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Published: April 7th 2009
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We left Auckland behind us and headed north to get to some greenery again. Our first stop was a rural campsite along the beach at a place called “Uretiti” (which could easily be remembered by thinking “you’re-a-titty” - how mature am I?). The next village along is a Scottish Highlander Settlement (meaning some bloke from Scotland set up home there once upon a time) and as we drove through it, there were many thistles adorning shops and signs. I asked Paul if he wanted to stop so he’d feel at home - strangely enough, he wasn’t keen on the idea.
Anyway, we parked up at our campsite which was right next to a fantastic beach - miles long with white sand and aqua blue waters. We decide to take a stroll. “Is it me, or does that stout, middle aged gentleman have no clothes on? Maybe he’s wearing flesh coloured shorts? Ah, no he’s not - quick! Avert eyes before he notices we were looking!“ And as we progressed along the beach, we noticed a few couples, tucked away at the base of sand-dunes and then just middle-aged men, wandering around with their todgers out. Why do they want to
expose themselves? Is it the feel of fresh air around their bits, which, for the last 5 decades have remained in the dark?? And lets be honest, they never normally have anything really worth showing to the world, if you know what I mean. At least that explained why part of the campsite rules included “No nudity in the campsite” We had no trouble complying with that one. I’ve never been inclined to wander round in the nuddy, putting people off their dinners….
Anyway, after seeing others really getting back to nature, we were back on state highway 1 going north and stopped at the last big town called Whangarei where we got the van serviced, did laundry, shopping and all that kind of thing. It’s also got 4 second hand book shops which was great as you can trade in your old books in exchange for new. Right next to the town centre is the town basin which is basically a few buildings adjoining the harbour which house cafes, gift shops and then a clock museum.
So having stocked up, we headed further north and stopped at another rural campsite, along the beach and put up our
new tarpaulin that we purchased in Whangarei to road test it. It worked a treat and we spent 3 lovely lazy days sunbathing, walking along the beach, reading and just chilling.
I then got behind the wheel and drove us to a small town called Kerikeri. En-route, we stopped at a place called Paihia - we had been merrily driving in the countryside, feeling like we were in the middle of no-where when around a corner we go and straightaway, we’re in a miniature Blackpool. There are huge signs plastered along the street advertising boat trips, dinner cruises, ferries, fishing tours, with a small pier from which you book and embark. On the land side of the street, there are cafes and restaurants, a couple of souvenir gift shops, post-shop and library (so there must be some natives living nearby). Very strange as at the end of the street (which is probably 500 yards long), you turn another corner and you’re back into countryside again. So eventually, we arrive in Kerikeri which has the title of being the oldest European settlement in New Zealand and has the oldest standing building. Well, as we’re driving into town, what do I
spot - a chocolate factory! Well I love this place already and we are definitely going there tomorrow. We stop the night and the next day, we have a look in the town centre which is really exactly the same as any other town of that size. We head to the “old part” which is right on the estuary and it comprises of the Stone Store (which is the oldest building, built in 1822) and you can still buy old fashioned goods in there, and adjoining the Stone Store, is the Mission Station.
Anyway, as it was peeing it down and I had a far more important attraction to see, we didn’t linger and drove to the other side of town to the Chocolate Factory! Now please don’t compare this to Cadbury or Galaxy - this was a small, family owned business, set up 11 years ago, called Makana confections (www.makana.co.nz). As we walked in the entrance, the “factory” part was on the left, screened by glass, where there are huge bowls of melted chocolate, and trays of delicacies waiting to be eaten by yours truly . On the right, is the shop with shelves of boxes of chocolates.
Paihia
This is the Library at Paihai - bit different to ours back home! As soon as we walked in, the woman at the counter advanced towards us bearing a tray of macadamia toffee crunch, with a chocolate coated apricot underneath! I knew I was going to like it here! After eating as many free chocolates as I could, inhaling the fabulous aroma and then purchasing some, we sadly left and headed on.
Our next stop was another rural campsite at a place called Karikari. No nudes this time, just 2 fantastic beaches and we stay here for 4 days before heading to the last place to buy food,. The next stop is the top of the top and 90 mile beach.
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