Te Awamutu and a teeny tiny peek at Rotorua

Te Awamutu is about a half an hour drive from Waitomo and is a quiet picturesque little township.  I stayed on the outskirts of town at a place called the School House, which is set in a country area and the drive way is tree lined with beautiful gardens all around.  

It used to be the Mangapiko School from 1880 - 1939 until it was moved to its current site in 1976.  It's been beautifully refurbished and has some of the original school photo's and documents adorning the walls. The School House has been open for accommodation since Oct 2015 and makes a perfect quiet get away.

It had all those special little touches, fresh flowers on the table and in the bathroom, seriously delicious home-made afghan biscuits in a jar, a fresh loaf of bread and a litre of milk in the fridge, along with butter, jam, milo, tea, coffee etc.

The place is very roomy and is fully self-contained. I wished I’d booked 2 or 3 nights here at least.  This is one place I’ll definitely have to re-visit!

I’d wanted to see the Marakopa Falls after visiting Waitomo Caves the day before but clean forgot about them when I came out of the caves!  I was almost at Te Awamutu before I remembered and as it was getting towards late afternoon, I decided to leave it for the next day. 

The next morning, I set off to the i-Site to get some information on Marokopa Falls and realised it was going to be an hour's drive in the opposite direction to where I was heading that day, so the Marakopa Falls have also been added to the to do list for the next trip to the North Island. 

Instead, I headed off to Matamata with the intention of checking out the Hobbiton Movie Set. I arrived at the i-Site where you book tickets and catch the bus to the set and found there were a bunch of tourists with the same idea. I realised I wasn’t wanting to be around that many people, so changed my mind again and headed for Rotorua – a place I hadn’t planned to go at all!

I decided to visit the Buried Village located 15 minutes out of Rotorua City. Along the way, I stopped at the Blue and Green Lakes to take some pics. I couldn’t see a great deal of difference in the lakes from where I was looking, however, the different colours are due to the different minerals found there.

The Buried Village is an historical site of a volcanic eruption in 1886 where the Te Wairoa Village was buried in mud and approximately 153 lives were lost. There have been some archaeological digs at the site during the 1900’s and artifacts have been collected to go with the stories told at the time.

There is a tea room, a museum and a walk you can do at the site to learn more of the history. I was in the museum part of the village reading some of the stories when I realised I had tears were rolling down my face. I think reading the stories of different local people at the time while seeing some of the artifacts that included a baby's cot, clothing, shoes, household items and bottles from the local tavern at the time really brought home to me the scale of the disaster.  Many of the items still have some of the petrified mud on them.

I figured it was a good time to do the walk that takes you around the site. I was the only person there, so that worked well for me. The walk includes plaques with letters between an English woman, who had been living in the area with her husband at the time, and different members of her family. The walk winds it's way around the site and it's gardens, with the last part meandering alongside a trout stream. There is seating along the way and it's a beautiful spot to sit and reflect.

After leaving the Buried Village and heading back into Rotorua, I stopped at the Redwood Forest.  The forest is incredible and the trees are magnificent and so very beautiful. I went for a short walk and took some pics, however, the pics just don’t do it justice!

I was about to leave when I noticed there was an i-site so went in to have a look and get some more info. There is a tall trees walk you can do for $20 that takes about an hour. I was soooo tempted and not going has been one of my big regrets from this trip, however, it was already after 2.30pm, I was feeling really tired at the time and I had a little over an hour’s drive ahead of me to Taupo where I was booked to stay the night.

Once again, I did think about back-tracking the next day, but it was approx. an hour to go back, then almost 3 hours from Rotorua to Hastings and I decided I’d rather not have another long day driving given I’ve driven a lot the past few days and the day following was going to be a big one. 

So this beautiful Redwood Forest gives me another reason to return and yes, I definitely should have done the walk while I was there!

Auckland to Whitianga to Waitomo

After having a night on beautiful Waiheke Island, catching the ferry back to the mainland, then a shuttle bus back to the international airport departures and hoofing it up to arrivals, I was able to pick up the small 4WD vehicle I'd booked. They said they'd upgraded me free of charge and this vehicle had a GPS in it, for which I was eternally grateful only a short time later!

There was bit of a problem with my booking because I'd planned to take the vehicle on the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton in the South Island. Despite me looking for information on this prior to booking, I couldn't find that info anywhere. I later realised it was in the fine print on my ferry booking rather than the hire car company.

They'd completely changed all the drop off/pick up dates of my booking which took some sorting out and negotiation, however, eventually I was able to set off to the car park to find this vehicle they'd upgraded me to. 

I wandered around until I found the car space, thought nope, that can't be right, walked a bit further and realised I needed to go back to where I was and what do you know, they've upgraded me to a flippin’ great big new-ish (10000 kms on the clock) Landcruiser Prado!! And it was one of those press button start jobs that you almost need a degree to drive.  

It took me an embarrassingly long while to figure out the GPS and even then I didn’t have it quite right as it stubbornly refused to talk to me and give me the directions I was seeking.

I figured I’d bravely set off anyway as the girl at the car hire agency had told me which highway I needed to be on. After a near miss and a couple of laps of the car park, I was on finally my way. I got down to the intersection and had a choice to make.  Fairly quickly too it seemed. Left or right. Shoot! Hmm I’ll choose left as I'm pretty sure I need to head north. 

Alas, it was the wrong direction! And it wasn’t until I got to another left or right type of intersection after some 15 minutes of driving, that I figured out the GPS while sitting at lights. A few turns and I realised I’d been going in the opposite direction to where I should have been going!

When I was about half way to Whitianga, I thought I should put in the full address and then discovered it didn’t recognise the road name so I figured it could be an interesting afternoon. I knew the place wasn’t quite in Whitianga and Hot Water Beach was part of the address (or something of the sort) but wasn’t sure if you turned off in that direction. I decided to keep going and would ask someone if I got completely lost. I figured if I got to Whitianga, someone would surely know.

Somewhere along the way, I noticed a look out type of place with some gorgeous coastal views. I pulled in and was at the back of the car getting my camera out when I heard a semi-trailer coming around the bend. It seemed to be slowing down a little, but I didn’t take too much notice until it sounded really close and I realised just as the horn went that it was pulling in next to me.  

The beeping of the horn just about made me jump out of my skin but I was more amused to see a young blonde girl at the wheel.  She looked about 25 if that and was driving a b-double! She had a great big grin on her face so was clearly also amused at the fact I'd jumped when she'd blown the horn.

Back on the road again, I’d passed the sign for Hot Water Beach and was just at the point where I was wondering if I should have turned off, when I came across the road I needed to turn into. Kapowai Road which also happens to be a dirt road. I found the place a little way along and it’s a gorgeous farm house type of stay with plenty of animals about to entertain you. 

I met Justin (his wife is Fiona and she was busy sorting kids out), he suggested I get supplies in Whitianga and also recommended a few places that might be good to eat.  Of course I had to take a few pics first before heading into Whitianga.  

While I was there I went and found the skipper of the Cathedral Cove Cruises, as I was hoping to do the condensed tour in the morning. It was one of the few things I really wanted to do on this trip. I got it all sorted and was going to be having another bright and early start the next day.

I found some fish and calamari as you do when you're by the seaside and had another early dinner down by the bay. I sat on the end of a seat that had a memorial plaque on it for a much loved local to eat my dinner and take a few pics before driving back to where I was staying. I was back in time for a wander and some communing with the animals. It was such a restful relaxing peaceful place.  And no phone (if you had one with you) or wifi access – yay! Such a bonus when it ensures you switch off.  

I woke the next morning to rain, so that didn’t look promising for the cruise I was hoping to go on.  Still, being optimistic I got up and organised early, in plenty of time to make the 20 minute drive to meet the boat. Of course, despite my optimism, the cruise was cancelled due to the weather conditions. Ah well, plan b!

Found a bakery and bought some wicked goodness for breakfast before getting on my way. I took a leisurely drive to Waitomo with a few stops along the way. The countryside is so lush and green, rolling green hills all around. I saw a few places along the way with woolly alpaca’s. They always look kinda cute.

I have to say I was very glad of the car’s navigational system. Without it, I’d have been lost on this trip. I must admit I did wonder where it was taking me when I went through Mystery Creek because it seemed a little off the beaten track, however, it was just bypassing the middle of Hamilton.

I probably spent 3-4 hours driving (more than the time it should have taken me to get here due to stops) and I decided to go to Waitomo Caves as the car hire company I was with had bit of a thing going with them. If you present your keyring then you get into the caves for free, saving the $49 entry fee. Sometimes it's the little things!

This was the 4^th time I’d seen Glow Worm Caves, the others have been at Mt Tamborine on the Gold Coast, Hastings Caves in Tasmania and the caves at Te Anau in the South Island of NZ. 

The particular cave I was in went 14 metres below the surface and as always, was beautiful inside. I have to say the glow worm grotto in this cave was incredible. So many glow worms! It looked a little like a very starry night sky. You could even see some of the lines they drop in an earlier part of the cave. 

The walk in and out of the Waitomo Cave isn’t as strenuous as some of the others I’ve been in, so that was a pleasant surprise. I think this cave would be my favourite of the glow worm caves I've visited. Next stop Te Awamutu!

Taking a peek in the North Island

I decided last year it was time to take a peek in the North Island, given I'd seen so much of the South Island.  I had a week in the North (before having a week in the South as well) and there are a few places I'd like to visit again. Needless to say, there was plenty I didn't see, so lots of reasons right there to go back again someday! 

You will notice this part of the blog is a bit chattier - it helps that I'd kept bit of a travel journal on this last trip which makes it so much easier when it comes to blogging material than relying on my foggy memory!!

I had a very bright and early start to the day, having to be at the airport by 4.30 am. The flight from Brisbane to Auckland was just 2 hours 20 minutes. I have to admit I enjoyed a moment of quiet amusement when the guy next to me asked for a chai latte as the air stewards came through the cabin with the tea/coffee cart. He obviously knows a good thing but I'm guessing he may not travel much.  

After you've disembarked, you come through the arrivals (I can’t recall if it was before or after customs) and there is a beautiful carved Maori welcoming archway as you go through the walkway. Such a lovely cultural greeting to walk through.

I'd decided to stay on Waiheke Island for my first night - one of my big mistakes was only booking one night! And the second mistake was not hiring a vehicle on the island. Going from Auckland airport to Waiheke Island by public transport is time consuming, but also a good way to make you consciously slow down.

I managed to find the sky bus from the airport to the city (no small feat for one who can be somewhat navigationally challenged at times!), then took the shuttle bus to as close to the ferry as it could go, followed by a 5 minute walk. All of that took about an hour or so, then I had a half hour wait for the ferry and a 35 minute ferry ride over to Waiheke Island. On arrival, I jumped on another island bus which then was a 10 minute ride to where I was staying.  

I think it was just over 3 hours from when I landed until I got to where I was staying for the night. I stayed at a little place called the Courtyard in Oneroa and found Jilly the owner to be absolutely lovely! She also had a beautiful scented garden with freesias and lavender in bloom which added to the charm of the place.

After I settled, I caught a cab up to the shops, then wandered about uphill and down dale (very hilly place) and had an early dinner at the Red Crab Thai as recommended by Jilly which was delicious! 

I went to catch a cab back and was joined by two young men who were married just 2 days before and were still celebrating. They were slightly drunk and ever so funny. They were cracking themselves up as well as me, and eventually the cabbie showed some amusement too. 

It was agreed to share the cab because my drop off was on the way to the next pub they were heading to (I think it may have been the long way round but anyway). They wouldn’t let me pay for my part of the fare, thanked me profusely for sharing my cab and said I was a very nice lady.  

After a good sleep and an early morning walk, I was wishing I’d booked more time on the island so it's definitely on the 'to do again list'! Alas, an extra night wasn't to be on this trip, instead I left where I was staying and lugged my bags up the hill to wait for the next bus. Talk about a mini work out! 

I managed to catch the right bus (always a bonus!) back to the ferry which was just arriving as we pulled in. It was a glorious morning to sit out on the deck and simply enjoy the water and the sunshine.  

There was another round of exercise when I got off the ferry as I was unable to find where the shuttle to the Sky Bus left from.  I was ‘helped’ by a homeless guy who said I was on the wrong side of the road for the airport and sent me to the stop across the road that I found out was no longer in use.  

I asked another bloke who talked a lot but essentially didn’t know where to go except a long way from here. I started walking back in the direction of the ferry and saw two other women on the other side of the road asking someone, so I went across and joined them. Together we walked another block and a half of the turn left part of the instructions, then left again and down to the end of that laneway, then cross the road to find I was almost back where I started (only half a block) and we'd finally found the stop. Yay! Who said exercise doesn't happen on holidays?

The bus driver was a Sikh gentleman and was absolutely hilarious as well as very helpful. He got off the bus and greeted each person individually, put their luggage in the racks, made a joke about the heavier suitcases and made sure everyone was settled on the bus before he took off. We’d been driving a little while and were at traffic lights when he noticed a guy on the other side of the road with luggage and called out the window, ‘can I help you mate?’ Not quite sure how we was going to do that though, but he gave him some directions and off we went again.

Just before we got to the Sky Bus terminal, the bus driver got on the microphone to explain we were almost at the terminal where we would get off his bus and onto the Sky Bus one. He wished us all a great day and thanked us for travelling with Sky Bus, before saying he would help us get our luggage off again. Meanwhile, he was cracking jokes again with half the passengers as they got off. He even got on the Sky Bus to help load our luggage on while the Sky Bus driver took the tickets. I think it was the most entertaining bus ride I've ever had!

I eventually got back to the international airport and of course was dropped off at the departure gate, so had to hoof it to the arrivals to pick up my hire car. The rest of that story next time! In the meantime, enjoy a couple of pics from Waiheke Island.

Wanaka! My favourite place...

I'd seen photo's of Wanaka before I ever visited and had a strong urge to go there for a couple of years before I eventually made that first trip. I had a feeling that this place would resonate with me like Tasmania does. 

I was wrong. While I love Tasmania for many reasons and believe I could easily live there should I ever choose to do so, there was something else altogether about Wanaka. It was like coming home. 

I fell deeply in love with this place the very first time I visited. I had almost a week there and was nowhere near ready to go home when the time came. I immediately started dreaming about my next trip.

The next trip was a very quick one about 18 months later and a friend came with me. I still remember what she said to me when we drove into Wanaka towards the lake. 'Oh M, this place is so you! I can see why you love it'.  

My love for Wanaka has grown deeper with each visit and I find it harder and harder to leave. My two youngest sons have visited in their travels of NZ and both have commented that they can see the appeal it has for me.

So what is it about Wanaka? The scenery is stunning. The lake set against the back drop of the mountains that are snow capped during the cooler months, the cherry blossoms and lupins growing wild around the lake in spring and the changing colour of the autumn leaves means there is always beauty to be found in the landscape. 

The town is not a big one, although it has many visitors who come to enjoy the lake in the summer and the skiing in the winter. There are plenty of excellent restaurants with different cuisines to choose from and I would think there is something to suit every taste.

The place just has a nice feel about it. The locals are friendly and are happy to engage you in conversation. There are plenty of things you can do and see without it costing you the earth, including some of the quirkier things like Cinema Paradiso which is an experience not to be missed, Puzzling World which will change the way you look at things and the Transport and Toy Museum which hosts one of the largest private collections in the world.

If you're into skiing, you have choices when it comes to snowfields.  In Wanaka, there is Treble Cone where you have the largest ski area in the South Island.  About 25 kms away you will find Cardrona and about an hour or so away, there is Coronet Peak which is closest to Queenstown and The Remarkables.

For those who don't ski but are keen to see the snow and the views, Treble Cone introduced a scenic chair lift ride in 2016 where for $20 NZ, you can go up on the chair lift to the outdoor cafe and have a hot chocolate while you soak up the views. For another $7, you can add a slice of pizza which is more like a quarter of a pizza than a slice. The views are spectacular and it's a fun thing to do.

Given I've had a few trips to Wanaka, I'll space my Wanaka posts out a little as there is way too much for one post and you may get sick of me rambling!  Here are a few pics to enjoy.