Author Archives: Kiwihobos

We head off to Silverdale shops, Specsavers, Kathmandu and Macpac on the list. My glasses are only 3 months old and the frames are loosing their colour, so I took them in to replace them. They don’t sell the frame anymore so I have to pick a completely different one. From there we go to Albany to Bivouac, Hallensteins and Kathmandu. Kathmandu is having a sale and Rowan needs a few items so we decide to head to the outlet store in Onehunga. Rowan gets a new merino top, a SPF 50 shirt and some new camp pants. From there we head to Howick to get some printed maps of the trail that someone was discarding. Finally off to Dad’s in Beachlands for lunch. We spend a few hours at Dad’s and I take photos of his Chevy as promised for Grandpa. We left Dad’s around 6pm, we ended up having fish and chips for dinner at the local place in Manly.

Saturday is a bit of a blur, we did more tidy up jobs. We completely repacked for what we needed and didn’t need. We had a lot of stuff to leave behind. Clothes from the wedding, extra gear we didn’t need, a packraft and much more. I got our clothes and retreated them with permethrin.

Sunday is here, the reason I am still in Auckland. Kings of Leon here I come. I purchased these tickets a long time ago and now they are finally able to come with no restrictions. Rowan was coming but we both decided my sister Clare would appreciate the second ticket more. Clare booked us in at the Stamford Plaza for the night. After saying my goodbyes to the grandies I met Clare in Silverdale. We headed in to check in. We were there early so we went for a walk around downtown, when we got back our room still wasn’t ready. Luckily they gave us a different room, finally upstairs and we had a few beers with cheese and crackers. We are enjoying some time relaxing and Clare convinces me to put makeup on to help pass the time. Time goes fast all of a sudden and we head out to dinner. We end up at Harbour Eats which gives you a huge variety to choose from.

By the time we eat it is time to arrive for the opening act. The Temper Trap opens and are really good. Between them and Kings of Leon they put on the big screens cameras showing fans in the crowds. It started with laughing and cheering and ended up with a lot of kissing towards the end. It got more and more risky the longer it went on. My favourite ones were the obviously heterosexual men snogging each other. The crowd went wild for them! I would expect it would get more nudity if it had a chance to go on longer. Kings of Leon played really well and played a lot of different songs from their 8 albums. It was great to have a huge variety of songs. Clare and I really enjoyed the people watching. Once it was over we walked back to the hotel. There were so many people it was really safe and easy to get back. Both pooped I was out in a matter of minutes.

Good morning,

It took me a few minutes of sleepy waking to realise I wasn’t hearing things and there was in fact a cow outside the tent munching on grass. I poked my head out and sure thing there she was. You would think I would know that sound from a mile away. The best bit was the other cows obviously upset that she was loose and mooing loudly waking everyone. We had breakfast before heading out. Rowan asked where do you want to go? I said back. We really have a list longer than I want it to be and I want to feel free while we are walking. So we aim for Wellsford and I call my sister to let her know we are heading her way and we will organise dinner. As we got to the peninsula so late I wanted to explore it a bit more, so we headed off down the road and had a good nosy. Before we knew it we were on the waterfront in Mangonui, a nice spot with lots of shops. Then onto Hihi where I remember staying as a kid and my sister falling out of the bunk one night and smack onto the wooden floors. Rowan and I take a walk on the beach there. Then we detour down to Taupō Bay, which is still very chill and lots of old bach homes. From there we head through Kerikeri and go west to Ōkaihau to get onto highway 15. Quite a scenic route. We come across the Twin Bridges which I don’t remember, so it is all new to me. A frozen fruit flow stop at Maungatapere keeps us going. Rowan is doing most of the driving today and I play passenger. The road meets up with highway 1 in Otaika south of Whangarei. From there we head to Wellsford to the 4 square. On Clare’s deck Rowan is cooking dinner as much as he can while waiting for her to arrive home. I unpack what we need and catch some evening sun.

Thursday, on the move with a list of jobs to complete. We can’t help but go to a few op shops in Warkworth before heading to Kiwibank in Orewa. Surprisingly we get to sit down and chat straight away, no waiting or coming back for an appointment. All the options are presented to us and we get informed the interest rate is going up again tomorrow. It is good knowing our options and we will make a decision in the next few days. Off to Silverdale shops to go to Macpac & The Warehouse. Then we head back to Nanas so I can get some washing done and we can treat some of our clothes with permethrin. I take apart my Leki poles to give them a thorough clean. Now to make a plan for tomorrow morning, we have a few shops further south to go to.

I wake fairly early, I get moving as I don’t feel the need to stay much longer. We hit the road, but before we leave the area lets check out the other lake. There is an old building like a boat club, it is now part of the council I am not sure what they use it for now. There is boat access but no camping at this other lake. Off to the Waipoua Kauri Forest, I don’t stop for gas, it is rather low but I risk it. The forest is stunning, you can feel how old it is. There is quite a bit of Kauri die back, I am guessing that is why the visitors centre is closed. I miss heard Rowan and drive right past the Kauri Walk stop, we will have to do it another time. It is quite a long beautiful windy drive. Almost feels like you are leaving the forest then you come across Tane Mahuta which is a compulsory stop. Incredibly big, the boardwalk to it is well maintained and even has disabled access which is great to see. We are the only ones there, to take in the magnificent sight.

Carrying on, we stop in a small town for gas, it was rather low but no light on and easily made it. We get to Ōmāpere and lookout from the top, by this time we are ready for breakfast. Between Ōmāpere and Opononi there is a group of shops. We have breakfast at the Thai Restaurant, which sounds funny but they become more of a cafe during the day. The coffee and food is really nice, and has a good view from the deck. On the road again, I fly past a sign for Kotu Boulders. I am not sure how many u-turns I have preformed but quite a few on this trip. I follow the dirt road and we miss the turn off to them. Someone has taken down the signs, our guess is a local who doesn’t want tourists looking at them. Good ol’ google shows us where to go. Now don’t get excited these are a sadder version of the Moeraki Boulders and even those are not that exciting to look at. Don’t get me wrong it is cool to have a look at them once, but they get a lot of fuss for a mound of rock. These Kotu boulders don’t have the crystal inner and don’t get the same effect with lot’s of other rocks around. However we enjoy the leg stretch and the walk along the water.

Driving along we pop into Rawene, a place and a Dulux colour. We used this colour on our house in Spencerville. The town is quaint but quiet busy as there is a car ferry which runs all day. Back out we head for Kaikohe, it is rather busy there with the Twin Coastal Cycle Trail. We go to two op shops and find an ivory bead necklace (we collect ivory to remove it from circulation). From Kaikohe we head to Kerikeri for some lunch and of course a little op shop around. We make a plan to head all the way up to the Karikari Peninsula. We do take the scenic route past Matauri Bay. I enjoy the view and we make a few stops along the way. When we reach Coopers Beach we see the butcher and 4 square for supplies. I really don’t like the vibe here, and I am quite happy to leave. We decide to head to the furtherest point on the Karikari Peninsula which is Maitai Bay. You can’t go any further as it is Ngati Kahu, Maori land. It is well cared for and I am glad to see there is a Rahui (no seafood collecting) in the area. The DOC site is basic, but perfect for us. We choose the lower one. There is over a hundred sites here and must get rather busy in the summer. Rowan has a swim at Maitai Bay, I only get in up to my knees. We have a cold fresh water shower after. There is no nudity allowed at the camp so we keep our underwear on. We picked the perfect spot, thinking no one else will show up later than we have. How wrong we are, another 5 lots of people show up in their self contained vehicles. Nevermind it is only one night. There is however someone playing rave music and I swear it is the same song over and over again as the bass never changes.

Heading north, with no real plan. What is the plan? Not to really have a plan. I tell Rowan I really want to go to Kai Iwi Lakes, I haven’t been since I was small. First main stop is The Kauri Museum, it has just reopened and we take a wee peek, the fee is $25 each which isn’t cheap and I am not in the mood to really get our money’s worth. I suggest to Rowan we do it when we really want to do it, and ready to read everything. The lady says it takes most people an hour, I can’t help but think we could do so many other activities that cost the same but take longer. Rowan’s value for money is rubbing off on me. Rowan and I stare at this random looking hill from miles away, it looks out of place in the landscape. Tokatoka Peak is a steep 700m return trip. I have to crawl up a lot of it, the hill gives me vertigo. At the top you get amazing 360 degree views. We have a kiss and a cuddle at the top, we had to stop after a while for fear we may fall off.

A u-turn takes us out to Maungaraho Rock Reserve, which is a pretty impressive sight. To do the loop track and up to the summit we need 4 hours, there are ropes and ladders to help get you up. This is a definite walk we would like to do, perhaps on the way back. We reach Dargaville in the afternoon and head down to Glinks Gully which has a council run camping spot. Google says it is closed temporarily so we try our luck and see if Google is wrong. We are lucky, google is wrong! We can’t get a hold of the caretaker so we have a little snoop around and there is an honesty box in the cooking area. $10 each for the night and there are hot showers for a $1, these need a token. Now the camping spot is in order we jump back in the car and head to the bottom to Pouto, it is a long drive and we detour down to Kelleys Bay. Also a possible spot to stop for the night but it isn’t as nice. We reach the bottom and they are building a new wharf down there, boats come from Hellensville way. The sun is on it’s way down so we head back to Glinks Bay, as we hit the top of the hill we see an incredible red sun setting over the water. Absolutely stunning, I am a little annoyed we aren’t on the beach watching it set. I am sure we will see plenty of sunsets soon. At the camp site we have no way of having a hot shower but the hot water tap at the kitchen will fill up my solar shower nicely. There is also a hot water jug, but I don’t need it to be that hot. Rowan and I share the shower and he decides to have a cold hose rinse off then come into the warm. The bag is 7L which is more than enough for the two of us. Rowan cooks us up a curry for dinner while I set up the tent. It isn’t long before I am yawning and hoping into bed. Not bad having the whole place to ourselves.

Monday, we take our time getting moving. Barry the caretaker comes along and takes our money, we get two shower tokens from him. We have eggs on toast for breakfast. 10am we finally head off back to Dargaville. Along the way we pass a tiny building, u-turn to see what on earth it is and find New Zealand’s smallest church. It is a really random, but cool strip of land that someone has turned into hodge podge tourist spot. At the front there is a honesty box, $2 entry. Walk along the strip and you will find unusual sculptures, funny signs, Tane Mahuta’s baby, A weta cave, chickens and much more. A great cheap spot for the family to visit.

We hit the Op Shops and only pick up some Kiwiana coasters. About to be on our way to Kai Iwi Lakes and Rowan checks his emails, oh we can get an appointment with the bank at 2pm in Whangarei, should we go? Yes, we head in the opposite direction towards Whangarei. We get there early and get a quick few op shops in. At the Cooperative Bank we get a chance to talk term deposits, we also want to talk to Kiwibank before making a decision. From Whangarei we head back west to Dargaville, to go through towards Kai Iwi Lakes. We reach our destination about 5pm and try to make a decision on where to camp. There are two spots you can camp, we choose the cheaper one because it has better sites. It is just as lovely as I remember it, I can’t help but think about all the noise the boats must make in summer. Feeling extremely lucky that it is peaceful and quiet. There is a break in the rain and I quickly put up the tent. There is no shower so into the lake we go, Rowan goes in starkers I wear underwear. An older couple take photos of us and call us crazy. The water is cold, and it takes me ages to get fully in. Once I finally get used to the cold it is quite enjoyable. Out of the water and Rowan gets cooking dinner. We get into bed feeling a bit cold still from our swim.

The day is finally here, Rowan comes home! His flight is in at 6pm and I will head in when he says he is through customs. In the car everything goes, I quadruple check to not leave anything behind. A few jobs come up for me to help Nan & Gramps with and I have a load of stuff to drop off at the local charity store. I picked up a key for my sister Emma a week ago that needs delivering, because she is close to the airport I decide to hang out with her in the afternoon. The time goes by fairly quickly and we watch ‘Boy’ which I don’t get to finish. Rowan takes a long time to get through, several planes landed at once and it was chaos. Rowan said the airport was so disorganised it was like flying into a third world country. Picked up and hungry we go to Taco Bell, wouldn’t’t recommend. Just as bad as the American version. At this point it is rather late, we decide to skip camping and go for a bit of luxury at Nan & Gpas Inn. They’re pleasantly surprised to see us.

Saturday, we head north on our road trip. We get as far as Hatfields Beach and stop the car to keep talking. An hour or two later we are still there trying to make a decision on where we are going. It comes down to one main issue, one we have been avoiding for a few months. The decision is made, we can’t go anywhere until we do some research and decide what we are doing with the money in the bank. Before heading back we get some Sushi. Nana laughs as we arrive on her doorstep again. Nana helps us find a few maps for our mission, we sit up in the office looking at properties all over the country. Not long later the answer becomes obvious, we could buy a rental or we could get a similar return with a term deposit. Term deposit it is, we park this until we have a chance to chat with the bank. With that decision made we can relax for the rest of the day.

Wednesday, I decide to explore around the area and start at Port Albert. I quite enjoy driving around the area. The tide is coming in and I watch the jellyfish float by at the end of the pier.

I then head out to Atiu Regional Park, this land was gifted to the Auckland Council. I sit up there and catch up on phone calls and emails for a few hours. The view makes the job feel a lot essier. I then take the back road into Warkworth and stumble upon these falls. It is a good spot for a stealth camp, I may have to come back here Friday night.

In Warkworth I get some lunch and buy a takeaway coffee and brownie for Clare. I cheat on Rowan and go Op Shopping, I find a cool enamel pot that I can’t pass up. I head back to Wellsford and sort dinner.

Thursday comes and Skylar is told I won’t be here when she comes homes. “Come” she beckons, points at the couch “You stay here.” I laugh, she wants me to sit and wait for her to come home. I decide I need to do some running around so I head back to Tindalls Bay and run a few errands along the way. I better finish off my organising I began. Few hours later I was done. There really is more I can do but decide I need to be in the mood otherwise I will leave it half completed. One more sleep and Rowan will be home, I am missing him terribly.

Happy Birthday Grandpa! The day started with Happy chaos of having a house full. Mum has a negative test wahoo. There were kids everywhere and we all had a lot of tea and coffee. Karstan did a few Haka for Pop and gained some confidence and did a few more. We had more family arrive for lunch and the phone rang all day. It was a really nice day. Eventually everyone headed home and the house became quiet. Grandpa got us all up at the shed at the same time to see a sign his tenant got made for him, a pretty cool thank you present of his old logo. Aunty Deb has very kindly left me her car to use and I can return it when I am ready. Rowan isn’t home until Friday so it is good to have transport.

Tuesday morning I have a random inspiration to do some organising. I start in the back room where I spent the night that mum was here. I cleaned all the windows and dusted surfaces. Before I knew it I was cleaning the silk flowers which then leads me to drawers. I am not trying to get rid of anything I am just trying to get it better organised there are cards to be used, cards that to be sent, pamphlets from funerals and lots more. I end up clearing up 3 drawers that she can fill with more stuff. This was a good time filler before heading north to Wellsford. On my way up I stopped at Parry Kauri Park in Warkworth.

Colleen & Allan’s 70th Wedding Anniversary is here. I test negative and I am feeling great. My grandparents are happy for me to come along. I get a wriggle on and get ready, it doesn’t take long at all and I am in the car heading to Milford. My sisters tell me my dress I am wearing is a bit scandalous and I should cover up more. Quickly I find a top at Farmers along the way. This makes me late for photos but I think just in time as I don’t have to wait while everyone else is getting sorted. The whole day is a success, everyone enjoyed their time. Plenty of laughs and really good speeches. By the time it is all over I am glad to get back, take my bra and makeup off.

Sunday was just as busy, people coming and going. Family arrive for the night, mum is on her last day of isolation (counting from her symptoms). I clear out so she can stay downstairs for the day. My cousins and the kids head out to Shakespeare Park so the grandies can nap. We end up seeing some stingrays in the harbour, which was really cool. We have a housefull as G/Pa is 93 tomorrow.

Woken early by a little monster but I don’t mind as I need to get into NZ time. I had daylight savings, then Australia time to adapt too, then Australian daylight savings, now back to NZ. We drop Ellery off at daycare and go for a coffee. Before we know it Emma goes to work. So I take the opportunity to watch netflix, I haven’t watched TV in a long time. Mums flight doesn’t come in until midday but being from Bali she will need all her shoes cleaned at customs. I allow another hour before heading in. Turns out it is worse than that and I have to wait over an hour before she is finally out. I wants time by going to shops I don’t need to go in. Finally out and in the car we head to the North Shore, where she has a hotel booked. Once in Takapuna we get burger fuel as she is hungry. I say to her I think you might have covid let’s test you. 15min later a massive positive reads, I get my mask on although I am probably already stuffed. Of course she is upset as this means she can’t come to the 70th wedding anniversary on Saturday. I drop her off and my aunty assures she will make sure she has everything she needs. So I head to Nana & Gpas but stop for tests and masks. I tell them I should stay away from them just in case I have it. My meals come to me via the lift.

I really should get covid more often if this is going to be the service! I test negative and plan to test again for the next few days to make sure.

Following day (Friday) I do have a sore throat, can’t work out if it is psychosomatic or from the plane. I feel cooped up so I end up spending some time outside away from anyone. I am rather bored but it is worth not making the whole family sick. More and more family are arriving but I stay in my room.

Rowan’s mum wants him to stay longer to be here for Bette, so I am going back to NZ alone.  The day is rather chill, we try to arrange a meet up with Aunty Christine but it doesn’t work out. I go up to the shops with Joanne, the car gets cleaned while we shop. Joanne wants a massage and I want a pedicure. Unfortunately the nail salon is too busy and we end up skipping those. We get the drycleaning sorted and a bunch of food. We then wait for the car to be ready and drink coffee. The day goes rather fast, I get a chance to pack for my flight and we get a few jobs around the house done.

My flight is at lunchtime so we head to the airport after 9am. Joanne drops us off and she will be back when Rowan calls her. We get into the check in counter and realise my flight has just been delayed by 3 hours. We check in anyway and they give me a $20 voucher as an apology. Rowan calls Joanne to come back and we head out to a block of shops in an industrial building for some brunch. By the time we do this it is time to head back to the airport. I say goodbye again and decide to go through to security. This takes a lot longer than it did in NZ, Once through I have no idea on what to spend the money on so I buy lollies that we can’t get back home. I order a chai latte and kill sometime blogging. I have gotten rather behind! Before I know it we are boarding the plane. A very uneventful flight, but I have a lot of missed calls from my sister. My message never came through to her she was expecting me hours ago. Whoops so I sneak in to her place rather late by the time I got mums car and grabbed a bite to eat it was past 10pm. I had a quick cuppa and hopped into bed.