A Trip to Tauranga – June 5

Queen’s Birthday weekend and for a change it’s not raining, so we decided to head over to the Mount for a walk around the base and a hot swim in the salt pools after.

On the way we stopped at McLaren Falls and then had a look around McLaren Falls Park.

McLaren Falls

McLaren Falls Park – Waterfall Bush Walk

When we were leaving the Falls we spotted three guys heading into the river for some kayaking – looked like fun:

Then into the Mount for lunch and a walk around the base of the Mount. It was a warm but bleak afternoon…..

The path was closed at one end, so we had to walk back – no hardship as we were looking forward to a swim in the Hot Pools – which turned out to be closed for repairs   So we went and visited a friend instead and had a lovely hour with her before heading home.  A very nice day in the Bay.

Wow – anyone would think we did nothing last year

It’s been a quiet blog, but a fairly busy family. Last year I’m not going to try to catch up on…. But maybe I can get 2011 up to date.

Raglan April 2010

We stayed 3 nights at Raglan Kopua Holiday Park in April this year.

The day before we got there there was a big fire at the wharf that destroyed most of the buildings and a Ford Transit van, probably the best thing to do to one of those van’s auctually.

The Beach

We went for a walk up the Main St, and spotted some kind of famous people.

Whale Bay & Manu Bay

This is the walkway around the edge of the School.

This is artwork someone has made out of old car parts, it is in the reception area at Raglan school.

Camping 2010

On Wednesday the 20th of January we headed off camping to Wentworth Valley. On our way we stopped at Dickey Flat Campsite for a look.

Nice stream to swim in and swing bridge across to bush walks.

Some people just don’t get the message……..

Smelly long drop composting toilets……….

Waterfall on the road out.

Water crossing on the road into Wentworth Valley.

Stream running alongside the camping ground.

First visitor to our tent. This was not long after we had put up the tent. First night in our new tent and it rained all night.

Next morning we went on a quick walk and had a look in some old mines. Huge Weta’s live in these.

After Lunch we walked up to the waterfall, this is the walkway up, it has just had $400,000 spent on it.

On the way back to the campground it started raining again, these photos were late afternoon.

It rained again in the night, in the morning we went into Whangamata.

Nice weather here……..but look back towards the camping ground.

The road back to the camp.

One last swim and then off home before it rained again.

Maungatautari Ecological Island

Is a mountain in the middle of the Waikato that has been fenced and is being restored and preserved and is pretty amazing!

And today (Jan 2) we went for a walk there with a couple of friends. Was a great day… Next time I will take my good camera…..

The view from the carpark!

Entrance sign

Starting Off

First Bridge

Amazing Tree Ferns

Tree Fern

through the trees

Looking up into the Tower

Looking into the top of a tree fern

From the tower down

Spiders Web

The Crew

Feeding Bird - sugar water feed station

Every where there were signs giving information on the trees….. On the 2 tracks we did, there were different trees, it was great.

Plant info...

AND signs in case you got lost…

"Road signs"

We also tried to work out where the kiwis may live…..

Kiwi home??

And tried to spot giant weta & spiders….

Weta, cricket & spider homes!

Tent…

We bought a tent off Torpedo 7.  Due to the weather, the only place we have been able to put it up is upstairs. The back yard isn’t quite big enough so tonight we took it up to the school…..

Laying it out

The roof dome

Main Room

With the bedrooms up

Front door view pre fly

Back view with Fly on

Up - but not pegged.... Think it's probably big enough

We will christen it Anniversary weekend at a campsite near Whangamata…

Leaning Tower of Paper

One of Logan’s job’s is to keep the toilet paper stocked….. I guess this is how you get out of having to do it too often!

The Leaning Tower of Toilet Paper!

No Boring Bits (NBB) – Rotorua Ride

Today we headed to Rotorua to ride in the Redwoods with a great group of people.  The aim of the day was to give the kids a bit more practice and confidence.  It was awesome – with all the trails we rode being only grade one or two – not only could the kids ride them but so could Mum!  The kids are riding so well.  It is amazing how much they improve when they have other kids to ride against with.

We rode  “Ball & Chain” (2 or 3 times) and  “Yellow Brick Road” before lunch and then after lunch; some gravel roads before hitting  “The Dipper” & finishing on “Tahi“. The better/faster riders also did a couple of other trails including “Pondy New” “Rollercoaster” & “Mad if you don’t” .

Some of the gang at lunch

Making new friends at lunch time

photo taken by Greg Gibb - NBB

photo taken by Greg Gibb - NBB

Just Waiting - Rab rode really well today!

lots of fun - on the trails & in the car park

Then we headed home, not before stopping in Tirau for a well deserved ice cream.

Arapuni Power Station

On our way home from Arohina we stopped at Arapuni.

The Swing Bridge.

Power Station Turbine Wheel

Spillway

The Power Station

A tunnel to explore, only went about 5 Metres.

DOC Campsites

We have just purchased a tent on sale from Torpedo7.co.nz and a bunch of camping gear from a garage sale. So we have been looking at camping sites, it will cost us almost $50.00 per night to go to somewhere like Raglan Holiday Park, so went to check out a DOC site.

Landing Rd Campsite

New kitchen under construction

Arapuni Lake

The boy’s had a swim in their undies

Deanna didn’t but complained about the grass making her feet itchy

Cool flowers