my experience in the Marlborough Sounds I didn't attempt any photography because they move too darn quickly and it is better to just enjoy the magic of the moment. The moments lost all magic after that, and I was seriously seasick on the way to what I will now always think of as 'that bloody rock'. I recovered sufficiently to admire the Cape Brett lighthouse and really enjoyed the time spent on beautiful Urapukapuka Island.

That afternoon was spent at Russell, just the most perfect little village.

After a guided tour of Pompallier House I am now a bit of an expert in printing, bookbinding and the tanning of leather. What a rich and interesting history this area has. 

The Great Summer Road Trip, Day 5

The final leg to the Bay of Islands. Stopped in Waipu at the museum that holds the history of the Scottish settlers, who came to that area via Nova Scotia. This is my family history on my mother's side and the museum holds comprehensive information. The first woman I spoke to there was a distant relative by virtue of a common relation who lives in the area.

My great grandfather (above from a museum wall) was on one of the original ships, as were his parents, and it is a thoroughly interesting museum with excellent displays, even for those not directly connected to the pioneers whose stories it preserves.

And so to Piahia. A nice motel on the waterfront ...

... where more important events took place in the past ...

... and had a walk to Waitangi this evening, though the treaty grounds were closed the views were lovely and a return is planned.