'Bombay Hills' (Auckland)to
'the beehive' (Wellington)
I'm crisscrossing the North Island to view as many interesting, absorbing even quirky sites. Generally I will list ONE photo representing my take on each town I stop too review....
Stopping at most townships south of Auckland's Bombay Hills to Wellington...
Including.....
NORTH...Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula.
EASTCAPE from Opotiki to Mahia Peninsula
CENTRAL Rotorua , Lake Taupo.
WEST CENTRAL. Taumaranui , Kawhia, Waitomo, Raglan to Port Waikato.
SOUTHERN. WEST Taranaki
SOUTHERN EAST Hawkes Bay
SOUTHERN CENTRAL Ruapehu, Palmerston North, Wanganui
SOUTHERN EAST Wairarapa
SOUTH Wellington
Vimutti monastery | Mangatawhari
The backroad from the Bombay Hills Interchange led me past this engaging forested Monastery, sited on 144 acres of rolling farmland. Visitors welcomed daily. Nearby to the Hunua Ranges, you'll discover dozens of meditation pathways that criss cross the valley.
Miranda shorebirds
Home to Arctic Migrants (Godwits and Red Knots) who travel 12,000 kilometres from Alaska to NZ, then return via Asia and Russia. Top Tip...go in arrival season and you may witness up to 40,000 migrating and domiciled birdlife in shellbank ponds.
Karangahake Tunnels
Walk through historical goldmines , including the hillside Windows Walk inside the very side of a towering hillside, then walk the longest 1 kilometre hand-built railway tunnel, now a feature of the Hauraki Rail Cycle Trail.
Paeroa Maritime park
The Paeroa Inland Port hosts one of NZs finest small museums with the only remains of a complete NZ Paddle Steamer, the Kopu. Also hosts riverside Christmas Lights festival yearly.
Climb Mt.Te Aroha
Hike the many mountain trails with outstanding views of Waikato below. Top Tip...submerge tired limbs at hotpools below Maunga. Or free footpath next too pools.
Wairere Falls
Walk these primordial forest to reach these impressive falls, based appropriately in Matamata, home to Lord of the Rings. Fairytale mossy boulders placed perfectly along this uphill hike of 1.5 hours to 1st viewing platform.
Before Erebus
KAIMAIS RANGES ...In 1963 NZs domestic airline, N.A.C. Lost 23 people in what was at the time, NZs biggest airline tradegy. Wreckage has been discovered recently atop the unforgiving Kaimai Ranges. My primary school buddy, Adam, lost his father in this crash.
Morrinsville Mega
HERD of COWS?...MORRINSVILLE has gone mega moo mad. Everywhere you turn on the streets of this Kiwiana centric, country town, Arty Cows festooned the landscape. You just can't moove.
TATua got the Cream
TATUA...Next door too Massive Moos of Morrinsville is Tatua, home to Crazy (sized) Cans of Cream.
The Sculpture Park
WAITAKARURU ARBORETUM is a definite must do. Built passionately over many years, this regenerated site, once a quarry is a sensation. Got two hours too kill, them make it here if outdoor sculptures excites. I discovered 15 various Roosting Rurus, but fell for this piece of fallen forestry.
Eureka
The satisfaction when celebrating a discovery 'Eureka'. This unusual place name is infact a small rural enclave too the west of Hamilton. The name simply appealed.
Cycling corps
CAMBRIDGE VELODROME...Home to the WW1 Cycling Corps, who participated on the Western Front on cycles. TRUE. Many sadly lost their lives Flanders Fields. Honoured today by annual cycling trophy held at this Velodrome. Top Tip...Anyone can ride a track bike, no skills needed, just interest in participation.
Te awa River Ride
WAIKATO RIVER... from Ngaruwahia, through Hamilton, via Cambridge and concludes at Lake Karipiro. 65 kilometres of wide pathways alongside the ever changing Riverway. Top Tip...a great starter for newbies or experienced. Essentially flat and easy.
Moas on maungatautari
SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN home to an ancient forest and Kiwis galore. So much so 300 going on a kiwi roadtrip to other conservation projects. Top Tip...wander this captivating reserve around and over the mountain. Protected by a pest free fence line. The egg is a replica of Moa bird who earlier roamed this sanctuary.
Kneeknocking Swingbridge
ARAPUNI...This bridge bounces at 50 meters above the swirling waters of the Waikato River and will do so for most of your 70 metre dash across.
Glowworms by Kayak
LAKE KARIPIRO, runs a popular early evening kayak trip to a hidden glowworm grotto. Run by BOATSHED KAYAKS it's already got industry awards.
Finlay Road horahora
HORAHORA...3 recreational properties link together to form 4 kilometres of Karipiro riverside event space, including the grandest equestrian estate (tekapoto.co.nz), a child's camp of some grandeur (finlaypark.co.nz) and next to these is a sizeable waterfront camping retreat for groups, schools, events. NZMCA members invited to park campers waterside.
Tirau Outhouse
TIRAU was once the home of thousands of cabbage trees, replaced now by corrugated iron farming style art. You just can't miss the dog and sheep at this towns entrance. The corner of the pub on the southern entrance is the dead centre of the North Island and I don't mean the cemetery.
Olde Okoroire
OKOROIRE...A historical hotel with 3 riverside hotsprings, including fern surrounds, is quietly tucked away on these Waikato plains. Olde Hotel, Olde Pub, hidden pools plus campsite takes the very same water resource as the pure waters of Putaruru Blue Springs,filtered for over 100 years (Putaruru site closed for 2024 due to rockfall). However Okoroire Hotel and Springs, is Open,
Blue springs
WAIHOU RIVER, Tirau/Putaruru...Water filtered from beneath Mamaku Volcanic Cones for nigh on 100 year filtration. The walkway here is closed due to Rockwall in 2024. However a glimpse of the water quality is free to view at SH28 Springs carpark. Immensely clear greeny translucent h20. Top Tip...Being bottled already
Nz timber museum
PUTARURU...A testimony to passion. A Kiwiana museum about simply 'Timber' and everything associated. Many buildings, many artifacts. They've even relocated the original jailhouse. Top Tip...placed as an afterthought perhaps, however they have a retrieved log from the 120AD Taupo volcanic eruption. Saved by preservation of the surrounding pumice ash. This should be located as a primary display. But found simply lying in the garden.
Lilliput railway
LICHFIELD/Putaruru SH1...Rocking Rod (Stewart) has a passion for Lilliput. A mini railway ex Napier Marineland now being resurrected here. Alongside miniature buildings and rail yards you'll see grown men with band saws carefully crafting the towns and hillside of this absorbing hobby. Top Tip...apply to join this group in this Trainland Cave (like a Man /Woman cave)
Mamuku Mounds
MAMUKU.. home to the vividly blue mushroom (featured on the $50 NZ note), Blue Berry Fruit Ice-cream, and the Offroad luge run (their vehicle, nor yours, phew). However it's the volcanic cones from earlier volcanic gas eruptions that makes this flat area atop the Rotorua Lake so absorbing. Most just drive past, unaware. But this is Sculpture Heaven.
Kaituna River
OKERE...Next to Lake Rotiti (North of Lake Rotorua) is this fast running river of Grade 3-5 white water status. With 14 rapids and a 7 metre drop waterfall it's a heart racing rafting environment. But safe with a dedicated guide on your raft, plus 2 forward kayaker to scoop up anyone who may tumble out, and someone always does.
Tutea Caves/Okere falls
OKERE...A half hour walk alongside this ever raging river will bring you face too face with groups of rafters, screaming in enjoyment as they tumble through the river system. Halfway along are the hand carved steps down too Tutea Caves, constructed in 1907 to hide families in times of local Maori battles. Top Tip...bring torch to view Giant Cave Wetas on the roof, plus some glow worms.
Hamurana Springs
HAMURANA...With Putururu Springs closed for 2024, here is an equal. Spring water that travels under Rotorua for 70 years before rising through 15 meters of volcanic rock. This spring has been active for centuries, and like Putururu, translucently pure. Redwood walk included.
Oldest living Village
ROTORUA lakefront 'Ohinemutu'...Surrounded by bubbling mud pools, local Maori live and cook on-site here amongst the steaming pools. This is not a paid tourism spot, but a living village. Public viewing is OK. Sacred World War Memorial of Maori Battalion warriors and listed forces members.
Green blue lakes
Before Lake Tarawera, the site of the original Pink and White terraces, Sits two distinctively different lakes shared by a narrow isthmus. Named purely by their colour, courtesy of floor material. The Green Lake is Tapu and left untouched and never used under local Iwi Maori protocol. Blue version is usable.
Lake Tarawera
A land of volcanic unrest. The massive lake firmed 5000 years ago and is a blown out crater. Behind the lake is Mt Tarawera, that erupted ferociously in 1886 leaving a 17km long gash along the top. Apparently Mt Tarawera is part of 3 cones together, now one. Add too this the original home of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink and White Terraces. Now remaining at depth and destroyed in the subsequent new Lake Rotomahana which formed after the 1886 eruption. The mud that swamped alot of this area came from the floor of Lake Rotomahana. Top Tip...view Lake Rotomahana via Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
Redwoods tree walks
WHAKAREWAREWA..(south western side of lake Rotorua). A Rotorua Iconic Park. A forest of gigantic tall Redwood trees, multi used by the thousands of locals and visitors for walking, running, horse trails and hugest selection of cycle trails. Although not listed as a National Park of Significance (Tongariro, Elmont, Fiordland), it surely must be one of NZs top city level Park. (equal too Christchurch Gardens, Hamilton Gardens. Zealandia, Tiritiri Island). Quite stunning environment.
A hot glass class
OPPOSITE SKYLINE offers visitors the opportunity to watch live displays of blowing glass, at no cost, or test your artistic ways by blowing your own masterpiece in 45 minutes. (Amokuraglass.com)
Go Shinny Dipping
A SECRET SPOT offering a unique cafe experience, where coffee purchasing patrons, roll up their pant legs, and chat whilst soaking your feet too the shins in mini wine barrells. Pure Gold. Top Tip...after cycling the Forest, or when heading too Taupo on SH5. (secretspot.nz)
Mountain biking
SKYLINE & WHAKAREWAREWA Bike Parks, ROTORUA...offer two very different biking experiences. Mud pools on thermal reserves or Gondola assisted trails overlooking all of the city and lake. Add colorful night luging and or Shinny Dips. Both suitable for beginners, so don't be shy.
A river spa
KEROSENE CREEK SH5 Rotorua...A true wonder of nature, with a hotspring bubbling into a fresh water spring. Temperatures vary from 30 to 38 plus depending on rainfall. The KEROSENE smell at times which seems part Sulphur, is due too decaying vegetation along waters edge. Perfectly safe, however. Tourists galore down this 2km long gravel side road. Come on in, the waters warm. Bathe under a true hot spring waterfall.
Zany Rotovegas
LAKE ROTORUA, the Sulphar City is as quirky a town as it gets...Bunnies on Mini Golf Course, Shweeb, pedal yourself on a mono rail. Zorbbing, rolling humans inside huge balls downhill. A Shinny Cafe, foot spa with your coffee. The Skyline Luge chairlift, lit up at night on the world's longest luge run downhill. A Tree canopy walk 30 metres into the foliage. A buried village, literally. A hot running creek and waterfall...and best of all, they used to offer coin operated beds in Rotovegas Motels, with a coin box in the headboard, that 'shook' travelling tourists, in the 1980s. Top Tip...Like 'Buck', bring back coin beds.
Papamoa Hills
PAPAMOA Regional Park, TAURANGA Region...the sign said 2000 Metres. I'm guessing distance or was it infact 2000 meters high. It's impressive either way. Stunning global views across to Mt Maunganui and as far as White Island, some 50kms away in the gulf. Top Tip...definitely unrest out at White Island today. Steam plumes were many miles skyward. Just saying.
Background...Maori arrived on ocean Canoe, The Te Arawa, in 1350 (possibly Polynesia), coming to rest at nearby Maketu. Papamoa Hills was used as a PA site for centuries.
Papamoa
PAPAMOA, NZs fastest growing suburb. Originally rural paddocks along the entire coastline, now replaced with blocks of housing boxes. Subdivision mayhem now expected to reach rural Te Puke. Top Tip...borders the Kaituna River, famous locally for white-water rafting.
Summerhills
PAPAMOA HILLS...One mountain of recreational splendor. A 3 tiered waterfall with a freedom camp. A mountain bike trail and walking tracks (Summerhills). Capped off with a 9 hole golf course (public welcome) with desirable views. Plus a sheep farm funding Summerhills including hosting students to learn about shearing sheep.
Welcome Bay hotpools
A refreshing , tidy, hotpool on the hills near too Papamoa. Not crowded, generally. A wee gem.
Tauranga waterfront
Out of the gate and off for a Tauranga Harbourside walk, went Hairy McNary from Donaldsons Dairy...This city's waterfront is becoming enticing. Top Tip...walk the estuary Choo Choo bridge pathway and return to my favorite, Harbourside restaurant directly under the girders.
Mt maunganui stairway
576 steps up this impressive iconic hillside is possibly the Bay of Plentys most trident pathway. Steep too, but kids achieve this daily. Views as far as Maketu Peninsula. Open 24 hours and folk never seem to stop heading up there. I walked behind a fully kitted fireman with breathing apparatus. He left me for dead.
Kiwiana
THE MOUNT... Inspirational road traffic design.
Sea Salt hotpools
Beneath the MOUNT...a naturally occurring spring mixed with underground salt water, offering folk remedies for aches, or simply somewhere too publicly luxuriate in heated water. Top Tip...semi unique. Christchurch and Coromandels Hot Water beach offer hot sea salt experiences.
Te Puna Quarry
Te PUNA...'Great Balls of Wire'. A positive way to dress up an ugly former quarry with plantings and sculptures. Top Tip (1)...the views are as spectacular as Papamoa Hills and Mt Maunganui. Free too. Top Tip (2)...worthy quarry gardens include, Eden Garden on Mt Eden, Whangarei Quarry Gardens, Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park Amberley and Halswell Quarry Christchurch.
Omokoroas Cpt.crapp
OMOKOROA POINT... Crapp Reserve...A historic area dedicated to Captain Crapp who was responsible for the many planted exotics at the tip of this forever long suburban Peninsula. He was adored so much, a carver chiseled out a likeness from the stump of one of his trees. Top Tip...there's a 9km Peninsula loop walkway. Plus a Maori defensive pa, plus a collapsed land bridge.
Tuapiro point
TAHAWAI...A delightful small sandspit with a pine tree esplanade with views out too the heads of Bowentown and Matakana Island. Popular dog space, plus somewhat hidden freedom camping spot seaside.
Katikati clothes free
KATIKATI RURAL...the home of clothing free recreation. North Islands only public Naturist Park. Visitors welcomed. Essentially hiding in plain sight even with a massive road sign on Tauranga state highway motioning you to visit, so I did. Top Tip...perhaps test out your suitability in the hotter summer months.
Sapphire Springs
KATIKATI...More Old School styled mineral springs. This region is swamped by hotpool options. Tucked down a rural farming area, these pools are found in a bush setting with a sizeable river running through the park. Top Tip $10 entry. More than reasonable.
River Bird Walk
KATIKATI RIVER...Its nicely quirky to discover a bird dedicated sculpture trail. Top Tip...this idea has got wings. Hopefully they will be expanding the variety of birds over time. Moa was a brilliant opening sculpture.
Athenree Rail Station
ATHENREE...historic villa and original Rail Station greets all passing motorists on entry to this small township above Waihi Beach.
Bowentown Hill
Bowentown...At the opposite end of the Waihi Beach Peninsula, 5-7 kilometres on a very straight road, lies the Bowentown Hillside with a cleverly placed Pa earth structures high abovery the surrounding valley and beach. Top Tip...your car takes you too the Maori Pa site. However do clamber the steep pathway for views for miles across Waihi and Matakana Island.
Waihi Beach flatwhite
Waihi Beach...fine whiteish sand for 5-7 kilometres. Two great beachy dining spots include the very beachfront 'Flatwhite Cafe' and the wild, weird and wonderful Mexican Tiki Bar. The Gunners restaurant of the RSA sits high above the beach and a favorite for may I say, Golden Old Diggers.
Orokawa Scenic walkway
WAIHI CONCRETIONS...Over the hill from the main beach, lie Fijian style private beaches with rock concretions and one with a waterfall over the sand. Both walks are between 2 hours and 4 plus hours return. Top Tip...cliff hugging walkway with views galore. Safe, but note, you're up very high at points.
Anthenree hotpools
Anthenree...it's probably accurate to suggest, Anthenree is a one stop shop kind of town. This being the hotpools and camping establishment on the harbours edge. Newly and extensively refurbished, word is getting out. Top Tip...$10 entry. Tauranga Hot Pools range between $15 and $26.
Waihi Goldmine
Waihi Town...When you dig a big hole, as in next door too this iconic pump house, expect land around to subside. So much so, they built a 300 metre railway track too move this entire concrete building to safer harbour. (Similar to the Birdcage Pub in Victoria Park, Auckland).
Goldfield Station
Waihi to Waikino...A steam train regularly takes tourists back and forth too the Waikino Goldfields and Battery. Top Tip...cycle one way, train back. $20 return. Cheap as Chips.
'Slimes', Victoria Battery
Karangahake...Home to a massive gold extraction battery where rock was pulverized too loosen out gold. These funnels known as Slimes, were full of potassium cyanide mix to aid gold recovery. Top Tip...I'm guessing Council have governed them safe. You can literally walk beneath them, but looks oddly unsafe to do so. But worth visiting.
Hauraki trail
MIRANDA to Waihi and Te Aroha...5 different sections, which are all linked. Flat pathways of around 30km each (roughly speaking). Paeroa to Waihi being 2 sections offers various adventures including tunnels, caves, train station cafe, gold battery, massive open gold mine and fast flowing riverways. A train can be caught back from Waihi Town to Waikino and Victoria Battery in the Karangahake Gorge, then cycle back to Paeroa where the Lemon and Paeroa Bottle stands.
Waimama Reserve, whiritoa
Coromandel Peninsula...Whiritoa...The road from Waihi Town to this first beachside community is a winding proposition. Many kilometres of 25kmh corners over a very large hill and gorge. The beachstop is needed. Top Tip...walk length of beach to this reserve which on appearance looks like a separate island. Walk over and down to a magical private beach setting.
Whangamata
Coromandel Peninsula...Whangamata...Home to surfing, hot rodders and wharf 'Mana' Jumpers. Home also to Humphrey the Sea Ekephant who had a twinkle for land-based dairycows (true story). Home to the tiniest book store of just 1 customer at a time due to space restrictions. Home to 'Donut Island', 2nd Island of 3 off the main beach which had a hole dead centre where kayaker could paddle too and inside this land donut. Top Tip...hire a local craft or board or join kayak groups too this spectacular natural phenomenon, some few hundred metres off main beach.
Onemana beach
Coromandel Peninsula...Onemana and neighbouring Pokohino Beach...are 2 vastly different beaches. Onemana the more formalized with over beach grass tennis courts. Pokohino, off tarseal to a forestry road and lengthy walk to a hidden swimmable grotto. This double ended open cave runs through a hill. No doubt cause by repetitive wave activity. Top Tip...unsure if it's named other than the beach itself, but it surely has to be dubbed, The Lady Cave' (just how I viewed it)
Wharekawa sandspit
Coromandel Peninsula...Opoutere Beach Estuary...Possibly Coromandels best kept secret. A magical 5km beach, a swimmable estuary, a sandspit with rare NZ dotterills nesting, a pine walkway, a boardwalk and an old school campground beachside. Add too this no shops, small village and no crowds. Heavenly. At the northern end rock pools, naturists too. Plus in the Forest, historic Phoenix goldmine. Home to French KIWI artist 'topdahill' Guity Evelyn.
Mount Pauanui
Coromandel Peninsula...Posh Pauanui...Fly in, Cruise on, Maserati in to what was once dubbed 'Remuera on Sea'. 80s beaches adjoining canal palaces. Above the thriving township is a 1 hour step by step zig zag to the summit of Mt.Pauanui some 300 to 400m high. Top Tip...a must to do at least once. Many repeat.
Miranda Hot springs
Firth of Thames...Although the original springs remains closed, (The rusty padlock paints a story.), next door is a worthy alternative. The Australians own a Top10 style camp with a delightful hotpool. Top Tip...use it or lose it is the saying.
Bugger Me
Firth of Thames...Fans of Kiwiana Icon Fred Dagg, bat tossing cricketers, even 80s Toyota advertising afficianos will see the purpose of visiting this SH Cafe, just short of Thames. This northfacing Cafe, with deckside sun all day is a quirky pitstop. Top Tip...cafes got ambience, plus safe humor for Little Buggers too.
Firth of Thames...clevedon
Tikanga Maori Historical Church 1912...A most delightful tiny church building and graveyard perched on the side of a rural Clevedon hillside, overlooking Kauri Bay. You can't miss it, on main road to Kawakawa Bay. Next door is the chewy business with the catchphrase 'New Zealands best oysters, we're not Bluffing'. As you pass through the once quaint Clevedon village, you'll notice the small centre had gone subdivision crazy. I guess it's outer edges of Auckland soaking up more folk.
Firth of Thames...
waitawa regional park
Next door to the long beachfront of Kawakawa Bay sits the 1st of 3 major coastal sited regional parks on the western shore of the Firth of Thames. A safe curved swimming beach with a rather hidden away fishing Wharf. Take the lengthy downhill trek to picnic paradise. This park historically used to store explosives. Gone now. Views galore out too Pakihi Island and larger Chamberlain island. Top Tip...stay the night ontop of the hill in your camper or caravan. Select Bays 1 and 2 for private setting and views across Kawakawa Bay harbour.
Firth of Thames...
Kawakawa Bay
Home to a very busy boating club with evidence of early morning fishing folk hitting the harbour and nearby islands. Situated next to a very lengthy beach, there is also the hidden beaches 4km down a coastal road. Waiting beach, also access at low tide to Tawhitokino Regional Park. You can only access this park by foot and low tide. Head by foot towards Orere Point direction. Top Tip...stay the night beachside at the $10 camp on Kawakawa Bay Coast Road.
Firth of Thames...
Orere Point
A chunky stone laden beach which people sunbathe on. More private settings too south of Main beach. A top10 camp sits here too. As there is no official pub at Orere Point, the locals have built small cubby seating platforms on old pallets to provide a social space. You can see evidence with old firepits for warmth and atmosphere nearby. Tidy too. No leftover bottles remain. Top Tip...good launching pad for coastal kayaking giving you access to islands and down the Firths waterway highway.
Firth of Thames...
Tapakanga Regional Park
This is the 2nd of the big 3. I didnt include the walk in only Regional Park offering. Here you will find fantastic coastal and farmland walks across a huge acreage. This park was gifted to the community. Tent campers get prime spot beachside and campervans get 2 river spots and 1 hillside spot, named Seaview. Ironically you don't see alot of the sea. Just glimpses between foliage. But a fine site all the same. Top Tip...Head to Seaview over the river settings.
Firth of Thames...
Maharau Park /kaiaua
This is the 3rd of the Big 3 Regional Parks which sits on the Firth, but otherside of roadway. Behind this park, sits the massive Hunua Ranges Park which can be accessed a few kilometres over the neighbouring hillsides. On the edge of this parkland you'll find the biggest oyster catcher bird statue, a pink cafe, an award winning 'fush n chups' shop voted 2x Top NZ Chippy and the official starting point to the impressive bike trail all the way to Te Aroha and Waihi. Top Tip...The NZMCA Club, home to 100,000 plus campers has set up shop here. too.
Firth of Thames...
Pukorokoro shorebirds
Like mud spots on a dry lake bed, sits 5000 Alaskan Godwits who have arrived here to fatten up before returning via China and Russia and onto northern Canada, namely Alaska. They feed at the Firth of Thames then fly back non stop for 10 days by locking their wings like a cruise control mechanism. Top Tip...visit 1 or so hours either side of high tide. Free too.
Ngatea watergardens
An immacutely presented garden over 5 acres and honoured by the Canterbury Horticultural Society for a garden in Ngatea. When you visit this garden, and you should, humor plays a big part of the experience. There's even a CAN museum whereby an enthusiast has collected beer and come cans, many from your childhood. Brilliant. Top Tip.. purchase the $1 bag of feed and in no time you'll be like the spied Piper with ducklings following behind.
Kaimai range
Waiorongomai
Originally this edge of hillside town used to house 2000 people when gold was discovered in 'them hills'. This township backs onto Mt Te Aroha and is part of the very lengthy Kaimai Ranges where a commercial DC3 went down nearby in 1963. In these hills sit relics of railway lines built to haul out rock for stamping. Check out the 25 degree skyward railway incline which you can hike up. There are a number of forest walks, some short, some day long with historical mining relics There's even evidence of an Aerial Railway built across a ravine on tressels. At the lower reaches is a planned 4km long tunnel to access gold seams. They stopped at half a kilometer as they went bankrupt. Top Tip...stairclimb the incline. Tough but doable. There's also thought to be a 5km long seam into the valley. However a spade just won't do it, sadly
Kaimai range
McLaren Falls Park
The Old Te Aroha Road is a gem. Essentially follows the base of the Kaimai Ranges, where you'll be lucky to see a dozen cars in total. Notable tourist spots include Te Aroha, gold mining artifacts at Waiorongomai, waterfall at Wairere, Hobbits at Matamata and as you head over the enormous hill cutting towards Tauranga, stop to see the McLaren Park and Waterfall. A bit further on is a dynamic Waterfall Omanawa Falls. Top Tip...stay the night at this spectacular park with lakes, forests, glowworms and more waterfalls. It's a hidden gem which 20,0000 passing cars miss or avoid. I stayed and was only 1 of 2 campers in the entire Park, just 6 weeks from Christmas. Wow.
Kaimai range
Omanawa Falls
With a newly built entrance to this park and wide walkways, they are expecting the numbers to turn up. A dozen vehicles today. Room galore, and mostly tourists I felt. A decent downhill walk (yes, back up too) ,with options to view this impressive waterfall setting at 3 vantage points. I'd recommend vantage point 2, just up 60 or so stairs to a purpose built platform sitting over the major ravine. Stunning vista some 200 metres above the falls and carved lake and chiseled Gully. The 3rd option to the base is a 650 step decent, both ways. (You've been warned). Top Tip...option 2 gives a global or panoramic view. Option 3 is for stairclimbers or Tik Tokers perhaps.
The mount
Pilot bay
I'm a big fan of Kewpie Cruises, possibly same or similar to the Helensville Cruise experience and the Auckland too Riverhead Cruise. Here below the Mauao runs the Cruise around the harbour and Matakana Island on the cutest squat historic double decker ferry. For $40, bargain to see the Mount away from, well, the Mount itself. Plus you get to pass the Statue of Tangaroa, the God of the Ocean and protector of this special marine environment. Top Tip...a must do, along with hiking the trail to the top of the Mount, the seawater hotpools and all the expected beach stuff.
The mount
Totara street
I'm a fan of intimate music venues, over barn sized gigs, concerts. I've tried many of the big arenas, stadiums and parks, but my heart follows the small spaces. I've just found my next favourite, the small and energetic Totara Street on the port side of the Mount. What a gem. There's an intimacy that allows EVERY patron to feel involved. Be it in the moshpit or high up in the bar seating in the overhanging mezzanine. Brilliant set up. Got me thinking about other North Island venues I'd gladly return too...Top Tip...Blackbarn Vineyard Havelock North. Bats in Wellywood, Hollywood and Q theatre in Auckland. Even Big Fan venue, the engaging Bowl of Brookland in Taranaki (large space, but intimate), and the Hamilton Gardens too. They'll be more, but thats my starting list.
The mount
Papamoa Beach
I walked a good chunk of the main beach from beneath the mountain too midpoint Papamoa. The last third to Maketu for another venture. I spied the beachside coffee retro truck, seeking me to part company with lose change. Behind the counter was a bubbly chatty Nelsonite, a surf gal as such. This is an asset to Papamoa and I hear huge lines snake down the beach on hot summer mornings. I began to think, where else are the good oceanside caravans residing. Top Tip...heres my experience.. Northlands Waipapakauri Beach (icecream), Northlands Russell Longbeach (coffee), Aucklands Bethells Beach (coffee), Piha Beach (fruit icecream), Papamoa Beach (coffee) and the coffee container Thyme at Wairarapa's Riverdales Beach...wow it's a small list. I'm sure there are many more, but you don't see them on most beaches. Cafes perhaps, but not permanent carts or containers.
Te Puke kiwifruit capital
Some towns just don't move you. Tepuke is pleasant but definitely a service town to the huge Kiwifruit industry. Infact dubbed the Capital of Kiwifruit. Not alot to keep my curiosity. Mainly Kiwifruit orchards galore. Not as sexy as the grape growing regions. Top Tip.. Head towards Te Pukes coastline for Papamoa northwards or Maketu nearby.
Maketu
On the coast is a fabulous cafe overhanging Maketu Beach with views up the coast of the Maketu Estuary and exit for the Kaituna River from the roaring Okere falls where boats and occupants fling themselves over rapids and waterfalls. Top Tip...top fishing spot known as The Mole.
Little Waihi
A secret spot missed by many. Essentially a quiet promenade sitting directly behind Maketu. Cheap as Chips camp site with tidal estuary on both sides making the vista view so changeable daily. Probably good for flounder. Opposite this quiet piece of heaven sits the 5km long stretch of Pukehina. Walk to Newdicks Beach on low tide.
NewDicks beach
Is this the Kiwi way? Not sure about charging access rights to a NZ beach, but it definitely happens now. I love how Kiwis generally want to share their pieces of paradise, so everyone wins. But although only $5 entrance fee, it's a change in custom which feels rather sad. Not for me to criticise, but I quietly exited, drove to Maketu Beach and swam their. All it cost me was a coffee at $5 on their dockside. Top Tip...support the Beach Cafe and Little Waihi Camp.
Dotteril point,pukehina
This is home to the ever decreasing population of native Dotterills who number in the hundreds, possibly low thousands nationwide. They live on the beach edge along with nests of Oyster Catchers. It's a delightful Peninsula of 5km of grayish white sand and a bird sanctuary at the opening to the Waihi estuary. Top Tip...in nesting season, Oyster Catcher birds will dive bomb you, if you venture too close. They certainly had me scurrying.
Matata
An estuary refuge and DoC beachside camp separate the state highway and ever continuous Bay of Plenty beachfront. This is a nice halfway point between Pukehina and Whakatane. There's even a Loch Ness Monster swimming in the estuary occasionally. Top Tip.. Dave the DoC resident custodian is a top bloke helping every camper settle in. Plus they run hot water showers which is rare amongst nationwide DoC camps.
Rotoma Spring
A swimmable fresh water spring of great clarity at the hidden Braemar Spring. Hidden amongst farmland some 10km outside Matata. Top Tip...if skinny dipping is you, I did pass the road sign of nearby BoP Sun Club.
Edgecumbe
A fruit processing centre, plus township built on the Rangitaiki River which history shows too flood the town on occasion hence new walkway over improved flood bank. Top Tip...Also infamous for a devastating earthquake with the township being at the epicenter in recent years.
Thornton
Beach and Blueberry. Ok, you had me at icecream.
Whakatane
It's the Strand end that makes this town engaging. A lengthy promenade with continuous parkland adjoining the Whakatane River system. The River starts in the hillsides of the Urewera National Park south east of Murupara. Top Tip...most photographed Icon is the elegant Wairaka Statue at the Heads. Across the ocean some 48km away, is the continuously steaming White Island, an active submarine volcano which maimed tourists in 2019
Kaputerangi point
Stunning views across Whakatane, Thornton and towards Matata. Top Tip...Ohope Beach on the otherside to Whakatane can be viewed from a viewing vantage point as you drive in towards Kaputerangi Point.
Ohope Beach
Once voted New Zealands number 1 beach, a 10km long busy in summer beach paradise. Also hosts 3 distinct freedom camping spots outside of summer holiday period Dec to Mar.
Westend Ohope
Home on summer days ,too possibly the Funkiest Coffee Cart in NZ. Top Tip...young startup. Simply support, as I did. Creamy flatwhite too. Yum.
White pine bush
The Biggest Gumboot only fenceline, including witty sayings, embracing each boot. Quite the display as you head towards Awakeri hotsprings hotsprings. Top Tip...an obvious celebration to all things Fred Dagg. (Kids,Google).
Awakeri Springs
A quiet spot between Whakatane and Rotorua in a farming community. Old school style hotpools inside a restful tree-lined campground. Has a good feel for campers seeking solitude. Top Tip....,$10 pool fee, but private pools for a few dollars more. Nice at night.
Kawerau
The business home of Sir Spencer, the toilet paper baron and Fletchers wood processing factories. Steam vents 24 hours from huge chimney stacks. Possibly not steam,?. This is an industrial town geared primarily for wood pulping. On the edge sits imposing Mt Edgecumbe. There is also access to Tarawera Falls which is a massive waterfall via a hole in granite rockface at some height. Essentially water popping out of rock. Top Tip...$10 permit via Isite Kawerau to enter forest. Drive 20kn down shingle forest road to carpark, them hike 30 minutes to riverside. Return on same track.
Drive 4 Lakes to Rotorua
Lakes Rotoma. Rotorua, Roiti and Okaitana make up the delightful North Eastern entryway to Lake Rotorua. Top Tip...60km speed limit alongside all 4 Lakes. Makes the viewing enjoyable. Although got passed doing 65kph. Gotta wonder. Apparently some cars end up in the lake.
Waiotapu geothermal pool
Steam fed pools from 100 metres bubble and plop all around this region. Add a bit of sulphar and you get immersed visually and nasally into the Rotovegas experience. Top Tip...You'll find these on highway 5 from Rotorua to Taupo. My top 6 'curiosity stops' on this highway...the Secret Hotspotcafe shinnydip, Kerosene Creek hot water river dip, Waimangu Volcanic Valley boat cruise (pink and white terraces sites),Waiotapu Geothermal Pools, Waikite Hot Springs and Orakei Koroko
Waikite valley hotpools
6km off the highway, amongst farmland is a most relaxing paradise with multiple hotsprings. Beautifully prepared natural feeling establishment in a rural setting. They're even attempting to construct their very own Pink and White terraces naturally. Top Tip...$70 gets you a couple pass to enjoy a campersite for 2 and unlimited hotpools attendance. Good value for 2. Sadly pricey for solo campervanners. So I just did the swim at $25 . But I'll definitely return.
My favourite 'Rotovegas' to Taupo Hotsprings.
As i travel NZ i generally try to visit most hotsprings...not all ofcourse. My favourites between Rotorua and Taupo are...The hidden Lake Rotiti 7 hotpools (watertaxi $85 includes pools), Whakarewarewa Secret Spot Hottubs and Cafe Shinny Dips, Hotwater Beach at Te Rata Bay Lake Tarawera, the hotriver experience at Kerosene Creek and Waikite Springs, all off State Highway 5.
Orakei Koroko
The rural backroad from Waikite hotpools, across the face of an enormous mountain range was a delight...until the jarring stoney road for a few kilometres. Some shingle is a pleasure. This was more dusty but drivable. Made it too the asphalt section and the hidden valley of this amazing geothermal park. They even include a ferry to take you over too the steaming entranceway and get walk which kind of looks like a much smaller version of the Pink and White terraces. Top Tip $45 gets you in plus free campsite for the night.
Lake Taupo
It's fair to say I've visited Taupo dozens of times and you keep discovering more things to do. Try the ferry that powers underneath the curtain waterfall of Huka Falls, or the boat trip out to see Maori rock carving...or the glass cafe as you head to Rotorua...or the cafe with farmyard animals...the 1950s DC3 aircraft voted in a worldwide top 10 of McDonald's coolest items...even I discovered the international motor race track in full swing. But today was finding a Hotspot on the rivers edge at Spa Road river hotsprings.
Acacia bay
II have an interest in finding quirky places and Larter Cafe fits the bill today. A colorful playful garden art experience with cafe attached. Today's daily billboard reminded us that 'Exercise makes you look better, so does wine. Your choice'...lol.
Whakaipo bay
Huge parkland freedom camping spots are like winning a golden ticket. (Unlike council type carparks). Just a few kilometres outside central Taupo sits a hidden parkland. It's huge and right on the lake. No boy racers here. Top Tip...other free parklike camping spots include Ramp Road on Karikari Peninsula, Ray's Rest Miranda shellbank, Little Waipa with free hot shower at Horahora waikato river and Matekiri Island on the lakeside at Mangakino.
Kinloch
Kinloch is the start and end of 1 stage of 65 Supervolcanic Trails around the Taupo Region. This version links Kinloch over the vast hill too Whakaipo Bay. It's a 13km hillside forest. Grade 3 mostly for the climb. Halfway gives you glorious views over Lake Taupo. Top Tip...stay the weekend of the 24 hour triathlon type racing. All you see are flickers of lights from competitors making their way up and down the trails. Quite some event.
Taupo west to Turangi
This is the quiet route around this immense lake, visible from space they suggest. It's also longer. Guess that's why it's quieter. Not many like views either. But a pleasant roadtrip. Stop at Omari Bay for the Floating Rock Cafe or further on lakeside at the Lakehouse Eatery at Waihi Bay. You'll also see the Steaming Hillside from the road into Waihi Bay. The last stop before Turangi sits Tokaanu with very old school style hotsprings.
Turangi
Perhaps a feeding town to both the Mt Ruapehu skifields and literally the trout passing through the Tongariro River that runs from Tongariro National Park via Turangi township and into Lake Taupo. Eventually winding through too the Waikato River and exiting below Auckland. Hugely popular fly fishing town. Top Tip...also rated an iconic mini golf course displaying icons of region at each hole. Try knocking a golf ball through a tanks barrel, depicting nearby Waiouru.
Lake Opotaka
Home to the HAKA...The significance of this often missed lake as you eagerly head too Whakapa Skifield is massive in the Kiwi psyche. As here with an island floating inside this lake is where the famed NZ Haka was born. True. Karate Kamate Kiaora Kiaora (the Hakas beginning) was uttered here. It is a place of sacredness and importance to the Maori culture including main tribe Iwi Ngati Tuwharetoa. Top Tip...stop to acknowledge the famed Haka.
Whakapapa
Only when you start walking up Mt Ruapehu from the carpark at Whakapapa Skifield (6km easy drive) from the famed Chateau Hotel, do you feel the enormity of this the biggest North Island mountain. It's massive. Scoria based walks galore in summer, plus you can take the easier option of the chairlift SkyWaka up many 100s of metres . Popular with the Ski set in winter especially. Top Tip..the full crater climb takes 7 hours or 10km uphill. Experienced only recommended. Walks galore from Chateau area including the famed Tongariro Crossing (must book only).
National Park
The halfway town between the 2 recognized Skifields of Whakapapa and Ohakune Turoa. Main feeder town to the islands biggest cross-country walk. Not for the faint hearted, this is a trek over a mountainous terrain where weather can change suddenly. Lodges galore are sited at National Park for Walkers and Skiers.
Raurimu
An engineering icon of NZ design from 1898 when a genuinely devised a railway that ascends 220 metres from valley to the Waimarino Plain, that took 1500 workers two years to construct. Top Tip...there's an elevated platform that now makes the Spiral unviewable due to growth of foliage. Essentially you can view from a fair distance roughly where the track cuts through, but you can differentiate the actual spiral nature of the train track. There is a fabulous prehistoric monster to view as a backup reason too stop.
Piriaka
Roadside FREE Springwater. Top Tip...pack empty and clean milk or fizz bottles.
Owhango
The Traverse 42 Bike Trail...one of the countries biking gems. Runs along the Tongariro River and offers extensive downhill runs. Ofcourse they'll be uphill too. Grade 3. Plus volcanic scenery and native bush over 46kms. 3 to 6 hour ride from just out of Tangariro National Park. Top Tip...if biking isn't for you, riverside trails for Walkers. Take Owhango town turn off state highway. 1st stage downhill from township too the Tongariro River.
Taumaranui
Essentially for me the doorway to both Mt Ruapehu and the gem of the southern area, the Forgotten Highway. For years only locals knew of this drive between Stratford in Taranaki and Taumaranui in the Ruapehu district. It became famous when the town in the centre named Whangamomona advised they would become their very own republic where passports are desired. It's a marketing stunt, but brilliant to bring attention to this 3 hour trek. Top Tip...stop at the pub and buy the tourist passport. Many do. Raises funds for small township.
Te Kuiti
National home to NZ sheep shearing and iconic Kiwi rugby superstar farmer, Sir Colin Meads. Voted Best Allblack of his generation. He hates the adulation. If the Statue is infact an accurate measurement of his immensity, then that's one beast of a man. Top Tip...buy the t shirt. Equally impressive is the Shearers Statue in the town park on entry.
Otorohonga
Designated as NZs Kiwiana Capital. They also host a popular Kiwi Zoo including mysterious native animals, some millions of years in the making. A busy quaint township, nearby to the famous Waitomo Caves. Take the backroad for a more leisurely trip.
Waitomo Caves
As popular as Rotorua sulphar pools and Queenstowns skifields experience. Here you'll find caves with small boats, folk drifting in the dark down cramped passages and even a delightful accommodation option of staying in a WW2 jumbo DC3. Top Tip...on the hill is the infamous Waitomo Hotel voted number 4 in NZs spookiest spots. Sadly closed, but I'm assured spirit still reside. Blood on the walls. True. Hotspots were rooms 12a, 14 and 25. A British fort once was sites here where many died. Maori believe a Taniwha lives in the caves below the hotel.
Te Anga Road
WAITOMO to KAWHIA & Marokopa Beach...This backroad directly behind Waitomo township is a lengthy, sealed road roadtrip but worthy. 4 spots stand out...the boot fence, similar too nearby bike fence in Oparau...the Mangapohue natural bridge with boardwalks viewing a superb limestone cavern with stalactites and glowworms...the cave walk at Piripiri including stairs galore...and the impressive Marokopa Falls. Top Tip...at the turnoff junction is access southwards to Marokopa Beach where fossils are regularly discovered.
Teoparau
Home to a roadhouse and bike fence. Top Tip...fuel in the middle of nowhere.
Kawhia
This is what Raglan used to be before we all arrived on mass. 50km down a one way in and out seems to have slowed the punters down. This is very old NZ in laid-back living. Plus renowned as a fossil zone (not old people, silly). Many of these finds are from prehistoric days, Jurrassic timezone. In the Museum sits a 5 foot tall shell once housing a massive squid found in the harbour. Yikes. Voted NZs cleanest harbour with next door Aotea Beach equally taking that honour. Top Tip...bring a spade, drive too Ocean Beach then over the Sandhills. Walk towards the sea, only at low tide, and vere too the right on a 45 degree and start digging a hold at only waters edge. It's tricky as no markers are evident. If you strike it correctly you will have discovered your very own hot spa pool.
Mt Pirongia
A major national park and biggest mountain in the Waikato. Most simply drive past towards Waitomo. Brilliant tracks including 4 hour walk to summit. Once named Alexandra who lost this title to the southern Mainland in Central Otago. Oddly for an inner land piece was named by coastal discoverer Captain Cook. Aotea harbour being some 50kms away. One of the north islands last untampered forests. Plenty of ever growing Rimu. Brilliant introduction walk along rivers edge.
Lake ngaroto
Many fabulous lake walks throughout the Waikato. But this one made me laugh as they'd deliberately built a tilting boardwalk. Apparently to handle the change of tide, daily. So as you walk it tilts, which frankly makes for an interestingcrossing. Kids love it, trying to freak out their parents by running side to side. Top Tip...bikes encouraged too. One hour loop, mostly without tilting walking platform.
Te awamutu Sth
The Waikato has a fair share of New Zealands unusual attractions and hidden in plain site gems. Here's Te Awamutu souths version, a Space Station with a difference. Elon Musk must visit. Titled 'the Space Centre'.
Kihikihi
I regularly visit towns nationwide and the Old school taverns are disappearing. No doubt due to earthquake risks and insurance for those wanting to run a historic pub. Ofcourse many still exist, but equally many disappear. This one in Kihikihi too the South of Te Awamutu township has a historical description but no doubt dying. Used to run as a popular cowboy and cowgirl venue. But sadly empty now. Worth viewing. Top Tip...guaranteed haunted too.
Hamilton east
The Hamilton Gardens...This stop is my go too, whenever I pass through Hamilton. Although let's be honest it's starting to feel like a crowded South Auckland suburbia. The open Gardens free to view are wonderful. But it's the hidden Gardens behind the walls which is a must do. Yeah it now costs $20 to visit or $39 for a yearly subscription. However it's so worth the cost of entry. Changes yearly with new garden themes. Top Tip...fork out $39...attend when you pass...attend the annual Hamilton Arts festival where comedians, thespian and famous musicians attend over a 2 week period around February March. Thos is a gem of a festival in a glowing at night garden setting.
Hamilton central
The Hamilton Sporting Codes...There's various venues of note in this Waikato City for rugby, football etc. However my favourite is the cricket stadium, Wedding Park, 'smack bang' in the CBD of central Hamilton. Having just attended, alongside the wonderful atmosphere of the England Barmy Army, within minutes after the game each day over 5 days, pubs and restaurants galore were immediately available. Top Tip...beats getting to venues allover Auckland which essentially entails taking a packed lunch too get to each venue. Hamilton sporting venues are all close to hand.
Raglan
Raglan, the surfing Hotspot of the Waikato. Around 5km along the coastline, South, sits the famous Manu Bay. I'm no surfer as such, jut boogie boards, but I'm told this has one of the best surf runs in the country, as in minutes spent on one wave. It's a crowded vista of boarders and kite boarder types all sharing the ever long lengthy wave. Top Tip.. you don't have to leave your vehicle as these surfers glide past you only 50 metres away from the sea facing carpark. Double Tip...stay directly above Manu Bay at cliffhugging Solscape accommodation from Yurts to on-site historical train carriages. Campervans get a sea view.
Waingaro
Get off the main highway from Raglan and head inland. Less testosterone filled Ford Rangers on a quiet sweeping cathedral backroad for 15km to a tiny enclave of Waingaro. Only 2 establishments. An old school 1885 tavern and an old school hot pools with the longest most wicked cliffface pool slide. Clean pools too. Top Tip Campers get to park high above the pools. Immediately next door cooked generously sized breakfast around $20. Great stop for a night. Travellers welcomed by locals I noted.
Ngaruawahia
Just behind Ngaruawahia township as you exit the road from Waingaro, sits a popular walking track The Hakarimata Walkway. I've now done a few of these stairclimbs and vow I'd stop. Buy I got caught up in the moment and discovered 1400 stairs too the summit. Top Tip...try the nearby Te Awa River Ride, on a much flatter bikeway along the edge of the Waikato River from Ngaruawahia too Hamilton, then onto Cambridge.
Huntly
Home too the Huntly Powerstation and the famous DEKA sign of the iconic Deka shops of the 80s. Although two rock jocks tampered with sign as a giggle. Kinda damaged it forever. But hey, it's all about the ratings I guess. They separated soon afterwards. Karma? Who knows. Top Tip...visit the somewhat hidden Lake Hakanoa just behind the main road of Huntly. Small sailboat lake, including an outdoor Chapel.
Gordonton
High Teas...if ceremony with your daily cuppa is desired, then Zealong Tea plantation, 20kms out from Hamilton is a great option. Reminded me of the UKs high tea experiences. Normal teas too, but how can you go past tiered pastries alongside a cup of your old brew. Top Tip...you don't need a suit, but you'll see a few folk in their finery.
Taupiri
The Woodlands Cafe...a true English rural cafes including brunch alongside a generally empty tendered cricket pitch. Kids riding trikes when I visited where the stumps normally sit. Top Tip...very popular day out spot for lunch in the sun.
Rangariri
Known mostly for the Tavern on the edge of state highway 1 halfway between Aucklands Bombay Hills and Hamilton city. Historically speaking this area was infamous for the 1st and biggest shoot out between 1500 British soldiers and the local Maori tribe at the Rangiriri Redoubt. 47 British and 37 Maori fell. Behind State Highway 1 on the Waikato River a naval ship bombarded the Pa with cannon balls. Top Tip...photo shows where the cannon balls were fired from.
Te kauwhata
Te Kauwhata Lake Waikare.. you can drive behind State Highway 1 from Huntly to Te Kauwhata and view the huge red lake which is essentially hidden behind both townships. Some people swim and fish. Not so sure I'd recommend this. However I didn't find any signs to the contrary advising don't swim.
Pukorokoro Firth of Thames
Firth of Thames -Miranda Rural...A coffee stop with a rural view of the Coromandel across the Firth. Up on the hill, hidden from the main road. Top Tip...toilet in itself worth the pitstop on way towards Thames.
Historic swing bridge
Firth of Thames...A before and after image as you head into the Coromandel. For years travellers lined up on both sides of the swing bridge on SH1. Sometimes drivers got caught halfway and had to pull into the bridges passing Bays. Today the modern bridge shows up the look of what was very old NZ roading infrastructure that lasted until very recent times when the decision was made to build a 2 way bridge and bike path as part of the Hauraki Rail Trail.
Thames
Firth of Thames...This is Coromandel Peninsula largest township on the Peninsula. Famous for essentially being one of NZs oldest towns, an early gold mining area and walks up into the Kauaeranga Valley. On the Firth sits the Burke Street wharf from 1870s designed to receive goods from Auckland associated with the areas gold rush. Only the piles were completed as the council ran out of money. Top Tip...loved by photographers.
Waiomu
Firth of Thames...A popular halfway point stop at a desirable roadside cafe with views onto the Firth.
Tapu square Kauri tree
Firth of Thames...Turn right into Tapu Coroglen Road. One of those roads that start with tarseal then abruptly changes to miles of shingle. At the 5km mark on tarseal is the agreeable Rapaura Water Gardens prepared with passion by the European owners. Do visit. At the 8km mark now on shingle is truly a square edged Kauri tree. It's quite the vision and I'm told it's perfectly squared. This is NZs most unique shape wise, but not the biggest nor the oldest. You'll find both of these in the Waipoua Forest up by Opononi on Northlands westcoast. Top Tip...oldest kauri is 3500 years old, before the pyramids. True.
Waikawaui Trams
Firth of Thames...I stumbled across this piece of history that I'd never heard of before. Sitting here in plain sight are 21 of 23 historic trams that now act as family baches. These famous NZ tramcars are somewhat hidden inside conventional timber baches. Originally they sat here in the open, but with salt damage from the Firth and increased flooding, each tramcar was raised and eventually housed. But there still grammars, just hidden in plain sight.
309 Road
Firth of Thames...A Coromandel road of both fascination and infamy. Essentially one of two cross Peninsula roads which twist and turn and remain unsealed. Here you will find the 309 Road pigsty, literally with open fence lines where piggies venture back and forth across this road. The other touristy thing is the quirky Waterworks Park. In a similar genre to Ngatea Waterpark, this Coromandel version has more gungho water activities to participate in. Two favourites were the stationery bike which shoots a torrent of water across a lake and the twin bikes that will literally have you flying. Top Tip...stay the night in your camper. Free if I recall after purchasing a ticket to Waterworks.
Te mata
Firth of Thames...A local has a fascination with driftwood sculptures. Timber naturally pops up on the beach and one enterprising local fashions this driftwood into passing statements of art. Top Tip...changes, and look out for the Christmas tree display each December.
Coromandel town
Firth of Thames...They used to run a ferry from Auckland to Coromandel township. Not so sure it runs today. Google. It really is a most romantic day out if it still runs. Driving Creek Railway with popular Driving Creek Pottery is a definite must do. Just on the outskirts of this busy township is a miniature style railway which takes you through Coromandel bush and tunnels to a hilltop viewing platform with vistas over the township. Test your artistic side with the pottery class. Top Tip...the Train is number one for most, but many return to achieve their artistic mug.
Long bay
Firth of Thames...Not to be confused with the northern North Shore suburb in Auckland, this prized spot just a few kilometres out from Coromandel township is a gem. Essentially it's a public domain and popular campsite on the harbour. But the trick to this is the camping area just over the hill away from the main camp. Top Tip...you need to ask as I certainly wasn't made aware. But after a walk around the headland, I thought 'oh my'. Just one camper was there as he knew to ask.
SH3 King Country
Halfway between Otorohonga the Kiwiana Capital and Te Kuiti, the Shearing Capital sits the iconic Giant Red Apple. People drive in, walk around the massive piece of fruit, then essentially get back on their journey to either Waitomo or lengthier trip towards New Plymouth.
Piopio
Home of Hairy Feet, the local film location in the famed films of Lord of the Rings. A very nice feeling small settlement with bustling cafe on the park when I visited. It's the halfway point between Te Kuiti and Awakino Mokau on the coastal strip to New Plymouth.
Mangaotaki
An enjoyable 15km jaunty trip into the Piopio interior to see Hairy Feet film location, the Mangaotaki Walking track and the Waitanguru falls. Ironically a small section of the Falls path has eh literally fallen. Top Tip...you must book to visit Hairy Feet. You've been warned.
Awakino
Just as you enter the 1st seaside town on the Taranaki bite, look out for a small side road taking you too a narrow but passable hand chipped tunnel. A private public road as such. Awakino itself is a one pub town over an estuary with sandhills towards the sea.
Mokau
Another small settlement at the beginning of the Taranaki Peninsula Northside. This one remains a favourite due to its very old school campground directly hovering over a untamed westcoast beach. Nothing posh here, just beachfront without prestige. Top Tip known for their oysters at nearby fush n chups store.
Tongaporutu
Known as the 3 Sisters, it seems like it needs to be now known as the 2 Sisters. One has disappeared. It's an area of soft sand and mud stone therefore relentless battering by coastal storms has disintegrated Sister 3. Top Tip you'll get to see Hole in the Rock plus the dominate Elephant Rock. From one angle you'll see the face of a Giant Ape.
Onaero Bay
Taranaki Coast.. Twin Sisters on the same coastline as the more famous 3 Sisters. Not as dramatic, but similar in geography where the Mainland has been eroded by thundering waves, leaving behind these 2 Sisters a hundred metres away from the shoreline. Top Tip...Cosy private bay including camp ground.
Bellblock
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...Arguably the Beginning or the End of the 10km long New Plymouth Coastal Pathway. Formally commences at Downtown New Plymouth and snakes around numerous Bays towards Bellblock at the northern end. Top Tip...seen nationally as an iconic pathway. Aucklands Tamaki Drive enjoying similar status. Top Tip...bring your bike.
Te rewa rewa Bridge
Taranaki Coast.. New Plymouth...One of NZs most uniquely engineered pedestrian bridge which straddles the Waiwhakaiho River which splits the end of New Plymouths city centre Suburbs with the ruralSuburbs along this impressive coastline.
New plymouth sculptures
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...This city enjoys dome delightful sculptures, none more so than central city on the waterfront. Top Tip...probably your first introduction to the 10km pathway with the ever swaying Wind Wand, the recent Mother and Daughters sculpture and nearby the mirrored walls sculpture of the Len Lye Centre.
Moturoa
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...The Beginning and End point Southside of the famed pathway. Top Tip...Brilliant road signage sculpture art.
Fitzroy Beach
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...Where the locals swim.
Pukekura park
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...One of NZs most stunning public domains including the best seating plan for avid cricket fans built high on surrounding hillsides. The most dynamic amphitheater for concerts where a small lake runs infront of the main stage . A free zoo. Yes, free. A waters edge cafe amongst the foliage. A waterfall you can operate at your leisure. Disney like red bridges over the lake to hop from one side too the other. Sculptures galore. Historical trees and a dancing waterfall, lit up at night Top Tip...home to the alternative arts concert setting of Womad and home to the annual lighting festival where the gardens transform into a fairy wonderland.
Govett Brewster art Gallery
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...Simply stunning building design to house equally dynamic art and sculpture pieces. Top Tip...Top 5....Mt Taranaki, Govett Brewster, The Coastal Pathway, Pukekura Park, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
Egmont Village
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...Lake Mangamahoe...A 1 hour circumnavigation of the lake on the lower edges of Mt Taranaki outside of Egmont Village. Top Tip...there is a famed walk 15 kilometres up the mountain from this village whereby folk trek up a relentless stairway. Some stay the night in the DOC hut to see the image of Mt Taranaki in a mountainside lake. When I discovered the length of the trek, I simply went Yeah Nah.
Inglewood
Taranaki Coast..New Plymouth...Inglewood...Fun Ho Toy Museum...In the 1970s the Fun Ho toy brand sold like hotcakes in NZ. A million sold in a decade. Originally handmade in lead. Yes, many kids chewed on these toys. However they learnt and changed to aluminum castings. Production started in 1935 and ended in 1982. This museum is a celebration of NZ toy making, in particular around the Fun Ho toys. Top Tip...occasionally a retired toy maker will fire up the furnace at the museum and produce one toy for the day. Not your usual machine driven castings.
Stratford
Hidden Highway entrance point or exit too Mt Taranaki. Famous for the Shakespeare inspired Romeo and Juliet emergence, 4 times daily at the cities Glockenspiel Tower. Even more famous, but less known by the younger generation perhaps that the main cinema house was infact the Southern Hemispheres 1st Talkie Film on 1st April 1927. Before then silent films existed. On a ceramic screen, another first, rather than a cloth screen, was the start of talking movies. A dedicated programme was sold and the In crowd made this Stratfords biggest event, ever. Top Tip Romeo and Juliet figurines appear daily at 10, 1, 3, 7pm on the balcony of the Glockenspiel Tower.
Eltham
A small rural town of many historic 1sts. Including 1st butter exports, 1st dairy factory, 1st ever tarsealed road in NZ, 1st concrete floor cowshed, 1st concrete powerpole, 1st cowshed turnstiles. Plus 10 buildings in this once thriving township of early adopters are on the registered historic places. Top Tip...the townhall is one of NZs most interestingly designed town halls being double height kauri building with flair. In the 60s and 70s because of its styling the Taranaki Hindu community made it their preference for Hindu related gatherings.
Tawhiti Museum
Arguably the best most stunning museum built by hand around a man's obsession with displays of purpose built mannequins. It has the usual affair of agricultural implements etc. But it's the design behind the Whalers and Trader display which will catch your breathe. Here he and his team have designed a historical storybook in mannequins and props around the introduction of sailors, Whalers and traders of the 1700-1800 period with local Taranaki Maori tribes keen to receive muskets etc. Here's the true magic...you get to go on a meandering river by punt and watch the Traders and Whalers story unfold. Top Tip...Peter Jackson and Weta folk were initially involved in the design, hence it's pure magic. For $20 it's a no brainer to attend.
Hawera
The Watertower is the public tourist destination. Historically you could climb the 215 steps to view spectacular vista out across the Bay. But NZ has closed down many Historically fun discoveries due to potential earthquake risk. Although it was NZs first steel reinforced structure, it's not enough to allow tourists to sweately climb the inside staircase. Top Tip...visit the Tower on the Hill, riverside and enjoy climbing half the step numbers at 126 with equally spectacular views in Whanganui just down the road.
Ohawe Beach
South Taranaki Bight...A very windswept beach north of Hawera with a special old school campground directly over the water. Rocky foreshore which is great to investigate. Not so sure I'd swim here, however.
Elvis Presley Private Museum
South Taranaki Bight...Who'd believe NZ has its very own Graceland. Ok, not as palatial perhaps. The home of musical icon Elvis Presley now passionately memoralised by NZs number one super fan and super collector of everything Elvis. KD Wasely, or KD to his friends, holds the most stunningly unique collectors museum anywhere in NZ. 50 years of collecting and many trips to the true home of Elvis he has amassed a staggering array of items pertaining to iconic Elvis. KD had items direct from Elvis that even American collectors dont have. Top Tip...This is in the best 25 tour stops in NZ. Hidden inside a Hawera garage is the most delicious array of collectibles about one man who changed the face of music. Donation only. Do book by phone. He warmly welcomes your call and attendance. www.elvismuseum.co.nz 0274 982942 (ask for KD).
Patea
South Taranaki Bight...Aotea Waka Memorial...Is a celebration in this once bubbling commercial coastal town, of the journey of the Aotea Waka trip from Hawaiiki to Aotearoa. Top Tip...Brought to life in the music video Poi-e. A brilliant new music sound with breakdancing around Patea and music originated from here too. A number one in its day (1980s ?, maybe late 70s). Patea was once the Wanganuis biggest importer and busiest port. Not now. Totally gone and you see the results in township, sadly. The only reminder of good times are the ghostly wharf piles left standing in the harbour.
Mana bay
South Taranaki Bight...The SS Waitangi was renamed from The Banks Peninsula. (Isn't that a boaties bad omen to change a vessels name?). This trading ship decided to hit the western breakwater (Still stands today) and tore a large hole starboard side. Patched up, after being towed to sea, had to be cut free from towing vessel and crashed into the beachfront where it still resides. Simply bones.
Waverley Racecourse
South Taranaki Bight...One of the countries most agreeable and delightful courses smack bang in the middle of surrounding farmland. Simply turn off the state highway, park in the paddock (no shopping style carparks here), unfold a picnic blanket, then when 1st race is called, amble to your terrace seat. No rush as seldom fully sold out. One of the best courses I've visited and locals (mainly farmers) are welcoming. Top Tip....free entry...free carpark.. free to wander and views the horses upclose.
WAIPIPI Waverley beach
South Taranaki Bight...Mud stone and soft Sandstone clifffaces are found from New Plymouth too Whanganui. At these beaches eroded caves make for a fascinating beach walk at low tide. Top Tip...freedom cliffedge camping here too. Although look underneath where you've parked your van in the chiseled out caves. Makes you wonder when this precise clifface will collapse inwards. Top Tip...don't go to bed worrying. It'll be decades before that happens.
WAverley
South Taranaki Bight...You know you're getting old when you remember the iconic horse race of Kiwi in the 80s Melbourne Cup. By the way, Kiwi won. Top Tip...home of and buried at Waverley.
WAiinu
South Taranaki Bight...With so many memorable beach townships along the length of the Taranaki Bight, it's hard to pick the best. However this beach and adjoining campsite ranks as a top contender. Top Tip...halfway between Patea and Wanganui with $7 camp fees with water on acres (plural) of viewable coastal land makes this beach rather ok.
Kai iwi
South Taranaki Bight...The coastal area around Kai Iwi beach, is one of NZs richest areas in the country for finding Moa bones remains. Collectors are now discovering between 1 and 3 million year old prehistoric fossils from collapsing cliff faces along the continuous beach cliffs. A seal scull fossilsed found here now resides at Te Papa museum in Wellington, discovered by amateur fossil hunters. The day I walked this beach one young hunter was built seeking sharks tooths and moaning bones. Top Tip...the camp nearby houses moa relics from this very site. The Pillbox on the beach (photo above) was a ww2 relics which fell from the cliff above to the beach due to ongoing wave erosion.
Castlecliffe-Rapanui
Whanganui Region...Bason Botannic Garden...A brilliant 'Council' garden , landscaped immaculately by Lincoln College and gifted to the community (all 25 hectares) by the Bason Family. The Basons built this garden on their family farm, and was enhanced by sponsors once gifted. It's a delightful space of rest with hills, flat zones, a tea house, 2 lakes, sculptures, play zone for kids and acres of walking tracks. Picnic by the lake and designer wind resistant BBQ areas are popular. Top Tip...in keeping with the granduer of 'up the road' Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.
Wanganui Central
Durie Hill Elevator and Water Tower...What an experience...a walk through a very long tunnel into the bowels of Durie hill, under ever changing christmas style lighting. At the end of the tunnel you are greeted by a most cheerful Lift Attendant. Are there many lifts left with a personal driver?. You'll then pass through the earth 66 metres upwards in the original 1900s styled lift with hand sliding doors and arrive a few minutes later next too the 126 step tower gracing Durie hill. Top Tip...splash out on a $4 return. I tested the walk back down and it's steep at parts and oddly lengthy. The staircase at the end too the street is more like a wide ladder than a staircase. Top Tip...walk the every continuous circular staircase for a dizzying walk and dizzying vista overlooking all of Whanganui, the river and coast.
Kaitoke
Whanganui Region...Cameron Blockhouse...An historical site on the exit from WhanganuI. During the NZ Wars in the 1800s, Blockhouse were constructed primarily as a defensive fort for the British Army. Each fort has a row of small drilled holes along each wall to enable a rifle or muskets to point outside and fire from. Only 32 Blockhouses were ever built during 1840 to 1848 to protect against Maori Warriors. Few now remain. Top Tip, in Trentham, Wellington there is the only double storied Blockhouse. Clay was placed inside each wall as Armour.
Ratana
Whanganui Region...The famed Ratana Church and Temple is representative of Maori Christian faith and political institution, particularly in the 1920s. The founder of this church challenged the NZ prime minister and British Crown to honour the Treaty of Waitangi.
Turakina, Lake Dudding
Whanganui Region...A lake easily missed as you head towards Marton and Bulls along the Taranaki Whanganui state highway. Hidden inside the bowl of a farm sits a hidden campground and public access lakeside. Top Tip, very near Lake Alice. Quiet and serene. I've never got why it's never inundated with passing travellers.
Lake Alice
Whanganui Region...Manawatu Whanganui...An infamous rurally sited psychiatric hospital including a maximum security unit used from 1950s till 1999. Shameful issues came to light especially around adolescents and younger. 362 children were kept at the Lake Alice facility, where torture was part of the treatment. A public apology and legal proceedings against the NZ government were instrumental in the final close down and demolition of this entire estate. At one stage 10 major double storied villas were built. Top Tip, the only structure left standing is the Water Tower which was bought to build as a residence. Apparently back on the market.
Bulls, ('a Town like no udder')
Manawatu...Bulls, the Punniest Place on Earth...possibly NZs best travel gimmick, putting puns into every business name in town.Consta-a-bull (police station), or Relieve-a-bull (toilet). Absolute Gold. But sadly one mans thinking is now disappearing. New comers are no longer joining in and the value of the Punniest Town is slowly dying. Top Tip, I visited Bulls recently and walked the township and found it sadly more of a ghost Town. Although I'd recommend the Bulls Museum to learn of the region and there number one iconic son, racing car dynamo, Chris Amon.
Sanson
Manawatu...Vivs Kitchen...Home to NZs famous Cream Horn. Ok maybe more so in Sanson. I made the decision to stop enroute and what an OMG moment. This fully ladened cream horn is the real deal. Stuffed full of whipped cream in a horn of pastry with dollops of passion fruit. Many other toppings available. In Southland they swear by the rolled cheese toastie. In Sanson,it's a most agreeable equal with The Horn. Top Tip $7 per horn in a 50s influenced diner. The New Coffee stop as you head towards Foxton and Wellington.
Foxton
Manawatu...Known primarily for the massive Dutch inspired windmill in the town. That's worth a stop to see the rotation of the windmill blades essentially grinding flour. However just behind the Windmill is a fascinating Foxton Flax Stripper...it's a working museum, whereby Haraheke the NZ native flax produces flax strips to weave into baskets, clothes, art and rope using a 1930s genuiously designed machine to strip flax to weave and plait. Only 2 machines in the world achieve this result. Maori have made flax or Haraheke products for hundreds of years. The machine essentially speeds up the process. Top Tip...watch flax being turned into craft and items, and next door watch flour milled directly infront of you.
Shannon
Manawatu...Not many NZ towns named with a Christian name. But Shannon is. Probably an old Irish place name. I don't truly know. But I do know that Shannon has or believed to have been the township of the Biggest Teddybear in the World. But alas that came crashing down with the Guinness Book of Records informed the town that the Giant Teddy was infact a Blooper of sorts. The bear maker Helen Pratt, used imperial measurements when it called for metric measurements. Oh boy, you've got to feel for Helen. Top Tip...the improper sized Teddy Bear now sits or stands pride in place at the newly renovated train station. Trains run through too Wellington from nearby Palmerston North.
Palmerston North
Manawatu...The NZ Rugby Museum...The Allblacks are massive icons worldwide. Here in 'Palmy' is NZs tribute to NZs biggest sporting code. In this museum you'll be swamped with data, rugby icons, heroes, stories, collectors items and even a scrum machine to test your beefiness. It's truly fascinating even for non rugby followers. There is so much to absorb including the true story of the travelling bald kiwi bird, the period of the rugby streaker and even a salute to legend and All Black Captain Ritchie McCaw in a 'toast' to NZs hero (literally). The story I'd never knew was the founder of rugby in NZ, Charles Monro was not only a local lad to Palmerston North, but he devised NZs involvement in 1870 from a school in Londob where my folks were brought up, namely Finchley. Top Tip...you can push Ritchie aside to get in the World Cup photo too. Great gag.
Ashhurst Saddle
Manawatu...The last town before you take the wiggly road over the famed Saddle. With the original Gorge Road now a thing of the past for travel between Palmerston North and the Wairarapa, a new road is snaking its way in straighter lines across this hillside, due to be completed in 2025. Top Tip...maybe with such a treacherous crossing as in bend after bend, is the reason why the major town pub is now viewed as the corner cafe. Just a thought.
Ballance, woodville
Manawatu-Wairarapa...The Manawatu Gorge Track...the hugging hillside state highway that collapsed in places, and still moving too, today. When the rain came down a few years ago, it also brought down tons of cliff face. The bridge was unaffected, but after that damage galore. The Tararua Range Gorge was the only connection between Palmy and eastern side of the Wairarapa. A saddle route many miles along was the only way over, but used generally as a back road. Top Tip...the Gorge is officially closed, but daring locals, even travellers, still run the gauntlet to tramp, cycle or Scooter the old highway. Definitely dodgey in places, but an adventure all the same. (Ofcourse, I have).
mangatainoka
Wairarapa...Home too Zero Beer-Yeah Right...Actually the home to Tui Brewery. This stop must be NZs best advertising-marketing site for a Kiwi Beer Brand. Decades after launching the iconic 'Yeah Right' campaign of the 80s or thereabouts, it's still uttered today. Travellers visit here in decent numbers daily for the fun Tui marketing had brought to the serious pastime of drinking lagers. NZ cricket has locked into dual campaigns with Tui in recent years, where hundreds of Tui faithful sported their brand t shirt in the hope of winning big on match days. Top Tip...Tui even offers a camper site so you can drink and not drive. True (Yeah Right).
Poland to Pahiatua
Wairarapa...During the Second World War close to 2 million Poles were deported to the USSR. Only 120,000 were liberated. 733 of these, being children, made it too NZ by ship and placed in a refugee camp on the edge of Pahiatua, as a safe haven. Top Tip...camp totally gone, however a smart memorial sits looking over the area of the camp, just south of Pahiatua township.
Eketahuna
Wairarapa...Known locally as 'Real Kiwi Country' . Well that's the towns Icon afterall. There is a Kiwi wildlife breeding centre down the road. Sadly during Covid the powers to be wouldn't allow the Centre's workers to attend to the business and especially tend too the released Kiwi chick's on the surrounding hillsides. Because of the laws around covid, a number of these birds died in the wild, as the Centre staff couldn't track them during covid to essentially assist them. Top Tip...there's an interesting cliff walk somewhere 100 metres above the river that takes you down to a wonderful hidden campsite. Most simply drive through or just stop to look at the huge Kiwi icon in mainstreet.
Kaiparoro
Wairarapa...on the Makakahi River and Ford...A local man wanted to remember the loss of his son and a nephew from the WW1 Gallipoli campaign. His notion was too build a bridge of remembrance across a farm Ford. Today, this category 1 Historic Places site brings people from miles around to this very site, every Anzac Day.
Mount bruce
Wairarapa...Pukaha National Wildlife Centre...This is a must do. Simply they hatch and raise native NZ birds and set them free to naturally bred themselves. Ofcourse went to the Kiwi Breeding section but as is the way with viewing Kiwis, they remained deep out the back of their highly darkened enclosure. The jumpy children with good eyesight eagerly pointed them out. But for me, a blurred view of something small and fluffy pecking at the ground. Great experience as these were baby birds. Top Tip...for me, the entrance fee was immediately paid back when I stopped at the Tuatara enclosure, and saw a baby Tuatara. These are prehistoric and they have a baby version on display. Absolute Gold. Do visit and know the entrance fee is 100% going to raising Kiwi and other NZ Native species.
Kiriwhakapapa
Wairarapa...The Mount Bruce Pioneer Museum...highlighted on the entrance sign as Wairarapas Best Kept Secret...This museum is a fabulous pot pourri of our past lifestyles steming back to the 1950s through too the 1980s. One man has collected an enormous array of captivating, eclectic, unusual items which you will definitely say too yourself, 'Oh, I remember that'. It's a truly magical space of items we've all lived with or your parents owned. It's old and at times dusty, but it will be like a memory trip to them good old days feelings. It's old school, busy and a collectors dream. Top Tip...for $5 entrance fee, it's definitely worth stopping for.
Masterton
Wairarapa...Although this is a very pleasant and busy township, there wasn't alot to hold me. There are some gems, like the very English Cricket arena in the central park, which would be a great place to hold a small Test Series. There are the deers on display, including a most beautiful Male Buck with head chandelier, sponsored somewhat ironically by the Deer Shooters Club. There's also the Drags raceway out by the airport a few kilometres out towards Carterton. There's also a public art gallery based on Koha donation for entrance. But essentially not alot that inspired me. Although the miniature train in the park would have been a worthy stop....Choo Choo. Oh, and there are 2 inner city lakes worth walking around. So, maybe there was more to Masterton than I initially thought.
Castlepoint
Wairarapa...We live in the most beautiful country where nice vistas a repeated just around the next corner. But when you strike the grandest or the greatest, it gives you a tingle in your soul. Examples like Milford or Doubtful Sounds, Glenorchy, Queenstown Lakes, the drive down too Mt Cook, coffee atop Mt John overlooking Lake Tekapo, The passage out from Picton or climbing Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro Track. Now add this spot, Castlepoint. It's a 65km trek to visit this famed lighthouse, but the effort at the end will more than please you. Top Tip...Walk the pathway too Castle Rock at the other end from the lighthouse. Look back, wow. A heart shaped lagoon, major rock formations and the prized lighthouse. For the braver souls clamber up Castle Rock and stand on a precipise a few hundred metres above the sea. A WTF moment.
Clareville
Wairarapa...When you travel rural NZ, you will continuously find one shop towns. Generally pubs or a lonely service station, but here in a tiny rural hamlet between bigger Wairarapa towns is the prized bakery where many folk drive up from Wellington to purchase real bread (as opposed to the cardboard style). Top Tip...a popular cafe inside the bakery.
Tinui 'taipo'
Wairarapa...The world's 1st ever Anzac Day Service was held in this tiny town in a historic Church of the Good Shepherd in 1916. Top Tip...somewhere on the hill sits an ANZAC Cross high above the township. I couldn't find the cross and no residence were visible to ask. Great spot for future Anzac Day ceremony.
Carterton rural
Wairarapa...Ahiaruhe...Stonehenge Aotearoa...Must be one of NZs more unique tourism offerings...an actual Stonehenge Replica, too quasi-match the famed UNESCO prehistoric monument of 5000 years ago in Salisbury, UK. Essentially a religious site and one used to observe the sun and the moon. This version in Carterton Rural is a concrete circle as opposed too the originals massive rock slabs . When I visited, the Stonehenge Aotearoa, a group of 30 Bosnian travellers were praying and giving honour to their gods and spirits. Quite moving when they collectively started singing. Top Tip...because of the structures design stand on the plate on the ground in the centre of the circle, then either hum, sing, or clap repeatedly and the returning sound is unbelievable. You'll initially feel shy, but you won't be the only one trying it. Go on, you know you want too.
Greytown
Wairarapa...Possibly the most interesting street scape of the 3 adjoining townships south of Masterton and north of Wellington...Carterton-Greytown-Featherston. Felt a bit 'posher', with numerous fine small shops. The Cobblestone Village with its proclamation of 'Worth a Visit', wasn't open to the public this one sunny weekend as a private group was having their private gathering, at a museum. Oh well, such is life. So achieved the 5km public walk on the Greytown Woodside Walking Trail that essentially circles around the town through rural pathway. Yes, I'd recommend this trek. Top Tip...check out the quirky store of mixed products at no.72 with 60s vespas, old school albums, historic jukebox and a range of fabulous oddities and quirk.
Martinborough
Wairarapa...Popular weekend spot for urban professionals from Wellington in particular who enjoys the ambience of a grape town. Alot of weddings and imbibers galore.
Lake ferry
Wairarapa...If the posher suburbia feel of Martinborough isn't for you, just down the road sits this historical very old school pub overlooking the river entrance. It's a one shop town, so opposite too the grape capital. For a steamy romantic weekend, why not. The beachfront is all fine shingle, not sand. A true getaway spot. Top Tip...fush n chups with a Tui on the deck, heaven.
Putangirua Pinnacles
Wairarapa...Fantastic views of a 12 million year old rockface washed away by rain forming deep gullies and creation of rock pillars or Pinnacles. You can see the structure in the carpark, but not as dramatic as high up in the hills. So with that in mind I trapsed up 450 steps to view the famed pinnacles upclose. Frankly they're stunning. Top Tip...it is a decent uphill walk, but the final viewing point is quite the reward for the effort. I'm glad I persisted with the trek.
Ngawi
Wairarapa...Home to more individual bulldozers per property than anywhere else in NZ. With a beach of shifting gravel and a fishing village of note, no wonder. This curved bay has a definite X factor, hence the regular turnout of campers along a few kilometres of Coast. Top Tip...bring clubs, at least a handful and ask to play on the greens directly next too the sea. Back 9 is just over the othetside of the highway splitting the course.
Cape Palliser
Wairarapa...2 major lighthouses occupy the Wairarapa, Castlepoint and Cape Palliser. 263 steps directly vertical too the top. Hold onto the handrail by 'slide n grip', especially if you encounter a blustery day. Lighthouse has been here since 1897 and the previous way up was on a slippery shingle path. But once you've walked the modern staircase, you just can't imagine a gravel path too the top. Top Tip...As you enter the shingle part of the road, about 1km from lighthouse, slow down immensely as sleepy seals have a habit of darting across this very road to sanctuary of the sea.
Lake Wairarapa
Wairarapa...It maybe the North Islands 3rd largest lake but seemingly only campers and a handful of locals visit. Compare that too Lake Taupo. It's a wetland style Lake of National significance. Oddly for being so massive in area, the deepest part is 2.5 metres over 60,000 hectares. Lake Taupo is 186m over 61,000 hectares.
Featherston
Wairarapa...The first township over the massive Remutaka Ranges where snow truly falls. Famed for the oldest junior football club too. Also famous for being a soldiers garrison in WW2 and also infamously where 48 Japanese prisoners of war were gunned down in an uprising. Today 48 Cherry trees in a remembrance garden Sakura were planted as a Japanese Peace Garden. Sadly the ashes of the 48 were never located nor returned too Japan. Top Tip...proudly home to trailblazer parliamentarian, human rights advocate and 1st transgender mayor, Georgian Beyer.
The rimutakas
Wairarapa-Wellington...The long snaking state highway from both Featherston and Wellingtons Upper Hutt is daunting to drive. Imagine walking it. That's exactly what the troops whom trained at Featherston for WW1 had to do. Huge columns of men with packs walked too the Crossing for night 1 of 3 night trek to get too their ships in Wellington harbour. Thousands achieved this in one march.
Kaitoke
Wairarapa-Wellington...The Kaitoke Regional Park was awarded the Most Outstanding Park in 2013. Unsure if they've repeated this feat , but in my opinion still a worthy contender. Tidy, expansive site with multiple camp sites, including direct river site where they allow small bonfires. The bush walks, and they're are a number, have that Lord of the Rings feel to them. Infact Rivendell a valley in Middle Earth and important location in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. Top Tip...best camp in all of Wellington. You'll find it above Upper Hutt at the very beginning stage of the uphill stage of the Remutaka hills (Wellington side).
Remutaka Rail Trail
Wairarapa-Wellington...An 18km bike trail ride, or walk, from just below the summit of the Remutaka range (Kaitoke entrance) on the original Fell Engine Rail Trail to Cross Creek on the Wairarapa side. Cycle where the famed Fell engine chugged up and down this range for 77 years by gripping a 3rd inner track (the centre rail) to essentially pull its self up the steep incline. Top Tip...either cycle to the summit of 10km and return on a very wide flattish Trail or cycle over the summit and down sharply for another 8km to Cross Creek a few kilometres out of Featherston. Who said I never did the downhill sector? 36 km return with the steep uphill section. Or 20km return on the flat section.
Upper Hutt, Bro-town
Wellington...Brewtown or Bro Town...The last term of Bro Town could be apt at times, as they publicly advertise Bogan Days. What an amazing set up in deepest Hutt. A multitude of very fine beer establishments both inside and out over many hectares of warehouse space. Really clever idea to bring together many brewers under one roof. Thos definitely is the Hutts social playground. Top Tip.. campers can stay the night.
Miramar Ole Ole ole
Wellington...Home to Weta Workshop, but home to a Wellington celebration of NZ Football making the first of 3 nations worldwide to make the 2026 Fifa World cup in USA-Mexico-Canada...Ole Ole Ole Ole Ole.
SCORCHING BAY
Wellington...Scorch-A-Rama Cafe, probably my number one out of city cafe, hidden somewhat around the coastal Peninsula of Miramar and Shelly Beach. Top Tip...if heading to the original Weta Workshop in Miramar, add in this wonderful cafe with outdoor seats separated by a beach roadway.
Seatoun
Wellington...Scenic Saunas.. Wow, what a discovery. A mobile sauna on a trailer , positioned for a private view over the sea, but in public. Love this ingenuity. Top Tip.. Just book. $20 for an hour or $30 for 1.5 hours.
Island Bay lighthouse
Wellington...The Lighthouse accommodation where couples get privacy in a solo Lighthouse for a night or a weekend positioned towards the Wellington Heads on the western edge Peninsula. Top Tip...You need to book in advance as it's been a success for decades.
Owhiro Bay
Wellington...The last suburb before Picton. Top Tip...one mobile cafe and wild seas in storms. Plus popular with mobile campers.
Pariwhero red rocks
Wellington...Red Rocks Reserve...a coastal shingle trek for 2.5 kilometres from carpark to see fascinating red rock formations. Add another 1 kilometre to see Seals playing in rock pools. Note, you'll now be 3.5kms away from your return. Flat walk, and easily achieved. Or 4 wheel drive or mountain bike.
Lyall Bay
Wellington...TheMaranui Cafe and home to surf lifesaving for Wellington. This cafe is hugely popular and folk line up for tables. Watch aircraft taking off or landing if your date isn't overly taking up your attention as this cafe is only hundreds of metres away from Wellingtons premium airport. Top Tip...trendy eatery, but earthy. Aim for weekdays if lines frustrate.
Maupuia
Wellington...The notorious Crawford Prison on the hill with multimillion dollar views and Army WW2 defense positions. Both now unused but fascinating to visit. Check out the half sized door at the rear carpark at the prison. It was designed to slide out corpses, after death by gallows. Further down the hill behind the locked fence that everyone skirts around are engaging graffiti art on every bunker wall. Top Tip...oddly the Wellington public bus still stops outside the prison, even though last convicts were transfered out some 5 years ago. Did anyone tell the Driver.?
Mt Cook
Wellington...I decided to walk through the Massey University campus in my attempt to get too The Basin Reserve. I stumbled across the artwork of student engineers. Brilliant. Top Tip...another budding Sculpture Garden.
The basin reserve
Wellington...Has there ever been a more famously infamous moment in NZ sport than the Aussie Trevor Chappell Unarm Ball incident. Here at the Basin Reserve NZ Cricket Museum is THAT ball. Top Tip...ok, maybe others match this incident like the 1980s Springbox Protests, the 2013 America's Cup collapse at 8-1. And the infamous Suzie the Waitress at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Top Tip2...visit the Cricket museum ,open every Sunday and GameDay.
Cuba Mall bucket fountain
Wellington...Only in Wellington will you find an affiliate Surf Lifesaver protecting patrons at the Malls Bucket Fountain. Top Tip...the Cuba Street Mall is Wellingtons 'Culture Centre'.
Te aro
Wellington...the Naked Man hangs over Wellingtons Wharf area...There's alot to choose from when it comes to statues and sculptures...including the Boller Hat man and dog Fritz in CBD, the Chilean Head-stone 'Moai' in Lyall Bay, Gandalf in Miramar, the unusual Zephyrometre in Evans Bay, the Albatross fountain, the Phone Box De L'autre Cote, Kote Matau A Maui, the Museum Hotel, The Red Villa Skeleton, the Umbrella and the Water Whirler.
Te Papa
Wellington...NZs most stunning museum. Currently the big ticket remains the ever continuing Gallipoli Exhibition inspired by the legend Peter Jackson and Weta Workshop. Enjoy at least 6, possibly more, as I lost count, 2.5x life like mannequins depicting scenes at the WW1 battlefield. Stunning is all you can say. Top Tip...one of NZs most engaging and dramatic displays in a museum or gallery. It was planned too close the exhibition in 2019, then 2025, now 2032....True. It's that brilliant. It's FREE to view unless your a non Kiwi resident.
Kelburn cable car
Wellington...A cable car to take you too the very top of Government Gardens including Kaleidoscope tunnels. Yep, this is an actual photo.
Thorndon
Wellington...The Beehive...there a few icons of Parliament like Sir Robert Muldoon, David Lange, Winston Peter's and feisty property baron Bob Jones, that fascinate me. But most are easily forgotten. But if Parliamentarians whet you appetite, then try the daily Intro to Parliament tour which takes you inside these grounds. The Beehive is actually 14 levels, with 4 underground. The debating chamber feels like the NZ court vibe, old and sterile. Top Tip...the tours free, then afterwards head across to the Backbenchers Pub where you'll sit with famous effigies from their days in the Beehive.
Nz police museum
Wellington...Ello, Ello, Ello, What have we got here then...ok, I went for the serious Cop look. Yeah nah didn't work. However that aside, I visited the national Police Museum which is a must do if dressing up in Cop Gear is your thing. (As if I would). There's alot of Policing History here with exhibits on Erebus, Armed offenders, famous police deaths, and even the 1980s Springbox Tour. Top Tip...it's free to visit, and public welcomed onto actual training grounds. When I visited, they were handcuffing and filming cops behavior. Literally hundreds in uniform on the parade grounds doing various Policing activities. Fascinating.
Paremata-Porirua
Wellington...Ngatitoa Domain...'BADGER'...I travelled with Mr B for over 55,0000 kilometres throughout NZ over a number of years. This was the spot, or at least near to it, where Badger lost his life in 2019 to an aggressive dog. It is a freedom camping site on the estuary. One I had stayed at a few times, successfully. I decided to place a Remembrance Rock as I passed. The Rock was sourced from one of my favourite spots on the Wairarapa coast at Ngawi. Top Tip...it's most likely the Council or Kids, will remove it, but his memory stays right here.
Mana Boatsheds
Wellington...I spied a quote on a boatshed in Mana, by Famed NZ Poet, Sam Hunt...'I live in a boatshed on stilts, but ponder often the houses others live in'.
The Escarpment
Wellington...Pukerua Bay to Paekakariki...If I look a little stunned, it's because I tested my mettle on the 8km Escarpment Hike across a sheer drop cliffedge trek. Blimmin hecks, parts made me shudder as you only had pathways no wider than 60cm and unbelievably some 300 to 500 metres above a drop-off. It got worse as one flight of downhill steps literally dropped away as you turned 180 degrees to the next set of stairs. At the junction just 500 metres to ground level if you misjudged your step off. No handrails, none. However the views were spectacular. 4km along the up and down escarpment with 2kms either side at much lower levels. Top Tip...walk 8kms, take train back to your vehicle park. Top Tip...it's edgy, but with care, doable. Wouldn't try on windy days.
Paekakariki
Wellington...Home to the All Black speed legend, Christian Cullen. At the front of the town is the Paekakariki Express sign in recognition to this dynamic player. One of my favourites. Also Home to the massive Queen Elizabeth Park with multiple tracks and sealed bikeways for kilometres. There's also a track to take you too where the USA Marines were housed during the 2nd World War. Thousands trained around the sanddunes. Top Tip...fabulous old school fish restaurant overlooking the beach. Top Tip...includes complimentary salad bar. Grab an outside table if you can. Views across to Kapiti Island.
Paraparaumu
Wellington...Where Mary looks down over the expanse of Paraparaumu and out too Kapiti Island. A massive Christian symbol sits high on the hill and at night glows radiantly. Top Tip...the pathway to the statue of some magnitude, runs a mini billboard commentary to the life and death of Jesus in quick snapshots. Top Tip...highest viewpoint over the Kapiti coastline.
Te horo Beach
Kapiti...The Famed Pink Stump...essentially a tree trunk that got washed up, then locals daubed in pink paint. Today a quirky icon of this beach community. Top Tip...also home to the Bus Cafe. Mangikino also used to house the double decker buscafe, but sadly that's gone. It too was a small towns Icon. This buscafe is mainly weekend openings after summer.
Waitarere Beach
Horowhenua...The Hyderabad Wreck...Wrecked off the Horowhenua coastline in 1878, with a cargo of railway locomotives. Eventually settling on Waiterere Beach, north of Levin, now mainly buried by shifting sand dunes. 98% sand coverage has swamped this rusting wreck hulk. Top Tip...maybe bring a garden leaf blower to shift more sand away...Walk 600 metres from main beach entrance, southwards. A 20 minute beach hike and look for a prominent marker in the dunes.
Feilding
Palmerston...You can tell the non locals as too how they spell 'Feilding'. The uninitiated tend to spell it Fielding. Anyway, home to the Friday sheep auctions. Not many Kiwi towns now have this as a showpiece, but Feilding continues with it. For townies, it's an interesting hour or two getting too grips with how the rural folk do business. Top Tip...get used to the smell of animal as you'll be up close and personal with thousands of sheep or cattle. Try Fridays predominantly. There's even a rural cafe right outside the Salesyard where they still spoon in nescafe into a tin mug. Do as the locals do.
Marton
Home to the annual country music festival where thousands of folk along with hundreds of campervans descend on this rural township each summer. This year played host to Ken and Ken alias the iconic Topp Twins. Also Marton is known for its annual Autumn Festival where dozens of homemade scarecrows or sort appear sporadically along fence lines.
Scott's Ferry
20km down the road from Bulls sits a delightful town of around 40 baches. Famous for the historic barge that crossed the Rangitieki River at the Heads. But equally known for the 40 signs where every resident includes INN in a play on words with fenceline signage. Some are good and some corny ofcourse. The INN as such centres around the floods that nearly took out this riverside township in recent years. Something like are 'you in' which became INN after homes flooded. I may ofcourse have this wrong.
Woodville
The eastern side of The Gorge, mainly a pass through enclave for those heading to either Palmerston North or Napier. It's got a couple of cafes, Museum too. It was the 2nd hand store which surprisingly took my interest as not only is this the longest store, but possibly THE tidiest junk store. Everything was orderly and bagged and labeled. Some gems too at 51 Vogel Street.
Dannevirke
Essentially NZs very own Danish Town where prominent Viking greets you and exits you too. A few quirky things of note. The historic Regent cinema, the Fantasy Cave designed more fir the kids (ok, so I've visited it too). Sadly closed currently but assured it's going to reopen. The museum is worth a look with highly interesting items such as the 1890s Huia Birds who vanished forever soon after being caught and stuffed. The brick sent by post representing part of a demolished stone wall from Danniverke Denmark from 1151. A few hundred years before NZ got inhabited by Polynesian. Plus many artifacts around Moas found on farms in the area.
Norsewood trolls
Next door to the Danes of Dannevirke are the Norwegian residents. Both arrived in the 1870s and hacked through dense bush to form today's Scandinavian townships of NZ. Today Norsewood remains predominantly Norwegian in ancestry terms. The collection of tombstones is the largest in Australiasia of Norwegian Viking folk. Top Tip...the township is aiming to build a Norwegian Longhouse for events, weddings etc. Also home too Trolls as shown above with these 3. Also known officially as the Wop Wops. A fascinating stop.
Onga onga
On State Highway 50, which is a most enjoyable backroad to Hastings, is a tiny historic village , immaculately presented. A true old school tea room which sadly are disappearing nationally is reason to stop. Up the road is a true country pub worth stopping for. Top Tip...have your tea and scones outfront roadside.
Havelock north
The dining capital of Hawkes Bay. I checked out a couple of beauty cafe-breweries-restaurants of note. Bridge Pa next door has the Abbey Winery Brewery, Clifton Bay next door has Hygge with country garden setting directly overlooking Cape Kidnappers, prominently towering over Havelock sits the highest restaurant Peak and my newest favourite, the Birdswood Gallery complete with cheeky ostriches, a sculpture garden and cafe. Top Tip...I aim for Havelock North myself when wanting interesting, quirky, special establishments. Don't forget Black Barn too.
Te mata peak hills
Hawkes Bays most popular park and it's definitely high at the top. Photo doesn't adequately depict the 500 metre and more drop off from the hanglider launch pad. Need balls to jump off. I walked the hill from the first carpark. Most simply drive, but you miss the true dynamics of the landscape inside a vehicle. Stopped at the Peak Restaurant which hovers over the hillside. Views to Cape Kidnappers and beyond too Mahia Peninsula where rockets launch. Top Tip..book outside table.
The Peak
Hawkes Bays highest restaurant, with spectacular views across all of Napier, Cape Kidnappers and as far as the Rocket Peninsula of Mahia.
Haumoana
The centre line down the main highway dictates your longevity in this seaside suburb. The coastal side is literally falling into the sea. Above blocks used to be a barrier to the tide. The other side sits vineyard restaurants like the charming Elephant Hill and nearby Clearview Winery restaurant, both not in the firing line of being battered by the Tasman Sea storms.
Te awanga
At the end of this Peninsula which you can bike too on bikepathways from Napier, sits Te Awanga Point and Clifton. A delightful country cafe Sita on the very edge of Clifton Beach. Your views are the White Cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, where diving Gannet birds are housed.
Cape Kidnappers
Being a curious type, I thought a walk to Cape Kidnappers was the way to go. Frankly, it's daunting. The photo doesn't give the height nor the length and time you'll be under these chalky cliff faces. Essentially there as high as a football field and more and straight up. To walk you need nerves of steel, which I definitely don't possess. I walked for 30 minutes and felt like this maybe wasn't my most cleverest move as shingle dropped. Yikes. Returned at a relatively faster pace. You need 2 hours each way to walk, plus low tide. The Cliffs infact do collapse. I was there in 2019 I recall just after two Walkers lost their lives by rockface collapse. It's not comfortable, but people do still walk it. The map at the beginning of the walk gives you 2 distinct possibilities of risk being either High or Very High. Top Tip...book the overland bus around $49 which visits the colony twice a day in summer months.
Napier
One of my true favorites in the North Island. It's suitably busy, but not frantic. Plus it's a township built on seafront. Known essentially for it's 1930s architecture and the massive earthquake it suffered and rebuild. Similar in damage to Christchurch from 2011 era. Sadly the old prison accommodation and ghost tours no longer operates. But the hotpools spa on the waterfront remains. I've tried a few of the bike trails and there are many. Being a flat city huge earthworks were erected to protect the city from floods. The top of each being used as bikepaths. Haven't tried the aquarium as not big on seeing animals on display, but remains popular. Essentially the feeder city to the many vineyards. Top Tip...Napier plus Havelock North plus Cape Kidnappers Peninsula plus Te Mata Peak and you'd be hard pressed not to fall in love with this region. Top Tip...best band venues of Black Barn and Mission Estate.
Marine Parade
A 3km seaside path which holds a number of interesting gems including the 'attractive' (in my opinion) Pania of the Reef, based on a Maori legend who saw Pania lured into the sea. At the start of the parade is a container cafe with outdoor seashore bean bags, a coastal hotpools complex, a very unique musical sound shell, Room for a few hundred sitting on the grass for concerts. Am ocean viewing platform with views directly across too Cape Kidnappers. The famous Art Deco Masonic Hotel, which is definitely spooky, as in resident ghosts. The old prison previously housing notorious Hawkes Bay crims, then turned into a ghostly backpackers. Sadly it closed which surprises as hundreds of travellers chose this hostel. There's even a freedom campsite just 2kms from the CBD with direct sea views. The seaside path includes a popular bikeway for trips to Clive (11km) and Clifton (18km) and it's 100% flat. No hills, not one. Top Tip...if jailhouse accommodation appeals, test out the Christchurch Prison used for holiday stays. Yes, in an actual cell, except you get to go home.
MEEANEE HISTORIC OLD CHURCH
I see hundreds of enticing cherry old church buildings. Although I'm not a church attendee as such I appreciate the architecture of these beautiful buildings. This one on the outskirts of Napier is iconic. It even survived the 1931 earthquake when most Napier and Hastings buildings collapsed, with the loss of 256 residents. Bigger disaster than the 2011 earthquakes of Christchurch. Today used predominantly for events and weddings. Top Tip.. worth viewing if heading over the Gentle Annie Highway to Waiouru and Taihape.
Waiohiki Napier Golf
The Napier Golf Course has a series of lifesized tree cut and chiseled sculptures lining the course. Quite impressive. They are in recognition of Patriarchs of Maori Golf in the Hawkes Bay. They're visible on State Highway 50.
The Gentle Annie
I've literally driven every single sizeable roadway throughout NZ. This beauty is one of the last. It's 150km from Napier to Waiouru. Known as the backroad through massive stations. Not a shop to be seen. Quite often not a fellow driver to be seen either. Top quality road, but not overly popular. The middle section is a bit daunting with some 3 plus major hills to scramble up and down. Alot of gradient signage. But take it moderately and this is a nice drive. With 50kms to go to Taihape the biggest tourist spot is the suspension bridge at Ngamahanga, where you can stop next to the Rangitieki River. Trout fishers congregate. Top Tip...fill the tank and bring snacks.
Mangaweka
This township is set up as an authentic film set, or so it should be. I visit here everytime I drive along SH1 towards either Waiouru or Feilding-Marton. It's got to be the most delightful setting for a look at a fully, untouched, historic NZ township, from the early 1900s. Numerous historic old shops adjoin on both sides of this hidden road. The highway passes 100 metres away, but few turn off to visit. If I had the resources I'd buy this entire strip and turn it into a liveable museum. It's got Peter Jackson's name written all over it. Top Tip...You'll literally have the entire street to yourself. Stop on the corner with the paddock, next to this photo above. Bring your own flask and cups as there's a table setting with white horses in the paddock waiting for romantic couples. You'll get the magic of it if spontaneous fun stops whets your appetite.
Rangitikei River
Home to Lord of the Rings 'Middle Earth' Gorge. Huge crumbly white cliffs run along the mid section of this 155km long river system. It starts at Lake Taupo and drains at the southern exit of Taranakis southern bite at Tangimoana and Scott's Ferry. Top Tip...this photo is the campground at Awa Mangaweka. Top Tip 2...check out the ball shaped concretions at Whitecliffs a few kilometres south from here on a private farm. Be warned, a long gravel drive in and a 2km downhill trek to view.
Gumboot capital
Taihape...officially named Gumboot Capital of the World. Mainly courtesy of 70s satirist comic John Clarke, nee Fred Dagg, the black singlet, gumboot wearing farmer who made the true Kiwi Bloke iconic and adored. His sketch show was top billing on TV in the 70s. Today, they proudly host the annual Gumboot Throwing festival every Easter.
Waiouru, NZ's Army Town
At the very end of the oddly captivating Desert Road which runs parallel for at least 45 minutes of drivetime across the edge of Mt Ruapehu sits the 'Head Office Training Camp' of the NZ Army. Essentially acres of unrelenting tussocked hillsides, with signs suggesting strongly, 'live bombs', at play. Also home to the Kaimanawa Wildhorses. Top Tip...most travellers stop at the NZ Army Museum after travelling here via Lake Taupo.
Tangiwai
Express Number 626, 10.21pm, 24 December 1953 is memoralised at thos rather moving site where 151 people died on the Auckland to Wellington daily night train. Right on Christmas. Tragic. Essentially a railway bridge 38km away from the source of this tradegy, the Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu ruptured sending a lahar of water, ice, rocks and timber down the Tangiwai River, breaking the bridge structure and ultimately the lives of so many. Remains one of NZs greatest disasters such as Erebus, Christchurch Quakes, Napier earthquake of 1931, Kaimai DC3 crash in 1963 to name a few. Top Tip...worth stopping to feel the gravity of this site. Multiple information boards.
Harrods of Rangataua
A group of 3 families took over an old store, South of Ohakune, to enjoy the premises as a ski chalet. It has a number of old skis from the original local store, in the front window, so they dubbed the chalet 'Harrods of Rangataua. Harrods UK complained, naturally. In the end UK Harrods relented on the basis it never sells under the Harrod brand. Today it stands pride in place. Top Tip...Harrods UK tried the same with an Otorohonga family who infact had the Harrod surname. They fought back in NZ by every store in the town renaming their premises Harrods, including the town itself. Harrods UK realized they were not going to win this legal suit, so withdrew their copyright complaint.
The Dinosaur House, Raetihi
NZ towns seem full of collectors, and here at the last shop in Raetihi before you head to Wanganui, sits one families passion in the form of a Dinosaur Museum. It's quirky, but equally absorbing including a number of huge Dinosaur replicas that are movement activated as you browse between various rooms of this very old building. Top Tip...for $12 it's a fun hour ortwo to especially share with your kids.
Raetihi-Ohakune Road
As you enter Raetihi, high on the Ridgeline sits a rather unique twin towered building, inspired by the Ratana Church. It's owned by the local Marae, and symbolic of the Ratana faith. Top Tip...popular with photographers.
Adventure Capital ohakune
It's the North Islands winter playground. Although the ski area, Turoa 20km hike up the mountain of Ruapehu has had some very poor snow seasons. Changing weather patterns. At ground level the famed Chalet style Swiss feeling Hotel of note still hosts many skiers and mountain bikers. They've even got an internal hotpool complex, for public too. The icon of Ohakune is the massive carrot, currently bathed in scaffolding. The big ticket when the snows not falling, is the 13km long Old Coach Road, which takes you from Horopito, back to your digs in Ohakune. Regular shuttles here. The main draw card is riding on the curved historic viaduct. What they don't tell you, is that the pathway was made generally in bumpy cobblestones. Alot have been removed, but not all, thankfully. You need bike suspension or fat tyre bikes. It's downhill from Horopito. Gets busy too, with bikes riding Ohakune to Horopito on same path, so watch out. Top Tip...take the 20km shuttle with your bike to the skifirlds at Turoa, then freewheel home. Brilliant.
The last spike, Erua
Erua, National Park...I don't know what I was expecting, perhaps a gold plated last spike. But alas, no. You essentially have to guess the actual placement. Makes sense, as hungry tourists would no doubt pilfer it. Sad but true. The corridor of track is where the South rail section met the North rail section to make the Main Trunk Line for the Wellington to Auckland train travel, in 1908. Top Tip...very close too the Makatote Viaduct, NZs highest rail viaduct. Recently repainted.
Smash palace, Horopito
This is the wreckers yard used in the 80s NZ hot film Smash Palace starring Bruno Lawrence. This site is not only massive, it's an artistic sculpture goldmine. Somehow dumping thousands of old wrecks has enticed artists, tourists and photographers to attend this gravesite. Stripped cars are left to rust which makes the imagery more stark and absorbing. Hulks from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond are stacked high and meanders into the valley for literally acres. What was essentially a junk yard is becoming treasure. Top Tip $10 in the door and so so worth it. Just next door is the beginning or end point of the Old Coach Road bike trail.
Old coach road
13kms all downhill from Horopito to Ohakune train station on the original mountain trail for all travellers. Get ready for the Cobblestone ride of your life as it's going to get a bit bumpy. They've removed many, which is historically shameful, but you'll still encompass many on this trek.
Tokaanu
Vista of southern Lake Taupo and Turangi from the Saddle Road as you exit from or too Whakapapa. There's hotspings at ground level, but like so many hotpools they have shutdown pools which Tokaanu has done by closing the actual main pool. Same which happened too Waiwera Auckland, Miranda hotsprings, and for a long period Palm Springs, Helensville. (Thankfully new owners reopened pools).
Atiamuri
On the highway towards Taupo and out towards Mangikino is a most unique 500,000 year old domehill which essentially squeezed out of the ground like toothpaste from a tube. Atop this mountain which incidentally existed before Lake Taupo evolved, sits a major Pa with structures. The local tree enthusiasts burnt alot of the structure and put in pine trees. Brilliant conservation. It is also the highest hillside fort that got decimated in Maori battles. It's unusual as most hilltop dwellers survive more than the ground attackers. Top Tip...one day it maybe stripped of these trees and reestablish as a Historical Fort of Significance.
Tokoroa
The Pine Man with Talking Poles is the icon of Tokoroa. It's a suitable sculpture as a reminder of its history as a timber town. Adjacent is the timber processing plants of Kinleith.
Home for winter 2025
After a few winters travelling NZ, I've decided to head home for a few months over Winter 2025. Therefore, probably just the odd weekends away, before embarking on finishing the North Island. In 2026 I will be heading too the South Island. Then in late 2026-27, potentially trekking the East Coast of Australia from Adelaide to Cairns.
The trek from Bombay Hills to Wellington and crosscrossing the island has seen me stop at over 250 townships for investigation.
Whats left to do...?...The East Cape, eastern side of Coromandel and a few dozen more spots including the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Hobbiton and the actual Tongariro Crossing need visiting too. They'll be more, I'm sure.
Don't Leave Town Till You've Seen the Country!
I travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape me
Contact
Phone: 022 601 4158
Email: dave_lewis@xtra.co.nz
