Category: Uncategorized
-
Sunday 4 December – Havelock North
We had a bit of a lazy morning and then went for a tour of Havelock North, visiting the local farmers market and then on to lunch at Clearview winery which belonged to a friend of Barbara’s. We had the most wonderful lunch and delicious wine overlooking the vineyard and on to beautiful Hawke’s Bay.…
-
Saturday 3 December – to Havelock North
After a leisurely breakfast we headed south right across the centre of the North island through to Napier on the East coast. Another stunning drive twisting up through mountains and deeply forested areas and accross the Rangitāiki Plains, barely seeing a soul and passing through only a handful of villages during our almost two hour…
-
Friday 2 December – Lake Taupō
There were quite a few further tremors during the night including another big-one this morning but everyone is putting on a brave face and carrying on. Nina gave us the most amazing breakfast – these New Zealander really know how to make granola and I have to admit, Nina’s even rivalled Rachel’s! Mum and I…
-
Thursday 1 December – Piopio
Not easy to believe that it is 1 December or that the sun is shining – hooray! Despite a slightly interrupted night with bit of a jolt due to an earthquake, Rachel and I got up early and went on the most stunning walk up to the top of the farm, past the mare and…
-
Wednesday 30 November – PioPio
The weather was not kind today and it has poured, almost without ceasing, since we got up. Heartbreaking, as I cannot tell you how beautiful it is here and I was just longing to get out and explore. However it did provide a lot of catching up time with Rachel and she kindly took Mum…
-
Tuesday 29 November – to Piopio
Today was a travelling day as we drove from Russell back to Auckland and on to Piopio where we are now staying with lovely Rachel (Bather) and Denzil Anselmi. A long ol’ drive, virtually half the country, but very beautiful and fortunately without interruption from any policemen. So lovely to see Rachel who I am…
-
Monday 28 November – Bay of Islands
Today the weather was a little kinder and we woke up to blue skies and so much bird song it was almost deafening. After another delicious breakfast (cooked by us!), we headed out to the most lovely museum in Russell presenting the history of the Pompallier Mission and their extraordinary printing work. Sitting on the…
-
Sunday 27 November – Russell
After the most delicious breakfast (made by us!) we set off to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, crossing to the other side of the bay via the little ferry to Paihia. An impressive museum has been created to present this historic site considered to be the birthplace of the New Zealand nation. Te Tiriti o…
-
Saturday 26 November – To Russell
After another amusing breakfast, discussing the outfit the nice breakfast lady was going to wear later that day (we were not sure for what occasion), we left the Great Ponsonby Art Hotel. With map in hand, we headed to our first destination, Russell in Northland. We have discovered, that rather amazingly, Waze works in NZ,…
-
Friday 25 November – Auckland
We had a very amusing breakfast cooked by Sophie and her helper (we never quite got her name) who never drew breath though we understood little of what she said. Sophie however was absolutely charming and cooked the most amazing looking breakfasts, which though mum and I declined, were much enjoyed by our fellow guests…
EC-Rider Travels 