Blogs from Firth of Thames, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

After the debrief on the workings of the motorhome we went to a Pak 'n Save store for a load of supplies. The kids tried to help, but you know how kids can be in supermarkets, especially after spending so much time sitting down... we survived it and remained on reasonable speaking terms... A short jaunt south from Auckland to the Firth of Thames, an estuary with a windswept DOC (Department of Conservation) motorhome park up. A strip of grass to park on, no amenities, and then you could just step down onto a white seashell covered beach with an uninterrupted view across the estuary to the Coromandel Peninsula. We sat outside in the sun and had a buffet type lunch, feeling very happy to be outside once again. After lunch we nipped 10 minutes down ... read more

Where am I? .......... who cares I survived.! Walked the Coastal Walk at Tapapakanga this morning. I am sure the sheep were concerned with my breathing as I approached the Trig Station. Good walk minus a slight detour via a very steep cliff to avoid wet shoes. (I was no way in hell going back down the same way!). If the Health and Safety officers had seen us we have promptly been marched off the property with a red card for sure. (Sorry Jo at Pedersen Group we failed today, oh well another day tomorrow:). Down the southern end of the coastal track was the kayak campground ...what an awesome spot. The place was surrounded with trees full of Wood Pigeons who obviously frequented McD's. Fat little buggers they were. This afternoon Lance and I were ... read more

Blue Sky smiling at me, nothing but Blue Sky do I see...... That's our song today, not a cloud in the sky:). Cleared the net this morning and had another large Kahawai. Late breakfast in the sun then off on our bikes. Its been a long time since we have been for a bike ride. Headed up the Kaiaua coast with a lovely tail wind. Stopped for coffee and scones at the pink place in Kaiaua as we battled our way back to Rays rest against a very cold head wind. We must be getting old (or soft) as we couldn't quite warm up so opted to drive back to Miranda Hot Springs for the night. Already been for 2 swims and feeling warm and toasty again:). Will sleep well tonight.... read more

A farewell to Thames, as we head to Ngatea Water Gardens. This is well worth the stop and a wander around these gardens even in the winter. The owners of this property have a great sense of humour which is reflected in the many signs and quirky touches added around the garden. They also have a can museum with over 14,000 different beer and other beverage cans on display. If you think you have tried every beer think again. This is one place you could probably leave your husband for a few hours while he plays the "I've had that beer game!" In winter Ngatea gardens are only open on Sunday. If you can, go in the summer, as I would imagine the place would be beautifully coloured with flowers. From Ngatea we headed to Rays ... read more

We headed back to Thames township today and have spent the day walking as it was too windy to go biking. Wandered down the Coastal Walkway which was very colourful, the locals have brightened things up with lots of interesting colourful sculptures, paths and fences. Coffee and cake in Melbourne café this afternoon. This is a cool café. Local Thames boy meets Melbourne girl, marry in the Yarra Valley and later head back to NZ with baby in tow and start their NZ adventure. Wife gets homesick so decide to bring a little bit of Melbourne to Thames. Feeling rather stiff after all the walking it may be wine time:)... read more