Blogs from Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

In the middle of the beautiful Manaia Golf Course is the historic Manaia Redoubt that was built in the 1880s. It consists of a lookout tower, which is a 1912 replica of the original tower that blew over in a storm, and two blockhouses. The redoubt is surrounded by trenches which are not easy to climb in and out of if you are unfit or it has been raining. If you have an interest in NZ history, it is worth taking the risk of being hit by a golf ball as you run across the fairway to reach the redoubt. It isn't very interesting but you can grab a few photos and then head into town to Yarrows (The Bakers) and grab some very yummy, very cheap treats. Munzees: there are plenty of Munzees to capture ... read more

September 1982: Patea was a busy little town. There were two doctors, two pharmacies, a post office and telephone exchange, County Council and Borough Councils, a town hall, banks and shops. That changed overnight when the freezing works closed. Almost everything closed, never to reopen. It is hard to believe 40 years have passed. Attending the event outside the gates to where the Works used to be was emotional for the large crowd that turned out in the rain. Memories were shared, the information board and plaque were unveiled and photos were taken. I will let this report fill you in on all the details url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018857153/patea-marks-40th-anniversay-of-freezing-works-closurehttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018857153/patea-marks-40th-anniversay-of-freezing-works-closure The highlight of t... read more

Built in 1885, St George's Anglican Church in Patea is registered as a Category I Heritage Building. It's Parish is the oldest between Whanganui and Hawera. The stained glass windows are stunning. However, the church is usually closed so you need to check which Sundays the services are held.... read more

I was awoken by Jane calling out, “I’m scared. I’m scared.” Soothing words of encouragement had her settled in no time! The van was being, and had been, buffeted by strong winds and the howl from the trees was indeed a little worrying. The trees were tall, flexible and bent and swayed in the wind without snapping or being uprooted. The water on the lake was being whipped into tornado like twisters as they sped across the lake at high speed. Very fortunate to be witnessing nature providing such entertainment. This continued the whole time we were camped. We departed Lake Rotomaru at approximately 8am hoping to reach Ohawe Beach campsite. We did and we rejected the site. The wind was far too ferocious with little protection. We headed to Hawera and a caravan park where ... read more

16km north of Patea and 12 km south of Hawera is a rest area at the bottom of the Manawapou Hill. To the left of the rest area is a locked farm gate with a stile next to it. Climb over the stile and you will find yourself on the old Ingahape Rd which closed many years ago, but is still sealed so is perfect for walking on. Follow it for 1km and you will arrive at the Manawapou Viaduct. The viaduct is impressive and well worth the easy 20 minute return walk. The hardest part is getting over the stile! Along the way you will be amazed at how quiet and peaceful the walk is. Apart from a few birds, there is complete silence and it is wonderful. It is hard to believe you are ... read more

Finding myself back in Patea, with my six year old grandson and Bruno the Malshi, I decided take them to see the wreck of the Waitangi. It was really surprising to see how much she had changed since my last visit a few weeks ago. I could see timber this time which I had never seen before. My grandson was very interested for approximately 30 seconds, only because he knew his sister wanted to see a shipwreck so he had something to skite about. The large stick he found nearby was far more interesting as he could poke holes in the sand with it, draw in the sand with it, flick sand with it..... But at least I could say I had introduced him to a piece of NZ history.... read more