The Trounson Kauri Forest and Rawene Ferry – Mar 06

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The South to North Tractor trek at Rawene Ferry

Today there was to be a lot less driving. Our intention was to stay at the DOC site at Raetea.

First we visited the Trounson Kauri Forest to walk through it in the daylight, even seeing & hearing a Weta insect. The trees are magnificent. We then headed North to pass through the Waipoua forest. This is another Kauri forest which had been logged years ago, leaving the larger trees intact. The large ones were too large to cut down with axe and transport. As we had already walked through the trees we did not stop at Waipoua. The road was very bendy and very hilly. The bijoux van handles like a car, so easy to do. On the last of an uphill stretch we came across a procession of old tractors, Land Rovers and Jeeps raising money for the hospice movement. The were on the final stretch of driving from the South of the South Island to the tip of the North Island. We saw them several times today.

We stopped off at the Arai-te-uru recreation reserve where there are good views of Dunes and the village of Omapere.  We then had to pass the tractors again as we headed inland. We headed on to see some scenic boulders in the sea. Didn’t realise these had to be seen at low tide, which it wasn’t. So, on to Rawene to catch a ferry. Here the tractors caught up with us and we crossed together.

Next we were going to stop at our campsite in Raetea Forest. First we went wrong, google forgot to tell us to turn off, so a 20km re-track. Then we found the road was closed, this looked like a huge  diversion, going back over the road we had re-tracked!  But the Blasdale instinct is to ignore closed roads and continue. Which we did (well, we asked someone and they said it would be open for an hour). Yes it was open, they were resurfacing. We drove over hot steaming newley laid tarmac, ie newly “sealed”.  The road was a lovely twisty dirt track road through the forest going up to a summit and down again. The cambers on the road allowed for high speed corners.

We reached our destination, only to find the site closed for winter!

Motored on to Kaitaia, filled up with fuel and then headed to a Top 10 on the Kariari Peninsular. Not such a nicely situated site as before, and the wifi was down.

Heavy rain for a few minutes just as Rosemary finished washing up.

Picking Up the Camper – Mar 05

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Gibbs Farm, Sculpture Park

Morning and off to pick up the campervan. We were not at all sure what was the best way to the van hire was. Use the airport bus back to the terminal and then phone for the free transfer, or use the buses? Eventually tried Uber. It’s built into Google maps now. All I had to do was verify my phone number, and then ask for a taxi. Payment was automatically taken from my google pay account. It worked so well, by the time I pressed “Make Booking”, the response came back with the registration of the car, and there it was already sitting outside the hotel. We loaded up and off we went. Our driver had come over from Iran 12 years ago.

Checked in at the van hire and we soon had our very bijoux campervan ready to go. The first stop was the Pick ‘n Pack, a warehouse style supermarket. Bought a small starter pack of food and beer which should see us going for a few days. We were then on the highway at around 12 for our first day of the camper van aka Luxury Sleeper.

Our campervan is deemed a Freedom Camping Certified (FCC) “luxury sleeper”. FCC means it has a toilet (a porta potty), and management of waste water from a v bijoux sink. The toilet takes up a massive amount of space which could be more usefully utilised as storage, but no matter. Once the bed is down, you can do sod all; no access to porta potty, “fridge” (cool box running off the car’s electrics), sink nor anything packed. You can merely sit in the driver’s and passenger seats. You cannot stand up anywhere. Bijoux is the apt word. Rather different from our VW campervan. You can, of course, still lose any number of items at the drop of a hat.

We were heading to Trounson Park. My initial intention was to stay on the DOC site there. However, we changed to stay at the Kauri Coast Top 10 in the Park because we needed to fill the van’s water system. It is never clear whether this is possible at DOC sites and potentially we had three DOC sites in a row. Going to the Top 10 also had benefits of booking a night walk of the Kauri forest with the possibility of seeing a Kiwi in the wild.

On the way, we drove past the sculpture park at Gibbs Farm. Unfortunately, it is hardly ever open, and you have to book in advance. But a road-side stop was worthwhile because some of the huge sculptures were visible. They are immense and stand out on the skyline. Strutting around were giraffe, bison & emus.

A short excursion to the Piroa Falls. Neatly signposted with distance and time, as all NZ sites seem to be. R saw a flower which she rather liked and therefore I had to photograph. (No idea why she can’t like plants which are more accessible.)

We drove and checked into the Top 10 at Kauri Coast, we even registered because it gives a discount on its sites and many extras. We’ll probably be staying at a few more Top 10s on our way, so it seemed worthwhile to register. The down side of these sites is that they are expensive and provide facilities we probably won’t use. Never mind we will make up for this with the cheaper DOC sites.

The camp site was lovely, we were sited on a field with three other campers. Even if it were full, the pitches were a reasonable size so you could sit outside with your tables and chairs. Nearby, there were even our own pet glow worms. The NZ variety are fly larva not beetle larva as our’s.

The forest walk was very worthwhile. Our guide out front had a red light & we trooped behind, hanging back and changing to the end of the crocodile at intervals. Kiwis are nocturnal, hence the night walk. The female lays one huge egg in her burrow & the male incubates it. Sometimes a second is added. They are not considered to be good parents. A Possum was seen. It walked towards us in the dark, illuminated by the red light, showing no fear. It unfortunately looked cute, much to the fury of our guide who said they were “squashums”.

Kiwis remained aloof and only one was spotted at the end of the walk as we entered a mown patch of grass near the exit. I saw it, but Rosemary didn’t as she, silly woman, was looking towards the undergrowth. The glimpse I had was fleeting and lasted a couple of seconds as the bird legged it over to the bush.

The walk also showed us the Giant Kauri trees, and explained about how some split and you have two trees on the same root system, always with one being smaller. We also saw a Kauri where two trees had joined. Unfortunately, the trees are threatened with a fungal disease. We had to clean our shoes with a fungicide on entry and exit to the forest.

R had been ecstatic over NZ flora on our journey so far. A walk in the forest even at night underlined her enthusiasm.

Auckland and Mount Eden – Mar 04

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Slept until 6 today, so jetlag must be over now. Breakfast was again at Remedy, where I added a side dish of bacon to my platter. Chatted with a guy who had come out from England, his wife was due to meet him for the rest of March. In the last two weeks he had been touring the island on a motor bike, a long time dream of his.

We then set off to Mount Eden, walking all the way, first walking up Queen’s Street. We walked through different areas, some not so nice. They all though showed one thing, the New Zealanders love to eat out. I can’t say I have ever seen so many restaurants in a city.

We reached Mount Eden and walked to the top. Here there are fabulous views around the summit. Of course, you can see downtown Auckland and the tower. There are views of the islands to the East and in the far distance Coromandel. Looking South there is the airport.

While walking up and down Mount Eden we saw some large birds which were later identified as Tuis. The identification was provided to us by a lady at the bus stop who also named the birds, walking in the verge opposite, as Indian Mynas.

Definity a thirst had set in, so we stopped at the Occidental for a beer. Poor choice Stella. There is not much good on offer beer-wise here. So now on for some lunch at Giapo, a very posh ice cream parlour. Take a look at the creations R and I ate. These were fairly conservative compared to others we saw being eaten.

We continued on to the Britomart which has a number of shops and bars, all built over the Auckland subway station. Now onto the Food Truck, next to the Lord of the Fries for a beer. Improvement, but $19 for two small beers seems rather high.

Tonight, neither of us were hungry, so bought a couple of tarts to have in our room, although R’s appeared to be frozen, so she had to wait for a bit.

Auckland and Devonport – Mar 03

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Slept a little bit better tonight but was still awake at 4 in the morning. Today was going to be a dry day, so the plan was breakfast at Remedy and then to use the Auckland Explorer bus to take us to several of the sites in Auckland, including a ferry trip to Devonport.

This started well, we walked to Remedy, tables were available. We ordered coffee and the breakfast platter. The breakfast platter consists of muesli, yogurt & fruit in a glass, and toasted sour dough bread with refried beans, avocado and sausage. This went down a treat and we decided we would do the same the next day.

We walked across the road and waited for the bus. We waited and waited, other buses came and went. I decided to check the website and saw the news. One half of the service was cancelled for the day and the other half was curtailed because of some event which was occurring on the route.

R and I decided not to wait for the bus instead back walking down to the Ferry terminus where we bought tickets to Devonport. The trip to Devonport is quick and fast. It takes about 10 minutes. Once there we headed towards the North Point, walking along the coast road, admiring some nice houses. R, apparently, fancies a veranda.

At North Head on the road is a Naval Museum on Torpedo Bay with free entry. The bay is named Torpedo because of the torpedos kept there in the 1800s during the Russian expansionism of the period. The museum is definitely worth a visit, and a friendly older volunteer custodian explained to us the history of the location, the fortifications and the torpedo boats which guarded Auckland in the 1840s. The museum also had information about the New Zealand navy during the 1st and 2nd world wars detailing the battles which New Zealanders were involved with.

Our museum custodian saw us again and mentioned Brexit. He just could not understand why we were doing what we were doing. Then he compared Brexit with the referendum on the New Zealand flag saying that the older generation had a nostalgia for the ‘good old days’!

After the museum we headed up North Head hill to see the old guns which protected the channel. The big guns had tunnels underneath which was used to house ammunition and personnel. We were able to walk through these and appear underneath the big gun.

On the paths around the head we came across a White-Faced Heron. This bird like most of the wild birds we have seen in New Zealand was unafraid of us. It only took avoiding action when I was within 2 meters.

Onwards and downwards to Cheltenham Beach, apparently the best kept secret beach of Auckland, as you can see from the pictures, a kite surfing heaven. Back now to the harbour to catch the ferry back, though were tempted by the bar (The Platter) where we had a couple of beers to refresh us.

In the evening we went out for dinner at a Thai restaurant called the Grasshopper.

 

 

Auckland – our arrival and a day of orientation – Mar 02

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Having checked into our hotel, showered, changed and wondered why so much furniture in such a small room (even though we were told it was an upgrade). Was almost impossible to open the cases, and why have the chairs facing the bed and not the huge TV? (47”, I measured it using (one of) Rosemary’s tape measures. (Don’t worry, I shall be quizzing her later (when I have built up some courage) as to why she has one, let alone multiples.) Looking at the fire-exit plan, it seems to us that most of the rooms on our floor can’t have a window, while we have three, so perhaps that’s our upgrade. Rosemary hates the bathroom, while I think it neat. No door into it only a sliding door inside which is shared between the toilet & the shower. She really hates the sink, a basin type installation perched on a shelf with mirrors at odd angles and not one opposite it.

We ate breakfast in the hotel, expensive, but filling. Didn’t eat much else for the rest of the day.  A walk around the city orientating ourselves. Down to the ferry port then back up into town. Much building going on. Stopped for coffee at the Remedy on Wellesley Street, as recommended by my South Island dwelling brother. Strange little café, complete with a book-exchange service, but we decided it would be worthwhile eating breakfast there the next day. While sitting there we watched people jump off the Sky Tower. Non-bungee jumping but some type of free fall. I said “ooow!”, R said “oh”, in a rather dull tone.

We walked up to Albert Park being the nearest bit of green to us. Seemed to be Auckland University orientation week (freshers). There were all the usual stalls advertising societies. No idea why some of the stall-holders bothered to talk to us oldies, but possibly they were wondering why we were looking at them. The park contained some strange trees with huge roots, Google suggests Ficus Tree, and fir-type trees which had parasitic plants growing on them.

Another beer, this time at The Occidental.

We went walking again along the harbour, but this time came across the Volvo Ocean Race. This is an around the world race stopping at various ports (Cardiff in May/June).  The boats had arrived in Auckland a couple of days before. They were all hauled out onto one of the docks & were being worked on. We walked around a tent showing a full-size half section through one of them. The toilet was very small looking more like a sink. Plenty of Volvo cars, trucks and diggers were on display. One Volvo car chap complimented me on my Pink Floyd type t-shirt and reminisced on where he had seen them.

Further along the docks were the really expensive, huge motor boats. Many were being refitted, I have never seen so large fluffy fenders to stop the glossy paintwork being damaged. Cables going on board were placed over taped down cardboard to stop the fresh paint from chaffing. The superstructures were enclosed in shrink wrapped plastic. All the fitters were walking around barefoot, so as not to damage the decks.

Nearby was the silo park which even had a viewing platform. Not sure if all the silos were in use. Would love to be in Auckland next week when an art installation opens nearby, and the platform would come into use.

By the by, the pedestrian crossings squawk and then put-put-put as the walking green man lights up. Could not understand it the first time we encountered it.

There was an exhibition of owls, these large art pieces where scattered through the city. Rather like the cows in Edinburgh a few years ago. One owl by the artist Weilun Ha had the following information.

Kintsukuroi is the name of the art of repairing pottery with gold. It treats breakage and repair as part of the history of the object, rather than something to disguise and be ashamed. Embracing the flaw of imperfections in life itself and coming back stronger in the weaknesses. This is the metaphor for porcelain patters reflecting that life is beautiful and fragile.

Number of homeless on the streets.

I managed a small quiche from a bakery for supper, but R not interested in eating anything.

The day ended early as tiredness crept up on us, and in bed by 8.00pm. Like any city on a Friday night, the revellers were still at it at 4am.

 

Leaving for New Zealand – Feb 28

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Up early (5.30) to be picked up shortly after 6.00 by a very kind Neil for the trip to Lewknor on the M40 (Rosemary says is it off the M40) to catch the Oxford/Heathrow bus. Bitterly cold when we left, but no snow, although the drive to Lewknor did see a short snow drizzle. Arrived at the bus stop at about 6.40 in plenty of time for the scheduled 7.04 service. As we unloaded the bags, the late running 6.34 service appeared. We hopped on this bus and paid our fares. Good premonition for the holiday. We had not reserved seats because the closing time for booking these is 36 hours before the service runs. Need not have worried about booking, the bus was pretty empty.

The drive to Heathrow should have been quick, but for a couple of accidents, one before High Wycombe, and the other just after the M25 junction. M25 was empty. We were checking in at 8.00 for our flight, four hours before departure, this runs totally counter to my ethos. Now we have hours of boring hours sitting around waiting and drinking coffee from Café Nero. Maybe some harder stuff later.

Nope nothing harder, Qantus is pretty stingy with the wine and beers. Managed Bladerunner 2049 (again), Alien Covenant (rated 3-screamer, the last scream disturbed my fellow passengers) and Kingsman – Golden Circle. (Sorry Ravi, that glamping does not look like Love Fields. LF does not have beefy security guards, it is much more laid back.) There was also a slight incident opening a packet of crisps for Rosemary. (Did not expect to be showered by the contents when I banged open the inflated packet.) Wait in Dubai to re-board the aircraft. The long section to Melbourne is about to start. One hint for those flying Qantus in cattle class: ignore the flight attendants when they come around offering coffee, tea and soft drinks, demand the hard stuff.

Twelve hours later we arrived in Melbourne and had a drink of beer in the bar, before joining a 737 to Auckland.  Arrived in Auckland at 5.00 am. In the interests of eco-security, Rosemary had her walking boots whisked of her feet and soles washed. She was rather mortified by the experience. I merely had to walk over a disinfectant impregnated mat.

Caught the Sky Bus into Auckland city where we checked into the pre-booked Grand Windsor Hotel. Rather too smart for us. They allocated a room for us.  Prince of Wales Feathers everywhere, all to do with Duke & Duchess of Windsor, so a picture of jewellery in our room. I am going to ban excess cushions. We showered and went for breakfast.

Oxford with the Sadgits

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Rosemary and I met up with Simon, Ravi and Maggie in Oxford one Sunday morning. We were not able to park in the usual Pear Tree park and ride, it had been taken over by gypsies who have now moved on to the Bicester park and ride.  First we had English breakfast with beer at the Jam Factory. Then we worked off the excess calories with a walk to see where Simon used to live with his parents. After visiting the house  we walked through the university park and along the river Cherwell, stopping for refreshments at the Angel and Greyhound pub.

Abbey Park and Abbey Pumping Station

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After our visit to Stoneywell, we visited Abbey Pumping Station.  This  pump was built to pump Leicester’s sewage away for treatment. The pump has been preserved and has steaming days when it is worth visiting.  

As well as the pump there is a museum featuring items from Leicester’s industrial past. There is also a display on how sewers work, which amused children for hours as they flushed a model turd down the loo and through the sewers.

The next day we went back to Abbey park where there is a ruin of an Abbey. Coffee in the pavilion teas shop.

 

Visit to Stoneywell National Trust

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Stoneywell National TrustWe had an excellent trip to Stoneywell National Trust House. The weather could have been a little better. 

Lovely little National Trust house, with  fabulous gardens. First off, you must book to come here, you can not just turn up. This is because of planning regulations and limited access. The car park is a little way off from the house, a mini bus will pick you up and ferry you to the house.  They were waiting for us in the car park. The same on return.

You see the house with a guide in small groups. There were four in our group. The house was built of stone in 1899 and was originally thatch. After a fire the home was re-roofed in slate. The house is built into the rock of the nearby hill. The house is also a built as a zigzag,  is not straight, it has no square walls, no right angles to be seen anywhere. Much of the furniture is original.

Up in the stables there is a small cafe where you can sit inside or outside. Alas we visited on the most miserable and cold day of the year, and we decided not to sit outside, and we also gave most of the garden a miss. We were told it was planted so there were some flowering plants at all times of the year. We did see snowdrops.

We definitely must go back on a warmer dryer summer day and see it when we can relax in the garden.

The staff were amazingly pleasant and informative about the history of the house. While we waited for the bus to take us back we had a great conversation with them.

Redkite, Buzzard, Magpie and Rook feeding on a Pheasant

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The day after Boxing Day, Jim G dropped by to give us two braces of Pheasant. The next day I breasted the Pheasant (simple do do, and let’s be frank, there is not much more on a Pheasant than the breasts). The remains were then cast out into the field for the Red Kites. Of course the Kites were no where to be seen. Some interest was initially shown by some Magpies and Rooks who gave the pheasants some exploratory pecks.

Eventually the Red Kites discovered them, and we had three different ones flying around. A Buzzard also found the Pheasant quite late on. (Only when I was looking at the pictures did I realise there was this interloper.) The Magpies and Rooks attempted to steal from the Buzzard and Kites. In one selection of photos you can see a Rook pulling the tail of a Kite, and then being chased off. The Rooks were a little more respectful of the Buzzard. Beautiful birds all of them, even the Rooks.