NZToday RV Lifestyle Vol 12 Sept-Oct 2021

Vol.

12 NZ Custom 4WD campervan

Action Manufacturing factory tour

CFX3 45 – Portable fridge/freezer, 46 l

Valued at $1,639 RRP!

Heartland Journeys Walk & Cycle Trails Road Trips Reviews

see page 90

VOL. 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

Springfield to the Bealey Pub Whakaraupō harbour Stewart Island explored RV virgin roadie

Camping & cycling adventures Walk & cycle trails

Allan Dick’s road trip to Mitimiti

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with Casp IN

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Fiordland Milford Track four-day trek over dramatic mountains West Coast Fox Glacier South Side & Ōkārito tracks Te Awa Trail Hamilton city riverbank trails

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Springfield • Whakaraupo • Stewart Island • Whananaki • RV Hire • Northland Mitimiti • Āwhitu Peninsula to Waikawau Beach • Milford Track • Fox Glacier South Side • Ōkārito • Hamilton Te Awa Trail • Sunliner Navian MH • Custom 4WD • camper • Action Manufacturing

Destination-Lifestyle

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Road Trips 46 Northland – Allan Dick heads north seeking Mitimiti and Cheeky Yates 64 Manukau Heads to Coromandel – Āwhitu Peninsula to Waikawau Beach

Walk and Cycle Trails

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’s C a p

WIN $250 INTERISLANDER FERRY VOUCHER SEE p136

14 Fiordland – Gary maps the Milford Track – a four-day trek showcasing dramatic mountains and massive downpours 34 South Westland – Ancient rainforest, snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers – the DOC Fox Glacier South Side Walk and Cycleway and the Ōkārito walking tracks 75 Waikato – Te Awa Trail, along the Hamilton City riverbank, history, art, gardens and food

Reviews, Profiles and RV Spotlights 98 Design Coach & Body – custom-built 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 Campervan 103 Action Manufacturing – New Zealand’s largest RV, and specialty vehicle builder, factory tour 112 Road Life RV – Sunliner Navian motorhome with double slide-out

Regular – Competitions – Marketplace 87 90 92 94 122 128

AD Today – Hit the road Jack – reflections from Allan Dick Subscribe – Subscribe and save, plus win with Dometic RV Books – latest release books to be won Road Kai – Road recipes and a new cookbook to be won Events – scheduled upcoming events September and October, win tickets Marketplace and RV Trade Directories

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BOOKS TO BE WON FROM p92

VOLUME 12 Sept-Oct 2021

Rock‘n’Robyn Chronicles – motorhome show road trip, Eqalis medicinal cannabis tour Canterbury – Stand-out sights from Springfield to the Bealey Pub Canterbury – Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour) more than just a port town Southland – Stewart Island can be a day-trip destination, or an extended stay Northland – Camping and cycling adventures at Whananaki Coromandel – John shares his first RV experience hiring a campervan

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CONTENTS

Destination – Lifestyle

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Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

EDITOR’S Letter to Readers ISSN 2703-2477 (Print) ISSN 2703-2485 (Online)

NZToday RV Lifestyle Vol 12 Sept-Oct 2021 www.rvlifestyle.co.nz EDITOR Robyn Dallimore, robyn@rnrpublishing.co.nz ADVERTISING MANAGER Bruce Mountain, bruce@rnrpublishing.co.nz 021 657 090, Auckland Office 09 296 2926 SUB-EDITING & PROOFING Thiers Halliwell, Allan Walton DESIGN Cameron Leggett CONTRIBUTORS Sheryl & Neil Bainbridge, Robyn Dallimore, Allan Dick, Department of Conservation, Kathy Catton, Alex Stone, John Bishop, Jane Dove Juneau, Gary Patterson COVER PHOTO BY: Gary Patterson Lake Waikaremoana – Department of Conservation OBC PHOTO BY: Bruce Mountain SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADMINISTRATION Subscriptions Manager Laura Atkinson subs@rnrpublishing.co.nz Phone enquiries: 06 306 6041 Mon to Fri – Office hours 10am to 3pm SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year $49.95 (6 issues) Australia/Pacific $90 (6 issues) Rest of World $150 (6 issues) Full online website access $25 1 year RV-NZTODAY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY RnR Publishing Limited PO Box 220 Martinborough, Wairarapa 5711 Main office Ph: 06 306 6030 Auckland Sales office: 09 296 2926 Mail: PO Box 220, Martinborough 28 Oxford Street, Martinborough, 5711 PUBLISHERS Bruce Mountain, bruce@rnrpublishing.co.nz Robyn Dallimore, robyn@rnrpublishing.co.nz PRINTING OVATO DISTRIBUTION Gordon and Gotch NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS RnR Publishing Ltd uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions or typographical errors. RnR Publishing Ltd prints advertisements provided to the publisher, but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description, photograph or statement. RnR Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any loss that may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Advertisers are advised that all advertising must conform to the ASA Codes of

NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure show moves to October 15-17

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ell, it has been another merry-go-round on the Covid-19 ride these last few weeks. A snap level-4 lockdown was not expected on August 17, but we complied immediately, all fearing an outbreak such as Australia is experiencing.

The Rock and I have both had our two vaccinations, and I must say that though we know we can still get Covid, get a bit sick, and maybe pass it on, there is a real feeling of being protected from the potential of getting really ill and fighting for every breath to the point of being in an ICU with machines breathing for us or worse, dying from complications – I am sure you know what I mean. Maybe we will be proved to be idiots by the anti-vaxxers in our social/family groups, but I feel damned good about it. We both feel a great sense of safety in having had the jabs.

This magazine will be emailed to subscribers on the same day it is printed, your normal mail delivery will come as usual, giving you access to digital reading for those who engage in it. Last year, printers closed briefly through lockdowns as divisional lines were drawn as to who could operate; this year no such problems so the magazine will stay on schedule.

There’s plenty to inspire readers this issue: Allan Dick headed to Northland on a major road trip, and shares his adventures to Mitimiti and his mission to find Cheeky Yates; Jane and Rick head up to Whananaki to go camping and ride the trails; Sheryl and Neil picked up the RnR6 and headed to Manukau Heads and Āwhitu Peninsula before cruising around the Waikato and ending up at Waikawau Beach in the Coromandel; new writer Alex Stone joins the team – Alex threw a leg over the bike and took to the city river trails along the Waikato River in Hamilton, enjoying all that the city area offers; John hired his first campervan and headed to the Coromandel, and he shares his virgin RV experience.

There is a lot to inspire for those looking to head to the South Island in upcoming months.

Kathy heads to Lyttelton Harbour in Canterbury, while Sheryl visits the village of Springfield at the base of the Southern Alps, ending up at the Bealey Pub. Stewart Island is on everyone’s ‘must-visit’

list, John popped over for his first visit and loved the experience. Gary takes off on the four-day trek of the Milford Track, enjoying amazing mountain vistas and massive downpours of rain and waterfalls. On the West Coast we head to South Westland to explore ancient rainforests on the Fox Glacier South Side walk and cycle trail, before checking out the Ōkārito walking tracks, heritage walk and cycle trails from DOC. The Rock and I have been to Christchurch for the NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show in July – check out the custom-built campervan in the review section from Christchurch based Design Coach & Body. We caught up with Road Life RV in Mt Maunganui and checked out a Sunliner motorhome with a huge double slide-out. We needed repairs to our motorhome fridge so visited the RV Service Centre to get it remedied in short order.

We also had an interesting visit to the medicinal cannabis company Eqalis, and I have decided to share with readers information and observations on this topic from our personal perspective. It may be of help to someone else, or at least offer a little more basic information to your knowledge on the topic. It opened my eyes providing me with a lot of information I was previously unaware of, and we all think we know it all or so the Rock tells me.

The next motorhome show was to be held in September as normal at the Mystery Creek showgrounds. Due to the Covid-19 lockdown we are in as we go to print here in Auckland, and the unknown few weeks ahead, the organisers, Classic Events, have moved the event to October. New dates are now confirmed as October 15 to 17, 2021.

I am glad the QR code scanning is mandatory now along with mask wearing as well. That makes me feel more comfortable when we’re out and about. Gosh, I am a conforming old girl nowadays.

I scan in 98 per cent of times I go anywhere and do manual entries if I don’t have my phone on me. I like to think I am helping myself at the least.

Take care in lockdown, and even more care out of it. See you at the Hamilton show at Mystery Creek in October, that will be a big weekend.

Robyn, Bruce & Caspar

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QR codes – a reminder how to use the QR codes in the magazine editorials. You need to have a QR scanner programme on your phone, which you can download through the App store (there are a variety of them). From there you will simply scan the QR code on the page either to see extra video content we have made for your enjoyment, or to enter our competitions easily. In the digital version you simply click on the code for the same result and you will be taken to our YouTube channel – or simply go on your computer to our channel NZToday RV Lifestyle.

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Road trip south, Showtime and CBD

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Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain

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t was a busy couple of months over winter for us, with a couple of trips around the country catching up with RV industry friends. Early July saw us driving to Christchurch for the NZMCA Motorhome Caravan and Leisure show. This trip we elected to go via Taranaki on our trek to Wellington to get the Interislander ferry. We woke in the morning in Urenui to find a puddle of water under the back of the motorhome, and our freshly filled water tank was empty. This caused some angst for an hour or so. A phone call to the Nationwide RV service centre in New Plymouth saw us driving in to get the service team to check out the problem.

It only took half an hour to diagnose the problem. No it wasn’t a broken pump or a leaking hose, or any of the dramatic possibilities we had been envisaging; knowing we were away for a week or two in the motorhome, having water issues as well as fridge

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issues would be super vexing.

I am sure many readers will recognise the problem and the lesson learnt – for the second time in our case, as we had had the same occurrence with our Webasto hot water system. Yes, it was a frost in Urenui that night, so the frost protection system kicked in, essentially emptying the hot water system and water pipes to prevent possible freezing, which would potentially cause a lot of damage. For the Webasto, a click of the switch inside reset the system, but for our Burstner motorhome we learnt there was a button and valve switch under the bed. When shown it and told to “press this button Robyn, and turn this valve to reset the pump”, we felt pretty stupid really. Even with all our experience with motorhomes we hadn’t remembered this, or looked it up in the service book, which we could and should have done.

It is RV water works 101 really.

Note to self: when we get a new motorhome,

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ask and check how this vehicle’s system works.

The trip to Wellington was achieved and we stayed in the Te Papa Museum carpark for just $30 for the night. Well worth it to be right there in the city for a nice dinner and a walk around the waterfront with Caspar, and so handy to the Interislander ferry terminal. Thursday morning saw us line up with others. The ferry was a few hours late, but, with what seems like new pet protocols from Interislander and with a window pet sign, all us pet owners were parked together on one 1. Parked up at Surfwatch 16km north of Kaikōura township 2. The service team at Nationwide RV in New Plymouth were so helpful, we were on the road in half an hour 3. Checking out the water leak under the motorhome, easy solution today 4. The new bridge coming into Blenheim, with the old bridge alongside

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side, so we had plenty of opportunities to meet other pet owners. As so often happens in this small world we live in, one couple was from Martinborough, others were magazine subscribers.

Heading south we noticed immediately that the new bridge into Blenheim was commissioned – the old bridge looks so cute now as you drive past. Nearing Seddon, we decided to turn left and head out to the Yealands winery. We drove out there a couple of years ago to see the big rocks at Ward Beach that had risen two metres out of the seabed during the Kaikōura earthquake. During summer or autumn the drive on this road into the winery

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is one of the most stunning vistas with perfectly lined up rows of vines stretching over what must be hundreds of acres. Although the bare sticks are not so attractive this time of year, it’s still worth cruising around the area, having a picnic, going to the beach and trying the wines before you go. There are some picture-perfect spots to be found.

We stopped briefly at the newly developed ‘The Store’ camp at Kekerengu, Clarence, on the beach front next to ‘The Store’ café.

For many years we have pulled into this spot and stayed the night, in fact we slept there two nights before the big earthquake. The area has now been developed into an actual

campground with toilets and showers, and powered and non-powered sites. The train track is still close by so it is not the most peaceful place when the trains are running at 3am, but picturesque and handy on the drive north or south.

With the ferry being late, instead of carrying on to Christchurch we elected to stop overnight with friends Lynn and Dave at Surf Watch, north of Kaikōura – wow, a stunning spot with the snow-capped Kaikōura mountains as a backdrop, the sea stretching to the horizon out the front and surf crashing to the beach below.

On the way to Christchurch the next day we enjoyed seeing more of the post-earthquake changes in the roads along the coast. Over these last two years readers will have seen many photos from us of the work that’s been done; check out the drive-thru video link from this story to see parts of it now. Such a stunning drive down this coast. We turned off and headed to Gore Bay for a quick side trip to see what it was like – stopped at the Cathedral Gully viewing spot first, checked out the basic campground, had a quick walk on the beach then back on the road.

The next two days we spent at the motorhome show. The numbers through the gate were record breaking on the Saturday – over 7000. So good for exhibitors, aside from the fact you could hardly speak to people because of the crowds in the motorhomes

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12 5. The Store Camp on the Kaikoura Coast road 6. Avon River Precinct in Christchurch, Riverside markets are here as well 7. The Karaka Lobster seafood and café building is very nice and stands out for passer-by 8. Avon River

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and caravans that were on display. As a large number of RV dealerships across the country have ‘sold out’ of stock at present – both new and used vehicles – and some have even sold out for confirmed 2022 models coming in next year, the exhibitor numbers were down significantly. I imagine every vehicle available was sold over the weekend. Highlights in these photos and the campervan reviewed in these pages.

While in town we went into the central city

Precinct walk area 9. Cathedral Gully viewing spot on way to Gore Bay 10. TrailLite stand was heaving with people all weekend 11. Tui Camper – This pull-down singled bed in the two berth campervan took my eye, as did the ladder to get into the bed 12. Tui Camper – Unique ladder to climb up into the drop-down ceiling bed 13. Tiny camper – The most compact camper on site, check out the interior 14. Fantastic painting on the back of the buildings of the Riverside market area

to check out the changes there. The cathedral restoration work is well underway, and it’s a nice walk around the Avon River precinct – lots of artwork, historical facts, shops and the Riverside Market and food building. We noticed for the first time the large paintings on the building backing on to this area, wow it is fantastic. Actually all around the central city you see significant murals on the buildings, adding colour and texture to the area.

On the way back up the coast after the

show, we again stayed over in Kaikōura, and stopped at a couple of pull-overs up the coast, noticing for the first time the new Karaka Lobster Seafood and Café building north of the campground at Kekerengu – don’t know how we missed it on the way south. Again we got notification the ferry was running late, so had time to visit friends in Blenheim and visit Wither Hills vineyard for lunch before sailing across to Wellington and on to Martinborough.

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Then it was back in Auckland for only a week or so before heading down to Tauranga, to visit Clint at the RV Service Centre in Mt Maunganui. We have had an ongoing issue with the fridge in the motorhome; it will work on 12V and 230V, but the gas just doesn’t cut the mustard. I thought it was the people using it, lol, but after a few tests trips we determined that gas just wasn’t cooling the fridge down.

We had a part replaced earlier this year by RSE, but after continued issues and a discussion with vehicle owner Star Insurance, it was recommended we go see Clint. It took just an hour for the problem to be sorted.

As soon as the cover came off, the worn and 15. RV Service Centre - fixing gas in fridge 16. Gas technician pressure tests the gas system, found a leak and fixed it 17. Eqalis General manager Tyrone Carlton on the left, Pharmaceutical Director Mitch Cuevas on the right

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cracked wiring was clear as day and a part was whipped in and out in minutes. The gas guy fitted a part to the gas unit so it could be pressure tested, a leak was detected and fixed, and finally the problem was sorted.

On the way back to Auckland we stopped at Eqalis, a legal medicinal cannabis-growing and-research facility in the Bay of Plenty.

Why would we do that readers may think?

A family member suffering debilitating pain and swelling from rheumatoid arthritis is the short answer – discovering just how CBD (Cannabidiole) and THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid) works in the human body as a medication (taken as drops under your tongue, or as a massage oil with coconut oil base) that takes away pain almost instantly and enables movement, when almost totally bedridden with every joint in the body swollen, that’s why. I had my eyes opened to this incredible natural product and learnt why the fight has been on for so long to give patients access to it. I have now read so much information that when Commercial Director of Eqalis, Brendon Ogilvy, spoke to Bruce and invited us to visit the operation, we leapt at the chance. We caught up with Mitch Cuevas the Pharmaceutical Director, had a full tour with Tyrone Carlton the General Manager and even met Dr Shane Rutherford the lead scientist who showed us the final CBD extracted oil in one jar, and the THC (which is not available for local supply in New Zealand) in another jar. So interesting hearing about the growing process, how they researched a variety of seed types looking for the plant that would produce flowers rich in the CBD. You might think that means big plants with huge ‘buds’ but that is not the case at all. They are testing a plant variety that is showing signs of being useful for asthmatics. We saw the $500,000 extraction system that does the final part of the process, separating the crystals from the plant matter and into a form we

can use.

There is a lot I could go into here for readers but don’t have the pages to spare. What I do want to share is why it has been so difficult to get this home-grown product passed

by Medsafe for our use, instead of pharmaceutical suppliers having to import product.

Essentially the problem is one of consistency.

With any medication there is a need for every single dose to be the same, every single time, year in year out. With CBD it is easier as it is not a psychoactive product; however, THC does produce a ‘high’ effect, as the raw plant THCA crystals (non-psychoactive at this point) are converted with heat to become the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC that does have the euphoric affects. So basically, Medsafe won’t approve THC produced in New Zealand for prescription because it is extraordinarily difficult to produce a product that is the same every single time; a change in temperature, the amount of carbon in the air, the amount of light, all have an effect on the plant and the compounds within it. But you

can be prescribed THC products produced in other countries, because they are legal to their standards, so not needing classification (sort of in loose terms). The New Zealand standards will be very stringent to ensure the quality of the products.

There has been news lately about legal changes in New Zealand with one company being issued the first licence to supply locally produced products, and allegedly by the end of the year other local companies such as Eqalis will have an expanded range of products in the market, so good news there.

A lot of educative work is being done with doctors and pharmacists about the products, their benefits and dosage for different conditions. A recent medical conference in the Bay of Plenty even saw ‘Green fairies’ attending to demonstrate their local ‘illegal’ products alongside the bigger legal outfits like Eqalis which were presenting their research, knowledge and product information to GPs around the country. For some doctors it is still in the too-hard basket; they may refer their patients to one of the new cannabis clinics in Auckland and Wellington. You can make an appointment and be prescribed and receive your prescription straightaway. You can even do Zoom-type appointments if you are not in the area, and your medication can be couriered to you once you are in the system. Wow, that is a big step isn’t it. The legal changes coming up will see more newly licensed suppliers to deliver via online sites.

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Cost depends on how many milligrams of CBD or THC are in the bottle and the size of the bottle, etc. but a guideline is from $90 to $400. A 30mL bottle will last at least a month if used correctly, two months for others depending on dose. The highest Swiss CBD mix is $320 roughly. I am told that an ounce of illegal dried cannabis to smoke costs between $350 and $400. Depending on use, it seems to me that legal drops, made to regulation to treat actual conditions and taken under the tongue, not via the lungs, is a more targeted approach.

So at the end of it all what have I observed as a result of the use of CBD drops for pain relief, and THC drops at night for pain relief and sleep? Well, two drops of CBD twice a day and four drops of THC nightly has completely replaced the daily intake of Panadol, Tramadol and codeine pills. The one weekly pill for the arthritis itself is still in play. Some oil is rubbed on the knees or shoulder if extra relief required. Sleep is now blissful for both parties for some months now (if one partner is tossing and turning with pain, both suffer sleep deprivation). For this person’s condition, the treatment has been transformative, eye opening to someone naïve as to what it was all about.

Doctors are learning more about the CBD and THC products and the conditions they can treat and are becoming more open to prescribing them. Patients should do their own research and delve into all the information available via places like Eqalis, and the NZ Drug Foundation. Talk to your local GP about your condition if you are interested or contact one of the clinics that are in the community now. They’re not for every condition, but taking a natural product instead of manufactured chemicals every day is certainly working for this friend.

GREEN FAIRIES

A green fairy is a person who has cannabis plants at home cultivated illegally, that they dry, then process by different methods. One is to heat an amount of green leaf or flower in a slow cooker with coconut oil, for a period of time to melt and extract the THC and CBD oil product (decarboxylation process). They then give this oil mixture away (or sell illegally) to use orally or as an oil. They might also supply dried green cannabis for smoking or vaping.

The CBD and THC content in these products is completely unknown, whereas legally supplied products will have precise amounts of CBD and THC in them.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Working with your doctor is vital when using medicinal cannabis, as some medications may need dose adjustments and monitoring

The cannabis plant, covered in white crystals over the flower The human body has an endocannabinoid system that helps to regulate the nervous and immune systems via complex groups of molecules and receptors that influence many processes including inflammation, immunity, pain sensations in areas like the bones, brain, liver, lungs, muscles, pancreas, bone marrow and others. Cannabinoids are crucial to some physiological processes.

The cannabis plants cannabinoids (CBD) work by binding to the receptors through our own endocannabinoid system. There are up to 100 identified cannabinoids, about six of which are identified to have specific medicinal values.

Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) and Cannabidivarin (CBDV) are identified cannabinoids from the cannabis plant that are being used in what are called Isolates for specific treatments, i.e. CBD and CBG are antibacterial, CBD for anxiety, or broad spectrum mix of CBC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBD and THC for pain and antiinflammatory relief.

when mixed with something like CBD or THC – just as your GP considers mixtures of other medications when they are prescribed together. For example Warfarin (common for many for heart condition patients) and seizure and bipolar medications (like Clobazam or Sodium Valproate) are common medications that may need dose adjustments and monitoring. Pregnancy and breast feeding mums are a no go. Not information your average ‘green fairy’ will be able to share with you, compared with your doctor who is the specialist.

AFTER EQALIS

Back home to get onto this magazine, and wham bam thank you mame we are in Lockdown, Motorhomes come into their own as valued spaces for family during these times, we can go park in a corner of the section and camp out for a change of scene over different nights if we want to, or hide from the kids more like.

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At Eqalis we’re proud of the vision we share We’re a New Zealand company growing what we believe to be the best medicinal cannabis in the world. Now, we’d like to share our vision with you. So you can see where we’re heading and perhaps come to understand why the journey we’re on could mean so much to so many

We’re here for good Find out more at eqalis.co.nz

Advertorial

Eqalis Quality medicinal cannabis production

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ne in six Kiwis (nearly 850,000) suffer from chronic pain, and for many it can’t be managed effectively by traditional pharmaceutical products.

However, the emerging market of medicinal cannabis is a natural option for relief from symptoms, one that is being identified and prescribed by medical practitioners across Aotearoa.

Mitch Cuevas is the pharmaceutical director at Eqalis, a Bay of Plenty-based medicinal cannabis company producing locally grown cannabis medical products.

After working in pharmaceuticals for many years, Mitch understood the need for an alternative, natural pain relief product and watched the emerging international medicinal cannabis industry closely.

“When it comes to treating people’s ailments, I’m committed to providing a safe product, an alternative to traditional analgesics (pain medications) – something that the Eqalis team and I take seriously,” says Cuevas.

“While still in its infancy, New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industry is poised to provide relief for the significant number of

Kiwis who currently struggle with a number of chronic conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.”

To treat pain, cannabis medicines works with one of the largest receptor systems in our bodies, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Effectively, our bodies use the cannabinoids in the plants to help regulate our internal processes naturally.

“So if there’s something in your system causing chronic pain or other ailments like epilepsy, anxiety or sleep disorders, the cannabis medicines can help the body to selfregulate and manage those issues naturally,” says Cuevas.

“And I find it incredibly inspiring to hear the stories of people who have used CBD medicines to improve their lives and regain the ability to be productive, like people with crippling arthritis or severe epilepsy who are now able to manage their pain and seizures to lead normal lives, thanks to taking prescribed CBD medicines.”

One of the key concerns many people express to us about using cannabis medicines is the effect it will have on their mental state – in other words, will they get high?

“If you’re talking about CBD medicines to address specific symptoms, you can be confident there will be no sense of feeling high. This is because these medicines don’t contain any of the specific cannabinoid THC, that creates those sensations,” says Cuevas.

“At Eqalis, we’re focused on making CBD medicines to help alleviate the chronic pain of Kiwis and improve their quality of life, giving them access to a naturally based product that can provide therapeutic relief without any sensation of feeling high.

“We want New Zealanders to understand the vast potential medicinal cannabis has for improving our overall well-being as a nation.

“A lot of Kiwis don’t know about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis medicine and we encourage anyone who suffers from chronic pain – or knows someone who does – to consider speaking with a medical professional about the options available to them.”

Since April 2020, medicinal cannabis products have been available legally through prescriptions. If you think medicinal cannabis could be right for you, please consult with your doctor to discuss the options available to you.

SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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WALK & CYCLE TRAILS

Milford Track › Southland

Reigning in the Rainforest

Gary maps the Milford Track, the wellknown four-day trek that exceeds expectations of dramatic mountains and massive downpours.

Story + Photos Gary Patterson or as credited

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he Milford Track is a bit like some grandparents: it has been around for quite a while, is well respected and is imbued with a wealth of heritage … but it is also as stubborn as they come. I’m a fan of flexible tramping. I prefer to plan trips just days before, based on the weather; sometimes completing tracks in reverse, back-tracking at times, skipping huts and occasionally approaching tracks from both ends to collect photos and GPS data for the Great Hikes App. This track offers none of these which makes trip planning refreshing simple and equally nerve-wracking.

However, despite the track being so rigid, I am relaxed.

You see, with Covid-19 blocking international tourists from our shores I assume that the most overbooked track in our country would be a breeze to book onto. I plan to make a Department of Conservation (DOC) reservation close to the track opening, but to be sure, I take a sneak peek at the booking system on its opening day, six months before the track itself opens. This is when I begin to fret. Within seconds of opening, the available green calendar date boxes for huts are turning red like sandfly bites, right before my eyes.

This is when I realise I need to change my plans and join thousands of others frantically tapping on their keyboard to secure a spot.

Fortunately I get in, and a few moments later all 18,000 hut nights for the entire season are reserved. Wow! This is my first introduction to the Milford Track experience.

Some months later it’s early December when I reach Te Anau Downs and board the Fiordland Outdoors boat to the head of Lake Te Anau. The lake is a bit rough due to pre-frontal weather with two heavy rainfall events due to hit during my trip. If the scenery is not dramatic I am sure the weather will make up for it.

1. Rain clouds gather while trudging up the Clinton Valley (Remarkable Creative) 2. About to start the track with hopefully all the gear SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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As soon as the boat meets the whitecaps we rock out of civilisation and are whisked into the wilderness. Just over an hour later we reach a secluded wharf and it all feels a bit surreal. There are no buildings or welcoming party, no carpark, shelter nor emergency radio. It is a time when one nervously checks everything in the pack to ensure gear hasn’t been left on the boat – that has long since sped away. With three GPS units in hand, a big camera around my neck and another in the pocket, it seems I have at least got the important work gear with me. By now the larger Real Journeys catamaran has docked and several groups spill out, some making the same motions checking raincoats and phones before embarking up the Clinton Valley.

The first day of walking is really just an afternoon. It’s a gentle beech forest valley walk beside the clear waters of the Clinton River to reach its namesake hut. The weather is moody, brooding, and the humidity is as heavy as my overloaded pack. There is a treat waiting for us at the hut – ranger Ross. At two metres tall and 78 years old, this gentle giant is a stalwart of the Milford Track. For the past 17 years, he has often spent half of his time up here as hut warden for DOC. He seems enriched by the wilderness which visitors are blessed with each night here. Most wardens just pop into the hut each evening for a few moments doing a hut talk … but not ranger Ross. As he does every night, he takes our group on a night-time nature walk up to the wetland, past the hut and down to the river edge to talk about the wildlife and plants that

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www.fiordland.org.nz

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will be part of our lives over the next few days.

His knowledge and storytelling are epic – he is a living legend going beyond his duty.

The next morning it seems like the sun has forgotten to rise. What does rise is the river level as a result of the pouring rain and thunder and lightning that has just begun.

Like myself, my hut companions are lingering, waiting for a break in the weather, but there comes a point when we must all move on … they say the wet weather is great for waterfalls so I guess we are going to have a great day. Out we trudge, the loud tapping of raindrops on my raincoat is only silenced by the thunderclaps overhead. I am enjoying the rain. While it is a challenge to mark waypoints on the GPS unit’s heat-sensitive screen, it does warmly remind me of my time working for DOC at Fox Glacier and the thrill of undertaking safety checks in the glacier valley during heavy rainfall events.

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Although the tops of the mountains are shrouded in cloud the waterfalls appearing from the heavens come right down to my feet.

After wading thigh-high through some sections of the flooded track we all arrive safely at Mintaro Hut and dry out beside the fireplace.

3. Ranger Ross taking us on an evening nature walk 4. The splendour of Mackay Falls 5. The pick-marks of the ‘Cutting’ by the original track builders long ago (Remarkable Creative) 6. Following the winding wetland boardwalk

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This hut is currently being replaced by new one under construction further up the valley.

A DOC alert states that a severe earthquake could trigger a large rockfall onto this hut …

I sleep well, despite not quite knowing where to evacuate to in the middle of the night in this impossibly steep-sided valley, should the Big One hit.

The morning arrives, the hut remains intact, and from the look of dawn’s darkness, it seems like it’s a weather repeat. The sky is the deepest shade of grey as we venture out to climb the Mackinnon Pass. Near the head of the valley we climb abruptly, and the rain starts to come down as we leave the rainforest.

As we gain altitude, rain turns to hail and is joined by its friends lightning and thunder. If there was ever a test for my new bright-orange Earth Sea Sky rainwear it is now. The storm seems to be directly overhead, the drama and exposure of the climb rise like an orchestral track’s crescendo, alive with the music of the whistling wind, thunderous cymbal claps and the nearby roar of a handful of waterfalls. As I reach Mackinnon Pass the music stops; it’s like the conductor has, with one flick of his baton, parted the cloud and got the sun’s warmth to play gently. The weather break is peaceful, and below the monument to Mackinnon I see the forest-clad Arthur Valley making its way through Fiordland and out to Milford Sound.

I wonder if much has changed in this view since Quintin Mackinnon first crossed this way over a hundred years ago? What is new is the nearby shelter, which is the perfect refuge to dry my camera lens and warm up before heading down into the Arthur Valley.

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I descend back into the rainforest. The track through the Arthur Valley has two outstanding natural features. At the outlet is the charm of Milford Sound while near the headwaters is Sutherland Falls. The falls, reached by a side-track, was at one time thought to be the tallest in the world. I was not going to miss this as I love nature’s grandeur on such an epic scale. I head off down the waterfall track which is a pretty trail in itself. I hear the falls before I see them, and on getting closer they sound less like today’s thunder and more like a full-throttle jet engine. Oh, and what an incredible sight to leave the forest canopy beside the falls and see the full glory of water cascading 580 metres down to me in three steps. With the recent heavy rains, the falls are in full glory and draw me close to feel their full power and torment my new raincoat.

9 7. Giant Gate Falls, an idyllic spot for a lunch break (Remarkable Creative) 8. Reaching the highest point with the weather closing in again 9. View from the Mackinnon shelter window on a finer day (Remarkable Creative) 10. Mackinnon Pass on a finer day (Remarkable Creative)

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STATISTICS: 54KM, 4 DAYS I was amazed at how I could not even reach the plunge pool of the falls. My body is shaken uncontrollably – smacked by a horizontal blast of wet wind created by the falling torrent. It turns me into one of those orange inflatable waving men with wildly swirling arms – I should be on a used car sales yard, not here in the wilds of Fiordland! I and the raincoat survive the force but the seals in my camera lens take a night to dry near the fireplace downriver at Dumpling Hut. The final day’s weather is an improvement, and as the sun comes out so too do the sandflies. Leaving these critters behind I venture again into the forest which is a lush green.

The full extent of the massive mountains is now revealed. They tower above me and their scale exceeds everything I would expect from Fiordland’s grandeur. The track follows the river downstream crossing halfway down

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before passing another two impressive waterfalls on the track’s journey to meet the sea. I am accompanied half by kiwis and half by internationals that are still travelling around our country despite the closed borders. We team up at times and chat our way down the valley, all stopping at the impressive viewpoints to watch waterfalls, rivers and lakes before arriving at the trailhead. At Sandfly Point we are fortunate to only have a short wait for the boat that makes the brief crossing to Milford’s settlement before we bus back to Te Anau.

The Milford Track has always been on my lifetime got-to-go list. The sheer scale of the landscape is what impresses me most when compared to any other Great Walk. While the mountains were shrouded in cloud the rain did create a mystic mood and genuine Milford Track experience. As for Sutherland Falls, I am unable to add any further words – it’s a case of having to be there I guess. While it is different for me accepting to walk on the track’s terms, it did mean that I could take more time to soak in the views, nature, and of course the rainfall. Should every outdoors Kiwi tramper consider walking the Milford? I think it should be on one’s must-do lifetime list. For sheer scale of scenery few tracks can exceed it.

If you want more personal space and comfort then consider a luxury guided walk and lodge.

My Milford Track experience was a refreshing change from other Great Walks and it truly deserves its royalty status reigning high and overflowing most people’s bucket list.

11. Reaching the end while juggling the GPS units

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TRAVEL

Springfield › Canterbury

Milestones, Moa and Meeting Sheep Stand-out sights from Springfield to the Bealey Pub Story Sheryl Bainbridge Photos N & S Bainbridge or as credited

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REWI ALLEY MEMORIAL

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re-Covid we’d been talking about ‘overtourism’ and the impact that overseas visitors seemed to have on the domestic tourists’ ability to enjoy their own country.

Even so, on entering Springfield, just 65km west of Christchurch, it was a surprise to

see a Waka Kotahi NZTA sign written in Chinese. All was not as it seemed though, as the sign directed Chinese visitors to the small attractive memorial to Rewi Alley, who past Prime Minister David Lange once referred to as New Zealand’s greatest son. Rewi Alley was a lecturer, writer, political activist and social reformer who did a great deal to foster relationships between New Zealand and China, where he spent most of his time.

His peaceful memorial includes a stone carving, trees and panels depicting his life.

HOMAGE TO HOMER – SPRINGFIELD’S GIANT DOUGHNUT

In bizarre contrast, the lurid pink doughnut further along the road represents Springfield’s connection to the American Springfield, hometown of television creation Homer Simpson and his family.

Made of concrete and complete with sprinkles, a set of steps behind the giant ring-shaped edifice enables visitors who want something different to send home or to post on Facebook to be photographed peering through the hole in the centre.

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MILESTONES

We’re lucky enough to live in an age where any number of devices can rapidly direct us to a destination and tell us how long it will take to get there. But back in the days of horse and carriage journeys, drivers relied on milestones to see how far they’d travelled. Some milestones remain on the roadside through to Arthurs Pass from Springfield, while others have been relocated to the front of the hall in Springfield – rock-solid evidence of how far we’ve come since the 19th century. A restored roadworker’s hut still stands on the roadside as well – no hopping in the car and getting home at the end of the day in those times.

KURA TAWHITI CASTLE HILL

Our visit to Castle Hill couldn’t have been better timed. We rolled up just as Nigel Harris, the compliance and interpretation ranger from the Department of Conservation (DOC), arrived. DOC has begun an initiative to increase public education at some of its sites and we were in the right place at the right time to learn a lot more than we had expected. DOC had put more crew on duty because of concern with dogs

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and drones, which could have an adverse impact on nesting birds, and misuse of facilities due to unauthorised freedom camping.

Nigel explained that Castle Hill was still a working farm that had been settled in 1868 by the Australian Porter brothers after whom Porters Pass is named. Since then, there have been three successive changes of ownership and the property had become renowned as a movie set for The Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Increased visitor numbers meant that roadside parking had become dangerous with up to 60 cars on the road at any one time, so parking had been developed with further development in the pipeline.

Nigel said pressure pads counted the number of visitors, and that a loop walk would be further developed over the winter.

During a brief outline of the property’s history we learnt that 300 million years ago it was part of an inland ocean, 16,000 years ago it became a glacial valley due to global cooling, and 600 years ago it was a lowland podocarp forest that included tōtara up to 20 metres tall, since destroyed by a series of bushfires. It was used as a resting place by Māori when travelling from coast to coast, and then the dynamics changed again with the arrival of European settlers. Beef and grain production are now the farm’s main activities.

The last giant Haast eagle was said to have been caught at nearby Mount Torlesse, and

the birds must have been a magnificent sight hovering over the valley – easy to imagine as we walked around the 2.6km trail. We’re dwarfed by enormous limestone rocks of all shapes and sizes, some of which have been used for rock climbing or abseiling. Although there’s a well-worn track to follow, our grandsons enjoyed making their way over several of the boulders. Part way round the track Nigel led us into a cave where we were lucky enough to see Māori rock drawings. Some of these have been degraded over time, but they’re still

1. Castle Hill farm 2. Supersize me – Springfield’s giant doughnut 3. The view from the Castle Hill parking area 4. Cave entrance among Castle Hill’s boulders

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worth seeing, and fascinating from a historical point of view. To our left was a fenced-off area in the Lance McCaskill Reserve where the 68 remaining critically endangered Castle Hill buttercup plants are being protected.

These plants, which flower in October, are so very rare that DOC is trying to grow them in Rangiora in an effort to preserve the species, but unfortunately it is proving to be a difficult task. Nigel pointed to a nearby white-flowered koromiko, explaining that its tips and flowers had traditionally been used by Māori as rongoa (medicine) to counteract diarrhoea which women used to get from working with flax. During WWI family sent the tincture overseas to Māori battalion soldiers who were suffering from the same condition.

When former owner Christine Fernyhough’s book The Road to Castle Hill was released some years ago, it did a lot to pique interest in this unique and beautiful property.

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It’s another of our many special places.

MIGHTY MOA AT THE BEALEY PUB

If it was a publicity stunt it was a good one.

In January 1993, Bealey Hotel publican Paddy Freany claimed to have seen a moa in the nearby Craigieburn range. Now life-size

statues of the bird are a feature outside the hotel near Arthurs Pass, although lurking in the bushes is a chap whose mum may have had a close encounter with Big Bird. The meals at the pub’s Crafty Moa restaurant were great – in our case, home-made tomato soup and venison pies, and the setting was

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scenic. Our drinks of course, had to be from the Moa Brewery! We’d planned to travel on to Arthur’s Pass, but the great time we’d had at Castle Hill meant we were running late, and back in Springfield we had a date with a sheep!

TOBY HILL FARM EXPERIENCE

At Kowai Bush, just an hour from Christchurch and named Toby Hill after a previous owner, Trevor and Heather Taege’s property has fantastic views overlooking the Waimakariri River. While George the cat reigns

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supreme in Heather’s immaculate hilltop garden, at the riverside venue, Heather and Trevor host a farm tour operation that includes a working-dog demonstration, sheep shearing and wool handling. Visitors are then invited to ask questions or seek more information over morning or afternoon tea. Trevor’s years of farming and shearing are evident in his informative and entertaining discourse on sheep-related matters. In his ‘spare’ time Trevor makes the best honey mead that I have ever tasted.

Although only about 65km from

Christchurch city, the Springfield area’s scenery and activities give a taste of heartland country living and a glimpse into an extraordinary past at the foot of the Southern Alps.

5. Well-worn tracks among the limestone boulders 6. It’s a long way down – grandson takes a shortcut 7. Our guide Nigel points to the Māori rock drawings 8. Carved stone at the Rewi Alley memorial 9. Moa sculptures outside the Bealey pub 10. Sheep at Toby Hill before shearing 11. Trevor shearing

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TRAVEL

Lyttelton › Canterbury

BY NO MEANS LITTLE Just a short distance from Christchurch, through or over the Port Hills, you emerge in Lyttelton. Sitting within the crater rim of Banks Peninsula and facing the expansive Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō, this is more than just a port town. Kathy Catton sets out to discover more.

Story + Photos Kathy Catton

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s the name might suggest Lyttelton is a small town, but it has a disproportionately large amount on offer. From spectacular waterside walks to over a dozen eateries, from swimming bays to historical sites, if you can take the time to immerse yourself, there is so much here to discover.

Lyttelton Harbour was believed to be a home for Māori for about 700 years,

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evidenced by moa bones in Purau Bay on the other side of the water from Lyttelton. With the many sheltered bays around the harbour, the abundance of seafood, and forested hillsides plentiful with birdlife, it’s easy to see why this was an ideal place to settle.

It was first sighted by Europeans in 1770, during James Cook’s first voyage to New Zealand and was settled by Europeans around

the 1850s after four ships arrived in Lyttelton Harbour carrying the first of the ‘Canterbury Pilgrims’. The name Lyttelton was formalised in 1858 in honour of George William Lyttelton of the Canterbury Association, who had led the colonisation of the area.

Since the early Pākehā settlement days, the town has transformed itself several times over. A huge fire in 1870 destroyed two-thirds of Lyttelton, with many businesses and homes perishing. Following the fire, the town was rebuilt using local stone. Large two-storey buildings became the new streetscape.

Sadly, this architectural heritage was largely destroyed in the 2011 earthquakes.

“I was born in Lyttelton in 1945, during the biggest storm”, reminisces Helen Dungey, long-time volunteer at the Lyttelton Information Centre. “It was a time of great hardship back then: a working port, gas works and strikes. In my day, we didn’t have the tunnel.

I think it was the day they opened the tunnel (1964) that brought the biggest change.”

1. Steep streets are part of life at Lyttelton 2. London Street, Lyttelton, on a weekday 3. Te Ana Marina at Lyttelton – soon to be host of the SailGP event SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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The earthquakes that epicentred near the town in 2011 were devastating for Lyttelton.

What has emerged from the rubble 10 years on, is a quirky yet timeless, tiny town, bustling with community life and offering buzzy and vibrant times. And as Helen tells me, it’s the people pulling together, time after time, that makes this place unique.

“The earthquakes were so hard for many of us,” says Helen, “but it’s amazing to see the ingenuity and transformation. They’ve created some amazing spaces and even used rubble from the quakes has been used to make new wharves!”

For those wanting to ‘land’ in this town and understand the context of its growth and change, a historic colonial trail now exists, providing the opportunity to explore the town and learn about its history. The self-guided walk takes about an hour and meanders through the streets to reveal hidden treasures such as Grubb Cottage, the oldest surviving domestic dwelling in Lyttelton, or Pilgrim’s Rock, which marks the spot where the first Canterbury settlers stepped foot on New Zealand soil.

If you’re interested in exploring the heritage of this place further, you’ve got just a couple of years to wait until the Lyttelton Museum reopens as Te Ūaka – a name gifted

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to Lyttelton Museum by Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, meaning ‘landing place’. The opening is scheduled for 2023.

For visitors wanting to jump straight into this vibrant town, the Lyttelton Farmers Market is the way to go, taking over the main street on Saturday mornings throughout the year. You can easily while away an hour or more perusing the 35 to 50 stalls (numbers depend on the season) offering a range of products from fresh vegetables to fish, artisan bread, cheese and excellent coffee.

Local musicians also add a chilled atmosphere to the Saturday milieu. Visitor numbers fluctuate depending on the weather and the season, but typically about 1000 to 1500 people flock to meet up with friends, shop and soak up the live music.

The market is a social enterprise founded

by Project Lyttelton, with a strong commitment to the community. “We want the market to be primarily a place for people to buy food that they will cook at home”, says Duncan Wilcox, one of the founders of the market and part of Project Lyttelton. “We see farmers’ markets as a critical link in maintaining and supporting the small-to-medium growers market which is quickly succumbing to the large-scale intensive model of farming.”

It’s for this reason that around 60 per cent of

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the stallholders offer primary, core products versus ‘ready to eat’ baked or deli goods.

It’s this fair food system approach – a system where farmers get a fair price for their produce, consumers can buy affordable fresh food, and the land is ethically cared for – that epitomises much of the Lyttelton scene.

There’s definitely a sense of “doing good” for the community here. You only need to glance through the Lyttelton Review to see the vast number of community activities that are on offer every day of the week. Alongside the to-be-expected choir, playgroup and scouts group, there are unconventional offerings, such as the Library of Tools and Things (a depository of tools and machinery – “borrow don’t buy” – that can be borrowed for free with an annual subscription), and the LIFT library – a diverse collection of resources with the intention to inform and empower change, covering topics from the money system to organic gardening and health.

Chris Brown, Chair of the Board of Lyttleton Harbour Information and Resource Centre Trust, sums up this community camaraderie by telling of his introduction to Lyttelton. “My first Christmas here – 24 years ago – our neighbours wanted to show us around the community,” he says, “so they took us around all the pubs. There were 25

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opportunities to drink that day. That’s a lot of pubs!”

With its stunning setting and outstanding views, it’s the natural environment that also draws people in. The environs of Lyttelton are home to many beaches offering safe swimming – in, generally, calm waters. Some may choose to venture to the popular Corsair Bay, but a less-populated choice is Magazine Bay, just along from the Naval Point Club, where there’s a wharf for jumping off or a little shelly

4. Plenty of fresh, locally grown produce on offer at the Saturday Lyttelton Farmers’ Market 5. Perfect accompaniment to a Saturday morning Lyttelton coffee 6. Friendly faces turn up each week to sell their wares at the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market 7. Local musicians busk at the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market 8. Local artists and designers sell their wares at the market

LYTTELTON BEST BITES Top eateries in Lyttelton. This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a good place to start if you’re looking for delicious food with a delightful view.

• The Commoners Bar Nepalese-inspired cuisine, housed in the sub-street level, refurbished British Hotel • Super: Asian/Fusion restaurant. Off the beaten track, with plenty to offer • Lyttelton Coffee Company: Always-buzzing café and coffee roastery in the centre of London Street • Arbour Woodfired Pizza and Bar Artisan woodfired pizza restaurant • Spooky Boogie: Quirky café and gift shop. Not in the thick of it. Chilled vibes • The Shroom Room Vegan and vegetarian café with indoor and outdoor seating. Alternative feel • Nomnom Asian/Thai restaurant, all delicious and fresh • Eruption Brewing Brewery and restaurant, making hand-crafted beers • Civil & Naval: Delicious bites – small or large – to suit every taste • Forty Two Tapas bar and small restaurant • Everest Indian Restaurant Authentic Indian cuisine. Eat in or takeaway • The Lyttelton Arms: Traditional Kiwi bar with excellent views of the working port • The Fisherman’s Wharf: Delicious fresh local seafood in an informal dining setting SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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beach to scrabble around on. Kayaking, paddle boarding and boat trips are also on offer. Black Cat Cruises offer boat trips to the two islands within the harbour: Quail Island and Ripapa Island. Both are just a 15-minute boat ride away, and there’s always a chance you could catch glimpses of penguins and Hector’s dolphins.

The easiest way to explore the upper parts of Lyttelton is, again, on foot. There are three main tracks from Lyttelton to the crater rim. The Bridle Path offers an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the early settlers and provides stunning views over the Harbour and the city. The Whakaraupō Loop is described as a bracing loop walk with great views, that takes you up through Whakaraupō Reserve on the Stan Helms Track and back down the historic Bridle Path. For the more adventurous there is the Ōhinehou Skyline Circuit, which includes steep hill climbs and potential rockfall danger.

One word of warning for visitors to the township: be prepared for some uphill street climbs. There’s really no avoiding it, and for some it can be a strenuous climb to some of the more secluded nooks and crannies of Lyttelton. In other words, bring your sneakers!

9. Information boards at Te Ana Marina 10. Stalls stretch beyond just the main street of Lyttelton 11. Spooky Boogie is one of the many cafés and eateries in Lyttelton 12. The Lyttelton Coffee Company provide home-roasted coffee at their nearby café

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LYTTELTON INFORMATION CENTRE “Lyttelton is a place of new ideas, well-being and strong community spirit. Our centre reflects this distinct character.”

Plenty of free local maps, information brochures and friendly local advice are available here, with input on attractions, tours, accommodation and community activities in Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula and Christchurch. There are bus and ferry timetables available, and also postcards and local artwork.

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If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, there are plenty of options. From the usual Airbnb varieties (bunk-in with the locals, to boutique offerings), to a DOC camp in the middle of the World War II defence battery site at Godley Heads, there’s something for everyone. It’s a narrow sealed road from Lyttelton via Tapuwaeharuru/Evans Pass to get to Godley Heads, but you’ll be rewarded for the sharp corners and steep drop-offs with spectacular views of the harbour. The campsite is on an exposed site, so perhaps one to avoid on windy or stormy nights.

You might be overwhelmed at where to start with this plethora of offerings, but I found the Lyttelton Information Centre a great place to glean all the inside info. For locals, this centre became a hub during the earthquakes

and Covid-19, and it has a fantastic Facebook page with upcoming events and attractions.

Manager, Jane Davies, explains that it’s a great place for those who are unsure where to start.

“We can help you if you want to plan your trip in advance, or we can help with spur-of-themoment ideas”, says Jane. “I am so passionate about this place. It’s a relaxing place to be. It’s not quiet, but there’s always something going on, and even amongst this, there are generous views to admire and relax to.”

Perhaps symbolic of the tumultuous times Lyttelton has been through is the Lyttelton Timeball, the visual time signal for ships in pre-radio times. Described by Heritage New Zealand as “like a Scottish castle dominating the scenic port”, the timeball sustained major damage during the Canterbury earthquakes.

13. This bronze sled dog statue celebrates 250 years of Lyttelton’s association with the Antarctic 14. Albion Square was developed post-earthquake to recognise the need for a community space

While the dust settled, workers set about numbering each piece of masonry in the tower and storing them in crates. Meanwhile, plans were underway to fund and re-erect the tower. The timeball rose again in June 2018, and now again drops at 1pm each day. This landmark, with all its maritime and human history, can live on.

The NZ Herald wrote that if Wellington is New Zealand’s cultural capital, then Lyttelton can’t be far behind. For a township of only 3100 people, it’s undoubtedly punching above its weight. And with the prospect of Lyttelton hosting Sail GP – the cutting-edge sailing race, featuring eight catamaran teams from eight countries – in January next year, it’s time that Lyttelton was firmly put on the map.

MORE ONLINE INFO Lyttleton information centre: www.lytteltoninfocentre.nz DOC info: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/godley-head/things-to-do/godley-head-campsite/ Museum info: www.teuaka.org.nz/museum

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meet us in the Country SEPTEMBER–NOVEMBER 2021 Visit Selwyn this spring and enjoy all that country living has to offer.

Our country fêtes have a range of local crafts, food and music. Or explore one of the traditional A&P shows – get some candy floss and watch the animal judging or wood chopping.

Visit one of Selwyn’s many beautiful private gardens opening in spring with peonies, rhododendrons and daffodils – don’t forget your camera!

Book a farm tour and experience rural life, get up close to alpaca, lambs and farm dogs. Discover Canterbury’s only botanical expo and enjoy floral arts, demonstrations and workshops.

Plus there are great walks, cafés and places to stay.

Find your spring activities at www.selwyn.nz/whatson

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WALK & CYCLE TRAILS

South Westland

Experience South Westland Ancient rainforest, snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers … immerse yourself in South Westland.

The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway and the Ōkārito walking tracks showcase the best of this magnificent region. Both are internationally recognised for their world-class scenery and native birds. They are part of UNESCO’s Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Story Department of Conservation Photos as credited

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Fox Glacier

GLACIER VIEW

MINNEHAHA WALK 6 808 m Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe

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1000 m

FOX GLACIER SOUTH SIDE WALKWAY/CYCLEWAY

ourney up the Fox valley through ancient rainforest by foot or by bike. This spectacular track takes to you to several viewpoints where you can see Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tūawe.

As you travel up the valley, you pass over the glacier’s history. The track crosses glacial moraines – mounds of debris left behind by the glacier as it has retreated over time. The different ages of the forest reflect the age of the moraines.

The name Te Moeka o Tūawe speaks to the cultural importance of the glacier for local Māori. It is the final resting place (moeka) of their ancestor Tūawe.

Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tūawe is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

However, rising temperatures are taking their

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toll and it has retreated quickly over the past two decades. Between 2008 and 2018, the glacier retreated by 900m. This stunning walk is a reminder both of the majesty of nature and of its fragility.

It is not possible to go to the foot of the glacier because of the extreme flood risk further up the valley – the track ends at a viewpoint several hundred metres away. Downpours can cause flooding in a matter of minutes, causing the river to rise fast. The river is also at risk of dams created by ice falls, which can burst and cause sudden floods.

In 2019, the Fox valley was the scene of an environmental disaster and a heroic community clean-up. Rubbish spilled from an old landfill during heavy rain, washing 135,000kg of garbage into the pristine river valley.

Volunteers from across Aotearoa – and visiting backpackers – rallied to clear the

rubbish before it spread out to sea and further into the environment. Coordinated by the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Defence Force, almost 1000 volunteers worked to remove the equivalent of 14,500 bags of rubbish.

The Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/ Cycleway is 6.4km return. It is a two-hour easy walking track or a one-hour Grade 2 mountain bike ride, primarily following a route that was originally a vehicle access road.

The best view of the glacier is at the end of the track, a few hundred metres beyond the old carpark. No bikes are allowed beyond the carpark. You must walk the final track section – but the view is worth it.

You can also take a nice side track from the Southside Walkway/Cycleway. The Moraine Walk is an alternative track for walkers (no bikes) on your way to/from the main glacier viewpoint.

1. View from Three Mile Beach towards the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (photo - DOC) 2. Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway (photo – DOC) 3. Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tūawe (photo – Pedro, CC BY 2.0)

BUILDING BACK THROUGH NATURE

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South Westland has been particularly hard hit by the Covid-19 downturn. In Franz Josef, the largest Glacier Country town, 90 per cent of the 510 residents work in tourism-related jobs.

Through the post-Covid-19 Jobs for Nature scheme, $2.5 million has been invested in nature-based jobs in the area.

Tourism workers have been upgrading several tracks around South Westland and carrying out conservation work.

The Moraine Walk, a feature of the Southside track at Fox Glacier, was worked on by a team of about 20 guides from the Fox Glacier Guides tourism business. As of May this year, businesses in the area have contributed over 17,000 hours to conservation projects.

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The walk takes you past glacial moraines of various ages, dating from several thousand years old to as recent as 1750 AD. It’s a lovely way to enjoy more of the Fox valley.

Dogs are not allowed on Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway, because the walk is within Westland Tai Poutini National Park which is home to vulnerable native species.

As the valley is an alpine environment, pack plenty of warm and waterproof clothes and don some sturdy footwear. Before you go,

check the status of the track on the Glacier Country website, as it is sometimes closed due to floods or rock falls.

ŌKĀRITO WALKING TRACKS

If you are seeking tranquillity, look no further than Ōkārito.

Surrounded by forest and with the Southern Alps reflected on its still water, Ōkārito is a lagoon to remember. It is the largest remaining unmodified wetland in the country and is a

place of outstanding beauty. Ōkārito is also a bird-watcher’s dream. There are over 75 species of native bird, from royal spoonbills to the elusive, rare mātātā/fernbird.

The most iconic is the kōtuku/white heron.

You can experience the serenity of Ōkārito in just 20 minutes on the Ōkārito Wetland Walk. This track gives you a taste of what Ōkārito has to offer, passing through forest, crossing the estuary on a boardwalk, then climbing to a viewpoint.

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For a longer walk, try the Ōkārito Trig Walk. This track takes you gently up to the Ōkārito Trig, for a breathtaking view of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

If you are feeling particularly adventurous, the Three Mile Pack Track Ōkārito Coastal Walk offers stunning scenery. The pack track leads from Ōkārito over Kohuamarua Bluff and down to Three Mile Lagoon. This beautiful lagoon is surrounded by rimu forest and is a perfect picnic spot.

Wharf

Westland National Park / Three Mile Lagoon

Tai Poutini National Park

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Imagery: LINZ Data Service, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 NZ

Bernard Spragg

KŌTUKU/WHITE HERON

6 4. Ōkārito lagoon (photo - Philippe Gerbeaux) 5. New Zealand pigeon kererū kūkū kūkupa at Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe (photo - empty007, CC BY-SA 2.0) 6. Mātātā fernbird (photo - Bettina Arrigoni, CC BY 2.0)

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Although kōtuku are common in some parts of the world, they are very rare in Aotearoa. The only breeding site in the country is in Waitangiroto Nature Reserve in South Westland and the best place to spot these elegant birds is at Ōkārito lagoon during the breeding season (September through to January).

Kōtuku are revered by both Māori and Pākehā for their beauty and their long white feathers. Kōtuku have an important place in Māori folklore and it is a great compliment to compare a visitor to a kōtuku.

Kōtuku came close to local extinction in the first half of the twentieth century. Their breeding area had been discovered in 1865 and the birds were hunted for their plumage. By 1941 only four breeding pairs remained.

Fortunately, the area was designated as a reserve and the birds protected. Today there are around 100–120 kōtuku and the population is stable.

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SCAN ME

New name and branding for the representative body of the New Zealand RV Industry

Following a period of consultation, the Recreational Vehicle, Caravan and Manufacturers Association (RVCMANZ) has announced that it has decided upon the adoption of a new Association name and associated branding.

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With immediate effect the RVCMANZ will be known operationally as the Recreational Vehicle Industry of New Zealand (RVINZ) and will adopt a new brand identity including the new logo shown below.

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The Association was formed in 2005 when a dedicated assembly recognised the need for better representation of the Industry amidst changes to various key standards directly affecting the design and manufacturing of both motor homes and caravans.

Since inception, the Association has comprised a mix of members from both the manufacturing and supply sectors of the NZ Industry and during its existence has played a significant role at critical times by assisting the shaping of important legislation directly related to the Industry’s interests. This advocacy and advisory work continues.

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When the tide is out, it is sometimes possible to follow the coast back to Ōkārito.

However, this should only be attempted within an hour either side of low tide and you should allow at least one hour 20 minutes for the walk. The full trip done in this way is three hours 30 min return (9.8km).

The sea can be higher than expected at times (for example, because of varying tide heights or storm surges). If you aren’t certain that you have the time and right conditions to walk along the coast, simply take the Three Mile Pack Track

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9 7. Ōkārito lagoon (photo – Richard, CC BY-ND 2.0) 8. DOC Staff and volunteers enjoying a nature show while working on the Operation Tidy Fox clean-up (photo – DOC) 9. Kayaking at Ōkārito lagoon (photo – Petrus Hedman, CC BY 4.0)

back to Ōkārito and skip the beach walk. Ōkārito is a haven for birds, so please keep them safe by leaving dogs at home.

Looking for advice on your South Westland trip?

Contact the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre on westlandnpvc@doc.govt.nz or 03 752 0360

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TRAVEL

Stewart Island

Stewart Island is something special Rakiura/Stewart Island has a mystique in the minds of New Zealanders, who are now visiting the island in increasing numbers. Famed for its oysters, crayfish, blue cod and rough weather, you have to be tough and even bloodyminded to want to live there. John Bishop took advantage of being in the bottom of the South Island to slip across Foveaux Strait to a place he’d long wanted to visit but had never managed. He wasn’t disappointed.

Story + Photos John Bishop

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man called String Ballantyne exemplifies the spirit of what makes Stewart Island a different kind of place from the rest of New Zealand. He was a larger-than-life figure, a legend in the Bluff, Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island area, a fisherman who was a pioneer in the crayfishing industry, and who built the southernmost house in New Zealand on a promontory on the south side of Stewart Island. Phillip Ballantyne acquired the moniker ‘String’ from his Dad’s habit of tying up crates with string rather than wire as other fishermen did.

String died in a car crash in 2015 after a big night out at Zookeeper’s Café in Invercargill, with a good feed of oysters inside him. His generosity and tales of his derring-do are still recalled.

Today the history of the island is recalled in pictures in the South Sea Hotel, still the only one in town and the nerve centre of everything that happens on an island that is just a bit different from the rest of New Zealand.

Recent history can be viewed in a homemade movie screened at the Bunkhouse theatre on the optimistically and accurately named Main Street. The 40-minute film A Local’s Tale is showing its age but depicts the struggles of locals to establish sheep and dairy farming (both eventually abandoned) and to be replaced by a dependence on fishing and tourism. Crops were hard to grow given a lack of land and a supportive climate which leaves fishing, long the mainstay of the island economy and the main reason why anyone would want to endure the climate.

By local accounts String Ballantyne was

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an astute businessman, and both held and traded large amounts of cod, pāua and crayfish quota. Others have prospered in the same way too.

Ironically, crayfish are now hard to get, such is the demand from China. I paid $60 for a half a reasonable sized tail in the hotel; enough for an entrée for two, but a good feed would need a bank loan. Availability is the real issue, the dining room manager explained; if a fisherman can get $120–150 a kilogram from

Chinese buyers who have a limitless demand, why bother supplying the local market at all.

The uniqueness of the place begins wharfside in Bluff, where there is a carpark for ferry passengers to leave their vehicles. No tickets on entry; pay on your return, but it’s an honesty system. There was nothing to stop me or another other user just driving away.

While most visitors take the chance of getting a decent crossing of Foveaux Strait (and we had two reasonable journeys of just over an hour each way) you can fly – 20 minutes.

There are places to stay other than the pub, but not many. There are places to eat besides the pub, but not many. The classiest is the Church Hill restaurant serving all local produce which has just eight at a sitting. Book well in advance.

Up one street is the Kai Kart whose mainstay is blue cod and chips, and on Main Street there is the Fin and Feather Eatery caravan which serves venison burgers and chopped up roast potatoes. We ate ours from recyclable cardboard containers at tables by the caravan in the cooling dusk.

1. An impressive view from the top of

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the hill above Oban looking west and south away from the town itself 2. The Stewart Island Experience catamaran takes just over an hour to go from Bluff to Oban on Stewart Island – if the sea conditions are favourable 3. Almost a traffic jam where the road from the ferry terminal sweeps past the Four Square store and the hotel. This is the nerve centre of Oban SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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The Four Square store sells everything, including milk in glass bottles, sandwiches for lunch and the owner is known as ‘Arkwright’ – hopefully because the shop is open all hours rather than for his mendacious habits. We bought sandwiches and batteries and thought him a cheery and helpful soul.

We took the bus tour offered by the Stewart Island Experience who also operate the ferries. The island is small with just 20 km of roading, so there is not exactly a lot to see.

The bus takes you to the top of the hill above the town, which provides a great view, you can also you can walk up on your own from town, a bit of a stretch but very possible if you

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are looking for a road walk. The second stop is around the bay by the eucalyptus gum trees looking back at the town with a bit of history on the area and information on the local efforts with trap lines for rats, stoats and cats.

The third stop is on the other side of the island and unless you’re a keen walker, you would need a vehicle of some kind to get there. This was the ending point of the tour before we got dropped back to the village

8 4. From the first-floor of the South Sea Hotel looking out to a tranquil Half Moon Bay 5. The Bunkhouse Cinema has been showing a quirky 40-minute film about the island called A Local’s Tale for years, but also mounts an occasional film festival 6. The South Sea Hotel, the only pub in the town and the centre of all social life in Oban, occupies a central position in the town 7. The Kai Kart is open twice a day and specialises in fresh blue cod – what else?

8. Acting Prime Minister Sir Joseph Ward (with tea cup) with his wife and supporters on the occasion of the opening of the telephone cable between Bluff and Oban in June 1902 9. A party of walkers on Ulva Island, DOC’s showcase, a predator-free island for wildlife and humans to enjoy

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centre. This was the most interesting as it was the start of a couple of the major treks for trampers and where the communications cable linking the Bluff and Oban telephone exchanges came ashore in June 1902. The cost of £4000 was hardly balanced by revenue of just £25 a year. Repairs were frequent and costly and it was replaced by a microwave link in 1947. Sir Joseph Ward, the local MP (Awarua electorate) at the time – and happened to be Acting Prime Minister – took advantage of his position to fulfil a long-standing promise for a proper phone service.

A ‘must see’ for visitors is a visit to Ulva Island a great option for everyone. We got ourselves there by water taxi but tours are available. Ulva Island is DOC’s showcase achievement: a predator-free island after strenuous efforts at elimination achieved its goal. The weka and other wildlife, including sealions on the shore, are free to roam.

The walks are a delight and it’s easy to spend three or four hours absorbing nature, you can also get a private tour from operators on the island.

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It was once inhabited by humans, and at the turn of the last century much was made of buying a postcard from the southernmost post office in the country. The building is still there; a reminder of our efforts to live with nature in an inhospitable environment.

We had two full days there which was long enough if you aren’t doing big hikes (and we weren’t).

Stewart Island Experience, which operates the ferry service and some of the island tours, times its ferry services and its bus tour so that it is possible to come over in the morning, do a bus tour of the island in the morning, have lunch, go out to Ulva Island in the afternoon and then return to Bluff on the last sailing of the day.

In short, Stewart Island is now a day-trip destination. We wanted longer than that, and we left well satisfied with our experiences.

10. One of the many well-maintained and beautiful walks on Ulva Island 11. Strong wind is a constant factor on the island as these trees show 12. A weka on Ulva Island taking an interest in the visitors and wondering ‘where’s my lunch

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ROAD TRIP

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Northland

Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

SEEKING MITIMITI Allan Dick heads north looking for a place he’s only ever heard of, and goes looking for Cheeky Yates.

Photos Allan Dick and Helen Harrison

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eaving the Waipoua Forest, heading north, you drop down to typical Far North farmland, through the village of Waimamaku, then climb again before the splendour of the Hokianga Harbour spreads before you – it is breathtaking. Pause at the top above Ōmāpere, and drink in the magnificent sight of one of Aotearoa’s most historic regions.

And it’s fair to use ‘Aotearoa’ here because the history of this place far eclipses the arrival of Europeans and the New Zealandisation that followed.

You can’t miss the fact that the northern shore of the harbour entrance is not your typical headland; it is a giant, golden sandhill, and you might wonder what lies beyond this sandhill, which is so special to the local tangata whenua. You should be curious because the ferry from Rawene to Kohukohu actually takes you well away from the coast, and signposts on the northern side of the harbour, pointing west, show distant places that you probably have never heard of.

The first time I wondered what lay north of the golden sandhill I opened my old-fashioned

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map book and saw a maze of roads basically going nowhere, but on the coast was a dot labelled Mitimiti.

What was Mitimiti? A town? A locality? A beach? Was there a shop, post office or a pub?

I decided one day I would find out – that was almost 20 years ago.

My curiosity was further piqued a short time later when I was doing a Saturday morning show for Radio Pacific, On The Road, and mentioned I would one day go to Mitimiti.

That sparked a fascinating call from a man who told of going to stay with an aunt during school holidays in either the late thirties or forties. At the time he was a young Māori kid and had been sent north from Auckland, where he was living in a Māori hostel in Parnell, as I recall it.

His story of getting to Mitimiti was an amazing experience.

He caught a tram from Parnell down to the Auckland railway station, boarded a train that took him as far as Whangārei, it then took two other train rides before he reached the end of the line, possibly at Ōkaihau, each train getting

smaller and slower. There followed two bus rides before his route ran out of public transport – possibly at Panguru – then it was a taxi, before the last leg which was along a beach on a horse-drawn sledge that was used to carry the cream out from the small Mitimiti dairy farms.

I think the journey took three days!

His aunt’s house was without power or running water, was located alongside a stream and was on sleds so it could be hooked up to the cream sledge horse and pulled to dry ground in times of heavy rain and stream flooding.

All of which made me even more determined to find this place called Mitimiti.

In early spring this year I took a five-week road trip from Ōamaru to Whangārei and back, with no planned itinerary. I asked Robyn and Bruce if the NZ TODAY/RV Lifestyle Covi motorhome was available for a week or two so I could explore Northland again and find Mitimiti. It was!

But I also had another small task in the back of my mind and again it was inspired by my time on Radio Pacific!

As a rule, I kept at arm’s length from the

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talkback callers but one regular intrigued me.

His name was ‘Cheeky’, a Māori who lived in the Far North and phoned once or twice a week between 6.00am and 6:30am. He was cheerful and had ideas of starting a Māori tourist film-making project and we talked often about out-of-the-way places.

One weekend in 2002 or thereabouts, I hopped into my car and headed north to find Cheeky simply because I was curious and we had become ‘friends’. I headed north through Whangārei, Kawakawa and Coopers Beach, and just after Taipa turned left into what for me was unexplored country and a maze of tight, turning, twisting, tough gravel roads through a mix of bush and rough farmland. I had no real idea where I was going and stopped and asked a couple of big, strapping Māori blokes if they knew of a “fella called Cheeky. . .”

They grinned, pointed down the road and said, “Carry on, you can’t miss his place.”

I found Cheeky – living in what looked like an old workshop, surrounded by all sorts of vehicles that must have been loved at one stage of their lives! He was as I had imagined, friendly, full of energy, bursting with ideas, a bit eccentric and living in a place that really looked like a car-wrecking yard.

He was a quite remarkable fellow – lost one

of his lower legs as a kid, but fitted with a prosthesis it didn’t slow him down and he was a cracking league player who had made it into the Northland team at one stage.

Shortly after that visit I was moved to another radio show and lost contact with Cheeky, but often thought of him.

When I quit radio and moved to Ōamaru in 2009 I made friends with a local who was originally from the Far North, Te Rangi Maheno, and asked him if he knew of “some fella called Cheeky”.

“Yes, yes. Cheeky Yates – he’s a cousin of mine.”

I was determined to not only go to Mitimiti, but also track down Cheeky Yates.

There was another purpose to the journey: Navigator II (Miss Google) was originally a Kawakawa ‘gal’, and her 93-year-old mother, Jo Harrison, had lived in Whangārei since her husband Bruce died 15 or 16 years ago and it was time for a visit. Rather than fly, we opted to drive, and the journey from Ōamaru to Auckland and back, in itself, was a marvellous experience that took 11 days and included five days in a remote crib on the West Coast (of the South Island) near Punakaiki! But that is a story for another issue.

In Auckland, we swapped the Suzuki Jimny

we’d been travelling in for the Covi motorhome and headed to Whangārei where I met Jo Harrison. She lives alone and despite failing eyesight still manages well and her mind is as sharp as a razor. Originally from the Pentland Hills between Waimate and the Haka’ Valley she married Bruce Harrison who was off a farm near Mayfield in mid-Canterbury.

Bruce had a love of the movies and opened a movie theatre in Pareora south of Timaru and then another in Pleasant Point. But he had ambition and in 1952 bought the Kings picture theatre in far-off Kawakawa from the Kerridge Odeon chain. Bruce kept a diary and it was interesting to read excerpts that covered the glory days of the movies in the fifties and early sixties, and then the decline as television arrived.

1. Is some Northland farmland reverting to native bush 2-3-4. At 93 years of age, Jo Harrison has crystal clear memories of when she and her late husband Bruce operated the Kings Movie Theatre in Kawakawa

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Or drop in for a measure and quote: at 7 Peters Way, Silverdale, Auckland.

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In the early seventies Bruce closed the theatre and turned it into retail space.

But he was obviously a successful businessman and bought a chunk of land for a family home at Veronica Point, above Cherry Bay, near Ōpua. The land was covered in native bush, and after the house was established he hand carved pathways through the remaining bush and then gifted it to the New Zealand government in perpetuity for people to enjoy.

This is called the Harrison Reserve and is a tribute to his memory.

I could have stayed for days talking to Jo about the time in Kawakawa, running the movie theatre when it was the centre of entertainment in the area, but Miss Google needed family time and I had roads to explore.

I spent the next three or four days just tiki-touring around the coastal area north of Whangārei, an area of New Zealand I hadn’t been to for several years.

Out to Whangārei Heads, then on to Pataua South where I came across a protest by local Māori against the proposed sale of some nearby land. I liked their friendly but determined spirit. We came across a similarly good-natured Māori land sale protest at Ōpua the following week.

I tiki-toured around the coast on narrow, winding, gravel roads, most with severe corrugations that rattled the cups, cutlery and my fillings.

That night was spent in a freedom camping area on the beach at Whananaki South within a stone’s throw of the longest pedestrian bridge in the Southern Hemisphere and also the modest house where Winston Peters grew up. Before the bridge was built, to get to school Winston and his siblings had to row across the estuary to Whananaki North if the tide was in, or wade across if the tide was out!

I spent the next couple of days meandering around, with no particular plan, just enjoying finding out what was at the end of roads.

What I had forgotten was the extensive use of volcanic rocks to build stone walls and these are as common here as in the north of England.

Family time in Whangārei was over and

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I picked up Miss Google and the little black dog Audrey and went looking for Mitimiti and other places off the beaten track.

First destination was going to be Poutu on the northern peninsula at the entrance to the Kaipara Harbour, but I got trapped at the Packard (car) Museum in Maungatapere. That’s a story for NZ Classic Driver magazine, but this is an amazing collection of not just Packard cars but British cars as well, along with a vast assortment of other machinery. It’s the lifetime work of the late Graeme Craw and was originally based in West Auckland. But as the collection grew it was moved to an old dairy factory in Maungatapere where today it is in the care of Graeme’s son Fenton.

After that we stopped in Dargaville where I wanted to see the dining room at the grand old northern Wairoa pub. I had been here a couple of times before and a roped-off table had been set in grand style, said to have been for a royal visit that never eventuated. It remained set and

untouched for many years – this trip I was saddened to learn it was now gone!

Overstaying at the Packard Museum wrecked our plans to get to Pouto so about halfway there we detoured off at a sign pointing to ‘Kellys Bay’ a place I had never heard of, despite having been to Pouto previously.

Kelly’s Bay was a surprise – a small holiday village with an attractive motor camp where we spent a comfortable night.

5. The Southern Hemisphere’s longest footbridge at Whananaki 6. Pataua – sacred to local Māori and where there is a protest about the proposed sale of land to overseas buyers 7. Protest in Ōpua. It’s over various issues and this man had been there for months.

“Others come and go, I have stayed.”

8. Oystercatchers massing at Kellys Beach

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One of the things I quickly came face to face with on this trip was just how difficult it can be travelling with a dog. Not all camping grounds/motels will accept you if you have a canine travelling companion; some places will take you and your dog, but then charge a levy!

Strange in a country that is so reliant on dogs for farm work and purports to ‘love’ animals.

In the morning, we gave half a thought to continuing south to Pouto just to say we’d done it, but we’d have to come back the same way, so elected to head north. Big forestry developments here and local talk was about widening and sealing the road for the logging trucks. Roading is a major issue in the Far North and always has been.

I almost never make plans on trips like this and this day was an example of why. With stops and detours we only made it as far as Baylys Beach where I was disappointed to find the famous Funky Fish Restaurant was well and truly closed! I had half thought of parking up on the beach, well above high tide, but instead opted for the camping ground

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– where there was a levy for Audrey!

Next morning we had Mitimiti on our radar as we headed up through the Waipoua Forest. This is a slightly mysterious part of the country because of the talk of the ‘stone walls’ deep in the forest. Although it’s on a main tourist route, there is still a ‘remote’ feel here. Several years ago, I had gone looking for the rumoured ‘stonewalls’ and had stumbled across Waipoua Settlement – a small, village tucked well away from the outside world where I felt like an intruder.

I confess I wasn’t aware that the DOC headquarters in the forest had been closed and handed over to the local tangata whenua and this caught me a bit by surprise. But I was aware of land-claim pressures and of the fire that destroyed a historic settler’s hut here some years back.

We opted not to stop and visit Tāne Mahuta having done it many, many times before and pressed on to have a snack at Ōpononi before carrying on to Rawene and the ferry across to Kohukohu.

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9. Baylys Beach – a lovely spot 10. Flocks of wild turkeys are found throughout Northland 11. New statue of Opo the dolphin at Ōpononi 12. Northland has its fair share of bad roads – and dead railway lines

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Rawene is known for the shops perched on stilts over the water. An aunt and uncle of mine had the Four Square shop next to the ferry terminal many years ago, so I have a mild sense of ownership!

The ferry is a cheap, cheerful and effective way of getting across the Hokianga and our ‘neighbours’ on this short voyage were a family of locals who scoffed a great feed of fish and chips out of the paper off the bed of their utility vehicle, with a cage full of pig dogs licking their chops. All very good natured.

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At Kohukohu we turned left for Mitimiti and went exploring in a part of the country I had never been before. Hill country is the only way to describe it. Not a bad gravel road, with a short stop in Panguru which is where Dame Whina Cooper came from. I didn’t know that until I saw a bronze statue of her at the marae.

Mitimiti was pretty much as I expected – a substantial marae, a scattering of houses (some occupied), some holiday places and the stream where my Radio Pacific caller had

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stayed in his aunt’s house all those years ago.

The road ended at a gate to private property with a broad grassed verge above the beach and breathtaking views north, south and across to Tasmania. There is track down to the beach, but it’s not suitable for vehicles like the Covi motorhome, so we stayed up on the top level.

A truly idyllic spot and well worth the effort of getting there. And I now learn the full name of the place is Matihetihe!

Next morning we returned to Kohukohu,

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13. Rawene from the ferry. It’s a quaint town 14. Information on all manner of things at Panguru 15. Mangōnui is a lifestyle town 16. Sunset at Mitimiti with a magnificent view from the long-drop 17. Mitimiti mailboxes

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making detours to Motuti Church and Our Lady of the Assumption Church, the latter being visible from the ferry.

No messing about now as it was raining and we pressed on through Broadwood and to Ahipara. I was disappointed to find the Māoriowned camping ground just past Shipwreck Bay was closed, so we headed for the Ahipara Holiday Park with its splendid facilities.

OUT AND E M I T E K TA

VISIT

Next morning we headed to the East Coast via Awanui and Taipa where there is a very flash new bridge, and on to Coopers Beach/ Mangōnui where I called to meet long-time NZ Today/RV Lifestyle contributor Sheryl Bainbridge and her husband Neil, a lovely couple who are well travelled and live in a home that is a work of native timber art.

After this, things started to unravel.

We detoured off to Taupō Bay and then Totara North which is a nice drive and really historic. But I made an error of judgement and damaged the motorhome. You can read about this shameful incident elsewhere in this issue!

Once we had been rescued from that predicament, we decided Tauranga Bay would be our home that night.

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1392 Old Russell Rd, Hikurangi | Ph: 09 433 9616 or Café 09 433 9934 | www.galleryhelenabay.co.nz SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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Great spot where we lined up, nose to the beach, with fellow travellers on either side – both fisherfolk using the latest technology.

They flew their lines out by drone, then reeled them in by power winch. It almost looked too easy – particularly when they caught snapper for dinner, virtually to order!

After our much more modest dinner, we decided to do something equally as foolish as my driving earlier in the day. It had been a fine, warm day and a pleasant evening, and with a light surf crashing onto the beach just metres away – how about a quick dip? The undertow got me and after spitting out copious water and sand mixed, we retired to the motorhome promising never to do that again!

Back to Whangārei in the morning for Miss Google to spend another couple of days with her mother while I headed north again, to catch up with an old racing driver, Cliff Knight, and then see if I could find Cheeky Yates!

I had a vague idea of where I had found

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Cheeky and his cars all those years ago, and turned left after Taipa and followed narrow gravel roads until I got giddy. Eventually I stopped and spoke to a man at the front gate of his house.

“Cheeky? Yes, he used to live here,” the man said, pointing to a large shed in a paddock next door, “but he’s long gone. I think he lives with his father, over there. . .”, he pointed and with that gave me directions.

Twenty minutes later I was at a very colourful property on a back-country road, and on a ranchslider door was an old Radio Pacific sticker! But there was nobody at home.

I waited quarter of an hour and finally retreated, leaving a note to say I had called.

I was a bit sad about that – so close, but no jackpot.

I spent that night in the camping ground at Matauri Bay – Dover Samuels’ old stamping ground. This was a remarkable night. Under a huge Norfolk pine, the nose of the (slightly damaged) motorhome hanging over pristine

white sand and 200 metres from anyone else.

Next morning, nothing to do, but head back to Whangārei, pick up Miss Google and Audrey and then the tiki-tour back to Ōamaru.

It had been a fantastic journey, marred only by the mishap at Totara North and missing on seeing Cheeky. Back home, I learnt that Cheeky actually lives in Kaitaia these days.

Ah well, there’s always next time. And I now have his number!

18. One man’s junk is another man’s art. Near Broadwood 19-20. Hikurangi may have seen better days, but the main street is kept bright and breezy with flowers, and locals gather for a chinwag!

21. The writer didn’t find Cheeky Yates, but he found his father’s house 22. Tiki-tour around lesser-used roads and you will find treasures, like this 23. Toetoe-lined road near Mitimiti

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TRAVEL

Northland

NORTHERN ESCAPE

What do the Southern Hemisphere’s longest footbridge, a former Deputy Prime Minister, and Northland’s worst maritime disaster have in common? Read on to find out.

Story + Photos Jane Dove Juneau

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1. A view from Motutara Farm, of Whananaki South, around to Sandy Bay 2. Rick discovers the best way to get his bike across the Whananaki footbridge 3. People book their sites at Motutara Farm a year in advance 4. Motutara Recreation Reserve Walkway provides access to diving and fishing

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s we drive to the Far North in early January the roads are very busy out of Auckland. We are in the holiday traffic, and once we complete the section of motorway through the tunnel at Pūhoi the pace slows to a crawl. Patience wanes after a series of slow stop–starts through Warkworth and a long 50km section through Dome Valley. Parts of the highway are pretty rough, and having not travelled north for a number of years I am surprised how bad this section of road is. But there are plans underway for the construction of a motorway bypassing Warkworth, Dome Valley and Wellsford. Improvement is long overdue and will certainly help access to Northland.

Now we have a campervan, our accommodation decisions are very free-flow, as we know there is always a bed for the night.

North of Whangārei Rick and I decide we’ve had enough driving and make the spontaneous decision to spend a few nights at Whananaki. Luckily, due to a cancellation we are able to get a prime campsite at Motutara Farm overlooking the pōhutukawa-lined Kings Beach. The 75-acre farm owned by Bruce and Helen Barron has been in the Barron family for over 100 years. It is on a thin peninsula of land that stretches seaward north of the sandy bar that forms the beach at Whananaki South. The campground is full as it is peak holiday time; yet with the sites

spread out over the hilly farm, everyone gets a slice of paradise. It has no powered sites and only basic plywood toilets and invigorating cold showers – but what else do you really need.

The Poor Knights Islands hover on the horizon over a mirage of shimmering sea. A rocky outcrop at the south end of the white sand beach is silhouetted in the morning light, and bathers play in the small glassy wave peeling onto the beach. Tents are tucked on flat areas on the steep banks leading down to the beach among the sprawling pōhutukawa trees. The reward for the hard work of setting up camp on the walk-in sites are that you have your own private beach below.

SCAN QR TO WATCH THE VIDEO

OR CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle

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After body-boarding the fun peaky waves we drive along the winding coast road to Moureeses Bay where swimmers enjoy the hollow waves, squealing when the large sets break. Back at Whananaki, for his afternoon snack Rick orders a fish burger and chips from the store by the Whananaki Campground – they have powered campsites.

The shortest way to Whananaki South is by crossing the estuary on the Southern Hemisphere’s longest footbridge. We head off on our bikes to ride across the footbridge only to

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discover that it is very narrow. Unable to ride, we start pushing our bikes across and there is barely room for the handlebars let alone passing people. A large tattooed man jumps off the side into the estuary just before I attempt to squeeze by. Lucky because I am not sure we’d have fit. I can see Rick struggling with his bike behind me. Another of my ‘bright’ ideas.

The centre of the bridge rises high enough for small boats to go under. The footbridge was built in 1947 to provide access for the children in Whananaki South to get to school in Whananaki North. Before the bridge was built the schoolteacher rowed a boat across the estuary twice a day to ferry the children across.

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A cluster of fishing baches and houses sit on the inland side of the estuary at Whananaki South. One of these houses belongs to former Deputy Prime Minister/MP Winston Peters, who spent his younger years in Whananaki.

It wasn’t an easy life in Northland.

“People talk about the depression being over in the late ’30s/early ’40s. Well it certainly wasn’t over here,” Peters said in a Radio New Zealand interview in 2020. “Dirt floors and people living in tents was common in my youth. That is, people up here understood and know what poverty tastes, smells and feels like, and so did my family.”

We bike out to the beach after some advice from a friendly fisherman on the bridge.

The long sandy beach stretches south to Sandy Bay. We ride down a sandy road past a Māori settlement, where a group of people are sitting out having a chat in the afternoon sun, to the start of the 5.7km Whananaki Coastal Walkway. This stretch of coast was the scene of a maritime disaster in 1975 when the Capitaine Bougainville freighter caught fire during an easterly storm. The ship carrying meat and dairy produce was abandoned, and 16 of the 29 crew and eight passengers drowned in the mountainous 12-metre waves and cold conditions, as lifeboats capsized. Locals helped the survivors who came ashore at Whananaki South. Last to abandon ship was the ship’s captain, Frenchman Jean-Raymond Thomas, who lost his New Zealand wife, infant daughter and two stepchildren in the wild sea. A monument to the souls lost in this tragedy sits on a headland, a short detour off the Whananaki Coastal Walkway.

We make our way back across the narrow bridge, a well-used link for this small coastal settlement, to the hub of Whananaki, the Beach Store. A group of young boys pile out of a black low-rider car. One of the boys orders $15 of chips, while another walks out of the shop with a loaf of white bread under one arm and a bottle of tomato sauce. Dinner for seven. We snack on nachos watching the busy scene of sun-weary people line up for takeaways.

Down the road our living room now overlooks the estuary – I love the way we can drive a few kilometres and discover a whole new aspect of an area. I watch a pair of oystercatchers swoop down over the water like fighter jets while a dove coos in a tree nearby.

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It is near sunset as we ride past a line of small fishing cottages perched on the edge of the estuary. Through a kitchen window I see an unkempt looking man drinking a beer as he gazes out, watching everything that’s going on – as if frozen in time.

We pedal out to the wharf. On the far shore in the half dark, I hear the stop–start of a boat engine as a wakeboarder tries to get up. In the golden light at sunset a couple of oystercatchers balance on one leg with their heads tucked under their wings, already in the sleeping position. The dusk settles as the last of the boats putter back to the boat ramp and the sleepy village settles in for the night.

Whananaki is the perfect place for a quiet

getaway up north. Only 42km north of Whangārei it is easy to get to, but be sure to book if you plan to stay at Motutara Farm in December/January – and it’s only open until the end of March. Other options for camping are Whananaki Holiday Park, the DOC campground at Otamure Bay and a free-camping area by the estuary.

5. The campsites wander over a range of terrain 6. Kings Beach on Motutara Farm is a slice of paradise 7. Oystercatchers settling in for the night at the estuary 8. The Whananaki estuary is home to a number of threatened and at-risk shorebird species 9. Moureeses Bay, north of Whananaki

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Te Tai Tokerau Northland Tohu Whenua: Northland’s best heritage experiences Aotearoa New Zealand is bursting with places that tell our uniquely Kiwi stories. Discover them with Tohu Whenua, a network of our nation’s most treasured landmarks.

Northland’s Tohu Whenua, and the interweaving journeys, tell the stories of our beginnings. These are places where both our Māori and European ancestors arrived, centuries apart, and where their identities were defined. Early encounters, cultural differences, challenges and aspirations were the hallmarks of understanding how we became New Zealanders. Stand where our people first engaged, feel the tensions and curiosities, apprehensions and partnerships, and appreciate why our journey continues today.

www.tohuwhenua.nz TRAVEL DISTANCES BETWEEN MAIN CENTRES SHOWN IN KMS BELOW. Note: Travel times may vary during poor weather conditions.

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KAITAIA

KERIKERI

OMAPERE

WHANGĀREI

NORTHLAND Kaitaia

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Kerikeri

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Russell

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Omapere Whangārei

Cover image credits. Top: Kororipo Heritage Park, Northland Inc. Bottom left: Waitangi, Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Bottom right: Cape Brett, inspiring.journeys.

TOHU WHENUA 1. Ruapekapeka Pā 2. Pompallier Mission & Printery 3. Cape Brett/Rākaumangamanga 4. Rangihoua Heritage Park 5. Kororipo Heritage Park 6. Waitangi Treaty Grounds 7. Te Waimate Mission 8. Māngungu Mission 9. Clendon House

www.tohuwhenua.nz/northland

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RUAPEKAPEKA PĀ

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POMPALLIER MISSION AND PRINTERY

Defying British violations of the Treaty

The power of print

Reacting to the British breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, it was here at Ruapekapeka Pā that Māori chiefs and their outnumbered warriors made their final stand of the Northern Wars. Explore ditches, bank defences and a cannon at this battlefield overlooking beautiful countryside as far as the eye can see, where Māori ingenuity outwitted Western technology, culminating in a bloody stalemate.

New Zealand’s only surviving pioneer printery and tannery, Pompallier Mission time-capsules the impact of Bishop Pompallier and his missionaries in introducing Catholicism by producing written works in Te Reo Māori. Take an unforgettable tour of our oldest industrial building, located just a 5 minute walk from the Kororareka (Russell) Wharf.

Claudia Babirat

Grant Sheehan

Timperley Road, Towai

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The Strand, on the waterfront, Russell

Rākaumangamanga - Cape Brett

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RANGIHOUA HERITAGE PARK

Guiding light

First side-by-side settlement

Rākaumangamanga was the landing point of the first seven waka who followed the beaconing lights of the peninsula’s crystalline rocks to Aotearoa. Fittingly, in 1906 Cape Brett became the site of a lighthouse that continued to light a safe passage for new arrivals. Located above the famous Hole-in-the-Rock Island, access is by walking (8 hours) or water taxi (35 mins).

Rangihoua Heritage Park tells the story of Chief Ruatara and Samuel Marsden, who both saw the benefits for their people of living side by side. Explore the place where the first planned European settlement was welcomed by Māori, where missionaries began writing down Te Reo, and where New Zealand’s first Christmas Day service was held.

Claudia Babirat

Oihi Road, Te Tii

Cape Brett, Bay of Islands

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KORORIPO HERITAGE PARK

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WAITANGI TREATY GROUNDS

A meeting place of cultures

Our bi-cultural birthplace

Kororipo is a place of gathering where some of the most important early meetings between Māori and Europeans were held. Walk the pā of famed chief Hongi Hika, have an authentic cultural and historical experience at Te Ahurea, picnic on the banks of the Kerikeri River, shop at New Zealand’s oldest store, the Stone Store, and tour our oldest building, Kemp House (fee applies).

Waitangi Treaty Grounds marks our start as a bi-cultural nation, where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed by Māori chiefs and the British Crown on 6 February 1840. Marvel at the largest waka in the world and intricate carvings of Te Whare Rūnanga, tour world class museums and appreciate the place where our journey as New Zealanders began.

Entry includes tour and cultural performance.

Grant Sheehan

Landing Road, Kerikeri

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TE WAIMATE MISSION

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MāNGUNGU MISSION

The largest treaty signing

Te Waimate Mission shows the remains of a model European village built by missionaries, by invitation of Ngāpuhi chiefs at Okuratope Pā.

See the last of three mission houses, walk in the footsteps of scientist Charles Darwin and meet some heritage Pitt Island sheep as you learn about the influence of European farming practices on the missionaries and Māori alike.

Māngungu was established as a Wesleyan mission station under the invitation and protection of the Māori leader Patuone and was the scene of the largest signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by over 70 chiefs. Tour the mission house, take in the stunning views over the Hokianga Harbour or start your Twin Coast Cycle Trail ride here.

Motukiore Road, Hōreke, Hokianga

CLENDON HOUSE

Home of an enterprising family

Clendon Esplanade, Rawene

Mark Russell

Grant Sheehan

344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North

A colonial home built in the 1860s, Clendon House tells the story of Captain James Reddy Clendon and his wife Jane Takotowi Clendon. A Māori widow living in a pre-treaty Pākehā world, Jane raised eight children, rose out of her husband’s debt and preserved their home for future generations; an exemplar of the remarkable women of the times.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Tau Henare Drive, Waitangi

Exemplar of European influences

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Department of Conservation

Local Information

In the event of an emergency, dial 111

To report or check current road conditions on the state highway call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or check online at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/northland/

Weather in Northland can change unexpectedly.

Make sure you take appropriate warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, food and water when embarking on walks in the area.

INFORMATION KEY Mark Russell

Tohu Whenua Location

Great for families

Walkinginvolved

Entry fee

Wheelchair access

Amenities

ROAD TRIP

Āwhitu Peninsula to Waikawau Beach › North Waikato

Wandering Westwards A random roadie to black sand beaches, lovely lakes and a wee bit of the mighty Waikato Story + Photos Sheryl Bainbridge

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he anti-JAFA brigade would have you believe that the best view of Auckland is in the rear-vision mirror. Be that as it may, looking from the Āwhitu Peninsula, the city, seen distantly across the Manukau Harbour, makes an exceptional backdrop to a foreground of birds on beaches, or scenes of steep hills surrounding lush green flats.

Bounded by the Tasman Sea on the west, the peninsula juts into the Manukau Harbour, and its pastoral terrain presents a totally different world from Auckland, just a shortish drive away.

At the head of the harbour, the replica Manukau lighthouse, constructed to replace the original that was built in 1874, stands on a promontory overlooking both the harbour and the notorious Manukau entrance.

Rapid tidal flows and a constantly changing bar make the harbour dangerous to access.

Many lives have been lost here and it was the site of one of New Zealand’s worst shipwrecks when the HMS Orpheus was lost on the bar in 1863 with 190 men drowned. Given the dangerous bar and the lack of infrastructure

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to support expanding the Ports of Auckland into this harbour, the reason that yet another costly report is being commissioned defies logic. More disappointing evidence of money being spent in all the wrong places.

Two magnificent Māori carvings in a paddock beside the lighthouse acknowledge the history of the Ngāti te Ata and Waiohua tribes. Situated on an ancient trail, created as part of Māori settlement in the 13th and 14th centuries, they’re a very effective reminder of pre-European times when the harbour and surrounding lands were an abundant food source for Māori.

We’ve been lucky enough to have the use of the Rock ‘n’ Robyn RV for a few days and it’s giving us some different holiday perspectives. More used to the walk-in walk-out of motel holidays, we realised that we don’t have to prepare lunch in the morning if we’re out walking, we can make coffee whenever the mood or scenery takes us, and don’t have to be continually packing and unpacking as we move from place to place. After stopping at

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a local café, where I had a Neenish tart that will probably set the bar for evermore, we head west from Karaka, an interesting juxtaposition of extensive housing development, acres of bare earth waiting to be planted with vegetables for the markets and neat, grassy paddocks with picture-perfect foals and mares contained behind neat, tidy fences.

Sometimes I despair. While our housing situation has reached crisis point and motels are full to overflowing with the homeless, substantial buildings in an attractively landscaped property of many mature trees have been left to go to rack and ruin. This is Kingseat, a former psychiatric hospital. It’s had a chequered history since 20 patients from a nearby mental institution arrived on site in 1929 with 12 wheelbarrows and 10 shovels. Trading on the facility’s reputation for being haunted, for some years part of the property has been used as a site for Spookers’ scary attraction theme park, and since 2013 a site for Asylum Paintball and Laser

Combat, but I just look at the solid buildings in their eye-catching setting and think ‘what a waste!’

That old saying ‘too old to rock ‘n’ roll, too young to die’ came to mind as we continued towards Waiuku, planning to first head up the Āwhitu peninsula. Our schedule meant we were a day late for the Waiuku Lions Club ‘Sand to Mud’ event, were arriving too early for the Steel ‘n’ Wheels hot rods to classic car festival, and out of luck for a tide-dependent harbour cruise on the vintage launch Ratahi.

However, the scenery on the peninsula is a joy, the beaches are beautiful and the 110ha Āwhitu Regional Park a wonderful place to spend some time. There’s even a golf course!

We walked from the parking area along the shore to the Brook estate where the little cottage and the more substantial homestead, built in 1880, have been immaculately preserved and are now part of the park.

We like Waiuku, deciding to stay at the

Sandspit Motor Camp. It’s basic but we were able to park right next to a toilet and shower block with plenty of room as we were the only RV in that space. The camp’s under new management and some future development is planned. We were looked after by the caretaker, Graham, a nice guy who has adopted three abandoned cats. Staff are friendly in the historic 1851 Kentish Hotel too, offering to charge my phone while we ate our bistro meal and drank vast glasses of passionfruit cider.

Next morning a stunning sunrise lures us onto the foreshore where across the river, the tall smokestacks of the Glenbrook Steel Mill pour their product into the atmosphere.

The mill’s ugly but impressive and provides much-needed local employment as well as contributing to community initiatives such as the ‘giant poppy’ project.

In 2015, artist Tony McNeight came up with a concept for a giant poppy to recognise the 59,000 men and women who were killed during WWI.

9 7. Buildings at what once was Kingseat psychiatric hospital 8. Brook Cottage at Āwhitu Regional Park 9. Red Poppy project 10. Testing, testing – Ross MacKay, Mark Baker and Sean Wilmot

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He needed 59,000 red metal discs – steel, so they wouldn’t blow away once on the ground, so he put a proposal to NZ Steel. It coincided with the company’s 75th anniversary, so they got a special batch of bright red product made up into long-run coloursteel.

It was turned into discs by a factory in Waihi and returned to Tony. During the nine days leading up to ANZAC Day that year, people wrote messages to loved ones on discs to be used in creating the giant poppy and raising $60,000 koha for the RSA. One of those who placed a poppy was the mayor of Arras, France.

He contacted Tony in 2018 and asked for a similar memorial for his town, so Tony

crowdfunded the sum required to get himself and the poppies half-way around the world to do the same thing again. This time the poppies were sited around Helen Pollock’s sculpture of marching boots, and the last people to place their poppy discs were the Prime Minister of France and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. So small beginnings became a big event.

Anyway, we wandered around Waiuku for a bit. The museum and the vintage railway were shut and the friendly man at the i-SITE suggested that we take a drive to the black sand beach at Karioitahi. Reaching the beach, we found a bit more than we bargained for

as high crashing waves and brisk winds were overshadowed by some demon drivers. Ross MacKay, editor of NZ4WD magazine, together with Mark and photographer Hannah Baker and NZ Company Vehicle magazine’s Sean Wilmot were testing a Great Wall, a Nissan Navara and a Ford Ranger for a special edition of NZ 4WD magazine, due for release in June.

I don’t know much about performance, but I do know about sex appeal and the brooding black Ranger had it in spades.

With the weather closing in as we drove to our next destination of Port Waikato, we knew that the renowned Sunset Beach would have nothing to offer us that evening. But we’ve seen sunset pictures of this aptly named beach and on the right evening it would certainly be a magnificent sight as the sun goes down. Not everyone agrees though. “Sunset’s for tourists;” said a fellow-camper, “you need to get into the dunes.” Arriving as we had in the evening, we’d not noticed any dunes but following our new friend’s directions, we headed off the following morning past a row of renovated baches, originally built in the old Kiwi style, towards a black sand dune 11. Misty moonscape sand dunes Port Waikato 12. Port Waikato Holiday Park entrance. The shapes

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of these pou represent the waka Te Winika 13-14. Pou at Port Waikato Holiday Park represent Ngāti Tahinga chiefs and welcome visitors 15. Rock formations on the way to Nikau Cave

Where the mighty Waikato River meets the Tasman Sea. NZMCA Members & Gold Card Member Discounts 1&2 Bedroom Motels – Cabins – Powered Sites – Tent Sites

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moonscape. The dunes follow the Waikato River right out to where it meets the Tasman Sea, and they make a spectacular picture.

Dotted around the dunes are lumps of white pumice that make us wonder what eruption and currents caused them to be there.

The previous evening we’d been attracted by the unique entrance at Port Waikato Holiday Park. “They represent our ancestors Tahinga and his great grandson Karewa. The shapes of the pou represent our waka ‘Te Winika’ and are facing the swamp across the road called ‘Totomoaka’. This is where the bow and stern of Te Winika are buried. The two pou at the entrance stand proud letting everyone know that our land has returned to the hapū and we’re here to stay”, says Rereokeroa Shaw, Chairperson of the Ngāti Karewa/Ngāti Tahinga Trust. The property has had several owners since early European times, but since 2016 when it was purchased by the Trust it has been run as a holiday park. Pou along

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the driveway represent three Ngāti Tahinga chiefs, Tunui Ngawaka, Kimura Whareroa and Kiwi Ngarau who signed the Tiriti o Waitangi at the Port Waikato Mission Station.

The three pou signify all guests receiving a wero or welcome into the park. Unlike the traditional Māori pōwhiri, the wero is usually only offered to dignitaries or special guests.

Solar power installation is going on at the park, which has motels, cabins, powered sites, and tent sites. We were impressed by the spacious TV lounge and a large clean kitchen.

We didn’t make it through the Nikau Cave, our next destination. It had been suggested that we take the direct route from Port Waikato, as although the road was narrow, winding and in some parts unsealed, the scenery’s limestone formations would ‘knock our socks off ’, which proved to be the case as we passed by tall columns, caves and rocks stacked upon one another. But when we arrived, we learnt that we’d need a change of clothes and shoes, and that part of the experience involved crawling for a short distance, not ideal for a newly replaced knee. It sounded like fun, but we reluctantly decided to give the glow-worms and stalactites a miss in favour of the Waikaretu bush walk.

One of the joys of travelling around is meeting some really neat people. Proud dad Philip Woodward, no slouch with a shearing handpiece himself, pointed out a movie poster for She Shears, a doco-movie about women in the woolshed. It starred his ex-world record

holding shearer Emily Welsh (after 14 years Megan Wood broke her record). Emily now runs a shearing business that employs 45 people during the summer months. Emily’s husband Sam has also been a world record holder, and Philip, who after 52 years shearing claims to be a man of leisure is now a tour guide at Nikau Cave.

You’ve got to love a campground owner who takes the occasional guest fishing. On this occasion the owner of Kawhia’s Beach Side S-Cape and a visiting camper took to the harbour, returning very pleased a short time later with a respectable number of snapper and one trevally. Another great camp right on the waterfront where the owner takes pains to site RVs and tents so no one blocks anyone else’s view.

Kawhia’s changing. Always popular in summer, and for its natural hot water spa on the beach in cooler weather, but those who now find Raglan (which we’d bypassed having been there recently) a bit busy and civilised have discovered that the laid-back lifestyle they enjoy can be found in Kawhia. Some of the nearby pine forests are about to be felled over the next three years, which will bring further changes, and there is a proposal to extract vast quantities of sand from near the village. The latter has locals concerned at the possibility of ballast water from China being dumped in the relatively pristine Kawhia harbour before ships load up with sand.

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Meanwhile, up on the hill sunlight streams through the attractive stained-glass windows of the old Methodist church, and children enjoy the well-appointed playground on the foreshore, overlooked by the impressive Pou Whakairo.

On one hand it’s a very long way to go. On the other, it’s another engineering feat that we felt we should see at least once. In 1911 three men using picks and shovels hacked a tunnel through the limestone that separates Waikawau Beach from the surrounding farmland. Just wide enough for a large beast to pass through and high enough to accommodate a tall horseman, the tunnel made life easier for the local farmers who could then drive cattle along the beach rather than over the unfriendly hillside country. Access to the tunnel is along a very narrow road but the light at the end of the tunnel proves to be from another attractive beach.

As a nation we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outstanding landscapes. On our way to Waikawau Beach we’d looked down from a hilltop on yet another beautiful beach, this one being Marokopa, and we returned in that direction so that we could see three more natural wonders within a very short distance of one another and all close to the same highway between Marokopa and Waitomo. Firstly, we took a short walk through native bush to visit the Marokopa Falls. At 35 metres they cascade over rock and are said to be among the most beautiful falls in New Zealand. They certainly are very attractive. Next, we did the

Aroha

Cruise In 2021

Piripiri cave walk, short, but involving a fair few steps. It’s worth the visit though as it’s a large cave with many stalactites. Lastly, we call in at the Mangapohue natural bridge. It’s the remnant of a cave system and the bridge is high above a boardwalk, so is easy for most people to access.

Having had enough of travel for one day, we head off to our overnighter, planning to hit Huntly the following day. Huntly has been bypassed. That means it’s faster and easier to journey past when you’re on a mission, and easier to get around when you stop in town. Hopefully, it will soon become like other ‘bypassed’ towns such as Waipu and Mangōnui – a destination in its own right.

And the real estate business has discovered that without traffic zooming past night and day, this small town, handily placed between Auckland and Hamilton has some very desirable aspects. One of these is the very scenic Lake Puketirini, situated near the old power station. Its surrounds have been beautifully landscaped, and there’s a barge/platform towards one side of the lake itself where deepsea diving is taught. The lake is the site of an old open-cast coal mine, and it takes about an hour and a half to walk around it. Across the old main road, Lake Hakanoa is also extremely attractive, and popular with trout fishermen, but home to an inordinate number of Canada geese. The 45-minute walk around the lake leads walkers through zones with different identities such as a Japanese area and a punga grove. The nearby Glen Afton vintage

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railway is open once a month on Sundays, and there are plans to restore the old Huntly railway station. It’s going to be interesting to return to Huntly in the future and see how things are developing.

We’d decided to spend our last night for this trip at Tuakau. The Tuakau Bridge Motorhome Park is situated next to the Waikato River in lovely grounds complete with picnic tables. As well as motorhome parking the park has good-quality cabins available. It’s next to a public park that overlooks the impressive arched Tuakau bridge, and is clearly a popular place, particularly in summer, when we’re told the river is full of jet-skiers and other watercraft. We ate our exceptionally nice Chinese takeaway meal seated at one of the picnic tables as the sun went down and reflected on how lucky we are to be able to enjoy this beautiful part of our country.

16. Natural sheep shelter 17. Waikaretu bush walk sign 18. Philip Woodward with poster, daughter Emily seen on the right 19. 1929 Tuakau Bridge 20. Marokopa Falls 21. Early engineering feat – the tunnel was dug to make cattle movement easier

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Destination Rotorua E

ven in spring, most of us tend to take refuge indoors to keep the elements at bay and cosy up near the fire. However, many experts say the best way to stay healthy and feel fresh and invigorated is to head outdoors!

Crazy as this might sound, there are some outdoor activities in Rotorua that are even better when it’s a little fresh outside, and the best thing of all is that they’re all perfect for any age.

HANDS UP IF YOU’RE HANGING OUT FOR SPRING!

With the daffodils in full bloom and fluffy lambs bouncing around in the paddocks, it’s getting easier to feel that winter officially meets its demise.

Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

Put your adventure pants on (and perhaps some warm layers) and head to your pre-booked, early morning Ultimate Tour at Rotorua Canopy Tours, voted TripAdvisor’s #11 experience on the planet, and this year named #1 Nature Activity in the world! This incredible 3.5-hour eco-adventure involves six ziplines, a 50-metre-high cliff walk, suspended swing-bridges, an 18-metre-high controlled descent, and amazing guides who take you through a protected ancient forest.

Next up, grab a quick lunch and head to your whitewater rafting tour with River Rats Raft & Kayak or any of the other rafting companies. This incredible experience will take you along the famous, historic, bush-clad Kaituna River where you’ll enjoy a thrilling mix of dropping over three waterfalls, pushing through 14 rushing rapids, and paddling across calm waters of recovery where you can look back in awe at what you have achieved.

This tour is famous and a bucket-list item because you’ll be tackling Tutea Falls, the world’s highest

commercially rafted waterfall at seven metres.

But not to worry, you’ll have plenty of time with your guide to build up anticipation and practise your newly acquired skills in the rapids and two smaller waterfalls before the big drop.

Well done, you’ve just blitzed your way through some of the best spring adventures in Rotorua!

FEEL REFRESHED IN OPENAIR HOT POOLS

When the air is fresh, crisp and cold, geothermal mineral hot pools are more enticing than ever to warm up the body as well as calm the mind. There are many options in Rotorua and perhaps the quickest one to get to is Polynesian Spa, located near the city centre and along the shores of Lake Rotorua.

If you can, arrive by 9am (Wednesday through Sunday) so you can enjoy the dreamy mist that forms when the steam from the hot pools meets the cold air – it’s a peaceful, beautiful time to enjoy the best of nature, especially when you’ve got gorgeous panoramic views across the lake. Don’t worry if you can’t get there that early, you can secure a soothing session as long as you arrive by 9.15pm.

Polynesian Spa’s waters are sourced from two natural springs and feed into 28 mineral hot pools across the complex. The slightly acidic Priest Spring waters relieve tired muscles, aches and pains while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish skin. Move between the pools to combine the effects of the waters, and incorporate ancient healing practices, such as the reflexology walk, to encourage wellness.

EXPLORE THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM

Another steamy place to treat the senses is Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Here, some of the best walking trails in Rotorua are set within an awe-inspiring geothermal reserve. Choose from a range of self-guided nature walks and hiking trails, mostly downhill, through pristine New Zealand bush. Included with your entrance fee is a guide sheet to refer to as you make your way past spectacular volcanic craters, enormous hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare and unusual plant life, brilliantly coloured micro biology and a wide array of birds.

But wait, there’s more. Add on a relaxing cruise across beautiful Lake Rotomahana to see even more geothermal activity, with full commentary by your skipper. When you’re ready, the courtesy shuttle bus will return you to the Waimangu Visitor Centre where you can enjoy refreshments in the café with some of the best views available.

If being on the water is your thing, look no further than a tour on Lake Rotoiti with Pure Cruise NZ. Sailing with skipper Matt aboard the 53-foot luxury yacht Tiua can be

as relaxed or energetic as you wish – help sail the yacht, swim through caves, soak in thermal pools alongside the lake or just relax on a bean bag on the bow and watch the native scenery slip by under full sail. Whichever way you choose, you’ll do it all in pure comfort with excellent hospitality.

ENJOY EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE FOREST

Discover the giants of Whakarewarewa Forest (aka The Redwoods) and walk, bike, hike or horse ride to your heart’s content.

Set amongst magnificent stands of towering California redwoods, lush native and exotic trees, the forest offers nearly 200km of signposted world-class mountain-biking trails and walking tracks catering for everyone from beginners to experts alike, and at any fitness level.

The forest can also be enjoyed from a bird’s-eye view with Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights (pictured above) as you traverse a 700m eco-tourism walk with the height ranging from 6m to 20m. The forest is gorgeous on crisp winter days where you’re mostly protected from cold southerlies and any light rains. Experiencing the Treewalk by night provides a whole new perspective as the beautifully designed David Trubridge lanterns come to life at dusk.

DINE ALFRESCO

Warm up by tucking into a variety of cuisines from dumplings and tacos to vegan burgers, pāua fritters and heaps more at the Rotorua Night Market, held every Thursday (weather permitting) from 5pm to 9pm over two blocks on Tūtānekai Street.

It’s a mistake to think that just one dish will suffice, so make sure you try an entrée, main and dessert as you make your way down the street. Eat at one of the undercover tables or snuggle into a bean bag and enjoy live music at each end of the market.

For more information how to make the most of your spring in Rotorua visit: www.rotoruanz.com SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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LAYOUTS

Hamilton Waikato River ride › North Island Waikato

WALK & CYCLE TRAILS

Ol' man river - and a litany of chiefs Alex and Lesley Stone pay their respects to the great Waikato River by biking alongside on the Te Awa Trail Story Alex Stone Photos Lesley Stone

A feature of the ride is passing the many bridges across the mighty river. This double-decker bridge carries the railway line on the lower level, with Claudelands Road above SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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t’s said of the mighty Waikato River that there’s a rangatira, a chief, living at every bend. And in between a taniwha or two, as well. Mythic and other histories overlap closely here.

This great sense of history’s presence is a strong feeling as you bike along the Riverside Trail in Hamilton city, which is part of a much longer (70km) Te Awa biking trail that follows the great river through the Waikato heartland.

The whole length of the Te Awa Trail is not yet completely linked up, but when it is so, will run from opposite the start line of famous rowing races on Lake Karapiro, all the way to Ngāruawāhia, the papa kāinga of the Kingite movement, and of all the kings and queens of

We have another shipment of 2021 Swift & Coachman caravans arriving in limited numbers including Coachman Lasers.

Many are pre-sold so contact us to enquire about specific models and to secure yours now.

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Māoridom since 1858.

The Te Awa bike trail section between the Avantidrome (just west of Cambridge by St Peter’s School and New Zealand’s new home of competitive track cycling) and Hamilton city is still being built. For now, cyclists must brave State Highway 1. The Avantidrome’s flash website has an open invitation: “If you’ve never ridden on a velodrome and want to give it a go, we offer introductory sessions to give anyone the chance to have a go at track cycling. All equipment is provided, so book your session today!”

We weren’t up to such high-speed high jinks.

Instead, for a one-day outing to experience the trail, we cycled from the Pukete boat ramp

carpark, just by the Waikato Equestrian Centre, upstream past central Hamilton with its many museums, sculptures, boathouses, murals, and the best collection of second-hand bookshops in the country, to the lovely Hamilton Gardens and the friendly folk in the café there. They saved my life, sort-of, as I had reached terminal munchies by the time we arrived. It was Lesley’s frequent photo stops that had held us up – but it was all fun anyway.

It’s a fine ride, and easy too, as the path mostly follows the river. There are a few short, steeper bits where the path angles up a riverside bluff, but generally it’s all easy going – especially downstream, with the implacable, deep-green river your constant

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companion just past your right handlebar.

In one steep spot, cyclists are asked to dismount, as the trail gets narrow and makes a sharp wee switchback there. Locals we encountered walking dogs in that spot were pleased that we did. The short, steep pitch would have defeated us anyway – but apparently not “some younger fullas, out to prove a point.”

The River Ride Trail on the Hamilton riverbank is a mix of different surfaces – in some places asphalt, changing to paving stones, wooden boardwalk, and bricks as cobblestone in others. But all-in-all, it is still easy riding. This section of the trail passes under half-a-dozen bridges, which

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is a limited number for a city of Hamilton’s size. I imagine it still leads to a difference between East and West Hamilton. Which is a longstanding thing.

When the 4th Regiment of Waikato Militia established the settlement at a small kāinga called Kirikiriroa (meaning, a long stretch of gravel) in 1864, it certainly didn’t seem a likely location then. Kirikiriroa had been abandoned temporarily during the Musket wars in the 1820s, but between 1845 and 1855, wheat, fruit and potatoes were exported to Auckland from here, with up to 50 waka plying that trade from Kirikiriroa.

In August of 1864, Captain William Steele stepped ashore from the gunboat Rangiriri

and established the first British military redoubt near what is now Memorial Park.

Incidentally, the settlement’s new name came from a Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, who lost his life in the New Zealand Wars in the Battle at Gate Pā, Tauranga, in 1864.

Surrounded on all sides by marshlands, the settlement – on both banks of the river – initially grew very slowly. The people of both Hamilton’s (East and West) were connected, tenuously, by means of a punt service across the Waikato River.

By combining, they managed to get a government loan for a bridge in December 1877.

Union Bridge was completed the next year.

1. The River Ride through Hamilton along the Te Awa Trail starts at the Pukete boat ramp, right by the Waikato Equestrian Centre. This old sawmill blade makes an impressive opening portal to the ride 2. The River Ride on a weekday is remarkably un-crowded – just perfect for some good togetherness time for a woman and her dog 3. The view across the Waikato to Hamilton East reveals some impressive homes, ironically with a better view when trees are leaf-less in winter 4. An elegant arched bridge over the Waikato. It’s a pity the trail does not tell the stories of these varied bridges 5. A jetty enlivened by Hamilton’s newest artwork: Nga Pou Aarohirohi (the Glistening Poles) SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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By 1911 Hamilton’s population was still only 3542 – about half the size of Waihī, then a gold town at the height of its boom times.

Hamilton began growing quickly after the First World War, with the increasing acreage of land surrounding it being drained to make paddocks, and the growth of the Waikato dairy industry.

Hamilton became a thriving inland port,

Hauraki Rail Trail

serviced by a number of steamers, The riverboats included the former gunboat Rangiriri, and others such as Bluenose, Waipā, Delta, Freetrader, Rawhiti II and Waikato.

The travel costs: “In 1876, Waikato Steam Navigation advertised freight from Auckland to Cambridge and Alexandra as: Up river 45/[45 shillings, or £2 5s] a ton; Down river 35/- a ton; Timber 3/- a 100 ft; Cabin passenger 5/-;

Deck passenger 3/6 [3 shillings 6 pence]; Horse 5/-; Buggy 5/-.”

But the river boats faded away. In 1927 they had a bad year, constantly running aground due to low river levels caused by the filling of dams upriver. The last timetabled services – those of legendary skipper and ship-owner Caesar Roose’s line – ended in 1946. The hull of the Rangiriri remains as a historic relic

Explore the Mighty Waikato by bike—with hundreds of kilometres of trail to discover, offering riders a close-up look at the region’s picturesque scenery and fascinating past, the Mighty Waikato is the perfect place for your next cycling getaway.

Visit waikatonz.com/cycling

The Timber Trail

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Te Awa River Ride

on the east bank of the river, opposite Hamilton’s town centre. Now the Waikato River is a mecca, instead, for recreational craft. At Hamilton centre, there are rowing and waka ama clubs, obviously well-supported, with dozens of boats at their disposal.

Head down, pedalling up the incline of the loop of the trail that leads up to Hamilton city centre, I – oops! – inadvertently rode between a camera crew and the good blokes of the New Zealand test cricket team. World champions! and doing a tour from Bluff to Whangārei to show off their trophy, a gilded mace. They looked like healthy young fellows, so I avoided what must be a weary joke for them, about a sporting trophy that cannot hold champagne.

Once atop the riverside bluff, the ‘Victoria on the River’ plaza that opens Hamilton city centre to the river, offers a splendid view across to Hamilton East. That view is artfully framed by a major archway work in Corten steel, with interior neon lighting shining through edge windows and cut-out letterforms in the face surfaces, by the Māori

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sculptor Robert Jahnke. There are terrific, huge murals of a kārearea New Zealand falcon, and a kōkako. But somehow the city still seems divided. The CBD is all on one side of the river.

The two-part nature of Hamilton even now is symbolically reflected in the two bronze statues that define its main centre. And the two significant works by Māori sculptors too, Jahnke’s and Michael Parekowhai’s multi-coloured The Tongue of the Dog, outside the Waikato Museum.

The ‘The bronzes are of Richard O’Brien (see below) and Sapper Horace Moore-Jones, the celebrated First World War artist who recorded the tragedy of Gallipoli, including his famous watercolour of Man With the Donkey. The trust that financed the work, says this of him: “Soldier, artist and teacher whose WW1 Gallipoli Campaign painting ‘Man with the Donkey’ is the enduring Anzac image. This is acclaimed one of the most important pieces of Australasian war art, symbolic of the nation-building sacrifice of war and birth of our nationhood. Yet the artist is rarely recognised, historically invisible, his life and heroic death [in 1922, rescuing women trapped in a hotel fire] in Hamilton largely an untold story.”

The Moore-Jones statue was created by New Zealand Defence Force artist Captain Matt Gauldie. The Gallipoli stone plinth it crouches on, was gifted by the Turkish Government.

An equal story, internationally, is that of another Hamilton-born son, Richard O’Brien creator of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and who initially played its androgenous central character Riff Raff. This statue is very close to that of Sapper Moore-Jones – but they are worlds apart.

6. This stunning mural A Love Story featuring a kārearea NZ falcon, painted by Charles and Janine Williams presides over Victoria on the River plaza in central Hamilton 7. In the city’s main street: the bronze of Hamilton’s heroic First World War artist Sapper Moore-Jones. The plinth is an actual piece of Gallipoli rock, gifted by the Turkish government 8. A mysterious fish, inexplicably beached at Hamilton Gardens’ Turtle Lake 9. Down a side alley close by: Hamilton’s other famous son Richard O’Brien, as his alter-ego Riff Raff from The and in italics Rocky Horror Picture Show. We can attest that under his short skirt, he’s anatomically correct

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Cast in different styles and attitudes.

Moore-Jones is ruggedly moulded, and crouches with arm outstretched, measuring with a pencil as artists do – but clad in full battle gear. Riff Raff is dressed up too – but in his own unique style. The smooth finish of this bronze is appropriately slick, with detailing – like the stretching of his suspender tights on his thighs – finely rendered by sculptors at Weta Workshops. His weapon is a shiny stainless steel ray gun thing.

This artwork marks the site of the barbershop (long gone) where O’Brien, worked in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Riff Raff is revealed in full alien regalia from when he time warps from the fictional planet Transsexual. Near the statue are posted instructions on how to do the ‘Time Warp’ (again).

That Sapper Moore-Jones and Riff Raff are so close, yet out of line-of-sight of each other, and given their orientation would be averting their gazes anyway adds further symbolism to the city centre’s sculpture-scape.

One more thing about Hamilton’s central city sculptures. On June 12, 2020, the City Council removed the statue of Captain Hamilton himself, at the request of the Waikato Tainui iwi. This particular statue had passed its comfortable use-by date, with its association with the New Zealand Wars, racism and colonialism. At the same time a local kaumātua, Taitimu Maipi, who had vandalised the statue in 2018, called for the city to be renamed Kirikiriroa, its original name in te reo Māori.

What about stopping on the riverbank and casting a line in to try your luck at fishing?

One of the biggest buildings you’ll pass on the ride is the home base of the Waikato Sport Fishing Club. But, I learn they are focused on sea-water recreational angling. Does that mean anything?

Not really, says Bob Gutsell of the

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Freshwater Angling Club which shares the clubhouse. Bob tells me that large brown trout are often seen in the river right there; and that casting a spinner for them is your likely best bet. Remember, all fishing for trout in New Zealand requires permits. You can also try fishing for koi carp and mullet, both vegetarian fish – so you’ll need appropriate bait.

The mullet, sometime seen in schools even this far upriver, are a fish that come from the sea. And, of course, the river is the haunt of eels, some really, really big. A third, and funky mural in Victoria plaza, curiously features a giant eel, itself fishing (for itself? one wonders) in the river.

There’s good directional signage on the trail, but very little in the way of informative panels – except for those outlining public artworks. Which is a pity as I reckon there’d be stories aplenty to tell along the river banks. The bridges for example – they each must have had compelling reasons to be built. I would have liked to learn more about the ecology and dynamics of the river.

(There were plenty of signs telling us it is very dangerous to swim in, but without giving the reasons why.)

Also, the history of the city – and its relationship with its

partner, the river – has many twists and turns.

Interestingly, there were signs to cyclists, saying ‘Be Careful!’ – for as a result of the Covid thing, the shared path now has many more walkers. We found it unusually quiet, and only encountered a few cyclists on our way. Like so many domestic tourism attractions in New Zealand right now, the River Ride is there for us to enjoy without the many international tourists.

In fact, the Waikato Museum is right now hosting a long-term exhibition, Shaping Hamilton Huringa Kirikiriroa which has an intriguing take on that local history. The exhibition traces key events that shaped the geography and demography of Hamilton, with a special focus on the making of decisions that actually shaped it. Visitors are invited to imagine they are the decision-makers of the time, and vote for the direction they would have chosen at each vital moment at special ‘voting stations’.

What I’d vote for right now, I know, is for the River Ride Trail. It’s a splendid asset for Hamilton City, the Waikato, and for all of New Zealand’s new local travellers, too.

10. A rustic bridge at Hamilton Gardens 11. A splash of colour from the outdoor stage at Hamilton Gardens

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LIFESTYLE

North Island › Ōhope Beach › Waihi Beach

Virgin RV traveler The story of a first timer in a campervan Story + Photos John Bishop

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R

iding along in my campervan, no one but me at the wheel, I sipped a coffee in my seat, excitement running wild.

Cruising and playing the radio, definitely with places to go.

With apologies to the late great Chuck Berry I was on a high about getting out on the road with a campervan for the first time in my life. (Thanks thl and Māui; I enjoyed every moment.)

I was driving down SH2 from Auckland heading for Waihi Beach very aware that while my van didn’t have a lot in front of the driver’s seat, there were several metres of vehicle behind me.

Despite feeling quite self-conscious about driving what seemed like a truck at times, no one else on the road seemed to pay the slightest attention to me. I wanted to shout out the window, “I’m an RV virgin; tell me if I get it wrong.” No one did, which is partly the result of a good briefing from thl before I left their Auckland airport terminal, partly the quality of the vehicle – a self-contained Mercedes van

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with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, and partly my own innate caution. I was not going to muck this up.

Into the lovely holiday park at the western end of Waihi Beach to meet Mike and Minnie Jones who run the place and are raising baby Rose (a second one is on its way).

Within minutes of parking up and connecting the cable on my powered site, I am

drinking tea and looking out at the rolling waves of a late afternoon beach, just by the surf club and close to a small stream where a couple of young Aussie kids are puddling about in the remnants of the sun. It’s a good holiday park with excellent facilities including a pool and a play area. Mike says business is still good although “things went off the boil after the school holidays.” They are sold out for roofed accommodation most weekends, but weekdays are a bit thin.

I’d shopped at a supermarket in Waihi and had enough food in the fridge for a couple of dinners – cold meats, salads, some sundowner juice cleverly hidden in a wine bottle, fresh fruit and the like. Dinner outside as darkness fell; this was freedom and I felt relaxed and recharged at the same time.

Next morning, I took in the sights of the township, had a coffee at Flatwhite a café on the beach which came well recommended (and rightly so), and climbing back into the driver’s seat and reversing out of a tight park, thought, I can do this. Hey, I am doing this.

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It’s great.

I hear the same business story at the other end of the long stretch of coastline that is the Bay of Plenty.

At Ōhope Beach TOP 10 holiday park new owners Vicki and Ian Smith have taken over recently, and daughter Aimee and husband Cormac are the new management team.

Cormac tells me business from caravans and campers is up from previous levels and these visitors are often new to the sector. Many firsttime campers are loving the experience and have already come back again.

Over winter there has been updates to the property, the couple are looking forward to shares these with campers over the upcoming summer season. Cormac noted that without international travelers, staff were harder to get in an industry that relied in part on backpackers taking on temporary jobs during the season.

On the other side of the harbour from Ōhope beach is the Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park where Todd and Nola Morgan are enjoying their 21st summer in charge. He was a plastic engineer; she was in office/admin roles and they still like the work for the positive feedback and compliments they get. “We are

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seeing people who have never travelled and used holiday parks before. Adult children come, and they tell their parents who turn up to see what it is all about,” says Nola. It’s 60 per cent occupancy at weekends “but Monday– Thursday is still ok.”

At Lake Rotoiti, Kelsi and Patrick Hira inherited their business from Kelsi’s parents who owned it for 17 years. They share management chores with another couple, which gives them three days off each week to spend with their young boy, Teddy. Kelsi is positively inspirational about this part of the hospitality industry.

“I love being in a family business and looking after a small team – between 10 and 20 depending on the time of year. I said to my mum that this is the first job I have ever had when I have cared about more than a business.

It matters to me that people

come back year after year. Our guests are now friends. We got gifts from guests when our first child was born. I am more connected to the job now than ever before.

“The target market is your family. This is not party central. We are seeing more older people, mostly in motorhomes. We were dogfriendly on some sites; now it’s the whole park.”

What did I learn about the campervan?

Great for one or two, not for more. Great for a short time, but not for a long stay or long trip. Easy to drive, and easy to live with.

1. My Māui campervan, with its own toilet and shower suitable for one or two people 2. Waihi Beach – delightful in the late afternoon sun 3. Mike and Millie Jones with toddler Rose at Waihi Beach Holiday Park 4. Pool and waterslide at the Waihi Beach Holiday Park 5. Vicki and Ian Smith with Cormac and Aimee O’Keeffe, the new owners and managers at Ōhope Beach TOP 10 holiday park 6. Todd and Nola Morgan from Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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I preferred being in a good campsite with power, hot showers and clean toilets, kitchens and lounges with TV rooms, to being somewhere on my own. But equally I loved the solitude of being the only one in a beautiful location just watching a bird peck its way along a patch of grass or listening to the wind moving the trees gently as night falls.

The countryside and the beaches along the Bay of Plenty coast are both wonderful and so numerous and varied in their appeal.

I didn’t go anywhere on this my first trip that I couldn’t have reached by car, but waking to the seagulls on the edge of Lake Rotorua a block from the town, and hearing joggers call to each other while I brewed tea is a memory

I shall cherish.

John Bishop travelled in a Māui campervan supplied by thl and stayed in holiday parks courtesy of the Holiday Parks Association.

8. Ohiwi Beach Holiday park is in a delightful bush clad setting

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Allan Dick TODAY

Hit the road Jack Allan Dick relives an embarrassing time or two.

M Reminiscences from NZTODAY founder Allan Dick Words + Photos Allan Dick

1. The damage is there, even if it is difficult to see in this photograph of the motorhome parked up in the Top 10 in Whangārei

1

y life has been dominated by motor vehicles. At first it was the dream of being able to go where I wanted and when I wanted that triggered the initial interest, and later in adult life I was able to scrape up a living writing about cars. This meant a lot of driving, and in half a century or so I have no real idea of how many millions of kilometres I have covered, nor the number of cars I have driven. But it’s lots. And lots!

Most of it has been incident free, save for a serious crash when I was 20 years of age that was a life lesson for me. There have been scrapes and dents, but nothing serious. Two years ago, I spent a month tearing around Europe and the UK in a left-hand-drive rental Peugeot, covering 11,000 kilometres without anything more than bugs on the bumper. But less than six hours back home in New Zealand and I reversed my Mitsubishi into a roughcast concrete wall causing some minor damage.

The car still carries those scars.

But there have been couple of other incidents I am now going to confess to.

A year ago I had the use of the magazine’s Star Insurance Camper Care Insurance

-sponsored, Fiat motorhome in which I spent two weeks exploring the south-east corner of the North Island, from Cape Palliser to east Cape. I loved the Fiat – it was easy to drive, had a lot of performance and was economical, never a moment’s worry – and I headed back to drop it off at Base Martinborough, spending the last night in a DOC camping spot near Featherston.

The Fiat has the bed at the very rear in a north/south layout giving access from either side. It’s a bit like the bedroom at home. But this means there is no rear window and you have to rely on big side mirrors combined with a reversing camera to check what is behind you. I didn’t realise the reversing camera had two options – either vertically down towards the ground, or horizontal for a panoramic view – the view controlled by a switch. As I was ignorant of this, my view was constantly of the ground immediately under the back bumper.

After a cosy night at the DOC camp, I showered and decided to head into Featherston for coffee and a scone, feeling quite pleased I had covered so much ground and not put a mark on the vehicle. I started up, checked both big side mirrors and reversed slowly out of my parking spot until progress was halted suddenly with a very solid ‘bang!’

I had reversed into a very mature tree that was directly at the rear of the vehicle and unseen in my rear-vision mirrors.

At first I thought there was no damage, but later that day while hosing it clean, I noticed there were a couple of dents. I thought they were minor enough and I’d got off lightly.

When I reported the matter to Robyn and Bruce a closer inspection showed there had been some internal damage. I was forgiven enough to be offered the use of the vehicle again in mid-March for a four-week sojourn in the Far North.

This time, pick-up and drop-off point was Auckland, and as I set off I noted that the reversing camera still showed a crystal-clear view of the ground immediately below the rear bumper. ‘Must ask Bruce about that’, I noted mentally in my continuing ignorance of the switch that controlled the view!

Once again, I revelled in driving the Fiat – it really is the sports car of motorhomes – although I was well aware of the limitations of front-wheel drive and avoided situations where I might get stuck.

SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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This wasn’t quite the ‘last day’ situation, but three days out from heading back to Auckland, and totally without incident to date, I decided to visit Totara North. I have been there several times, enchanted by the charm of the place.

I had been staying in regular camping grounds but was aware that there were a handful of officially recognised ‘freedom’ camping spots dotted around Northland, including one near Totara North, so I decided to take a look at one when I spotted an opening leading into a narrow mānukalined road. I nosed the Fiat in, saw that the camping spot was accessed by a secondary ‘road’ or track to the right, but it looked a bit wet and grassy, so, rather than risk getting stuck, I decided not to drive in.

Then I decided I should try to turn around rather than reverse out onto the main road.

I thought I was being responsible! Instead, I ended up being dumb.

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I considered there was enough room to do a four- (or five) point U-turn. Wrong! I totally overlooked the fact that the reasonably mature mānuka had long branches above the vision in my side mirrors!

To cut a long story of foolishness short, about two-thirds of the way through my U-turn, I ended up with the top rear of the motorhome jammed up against a branch and the left front wheel against a small (nine centimetres) mound of damp clay, and lost all traction.

So there I was, one end stuck against a tree, the other a mound of slippery clay. I could neither go backwards or forwards!

I saw immediately that the branch had done some damage to the top of the rear, about exactly where I had previously damaged it.

I can’t remember another time when I have been so seriously annoyed with myself and I confess I almost wimped out. Eventually I reasoned I needed help, but there was no

cellphone coverage … until I walked across the road and managed to find a square foot where I got one bar of signal!

Barely daring to breathe in case I lost the signal, I rang the AA! The response was quicker than I dared hope for. I was feeling totally dumb and the woman at the end of the phone did her best to make me feel a bit better.

No, I didn’t have AA plus, no I wasn’t covered for a motorhome, but they would increase my coverage on the spot and would send me someone to help, but it would consist only of a tow, using a three-metre tow rope.

I didn’t care. I just wanted out of this predicament! (If I had rung Robyn I would have found the motorhome had its own breakdown service through the insurance company, bugger!)

I was told I would be advised by a return call when help was on its way. So I stayed, glued to my ‘one bar of signal’ spot. The second call said help would probably be 60 minutes.

So, we waited.

Twenty minutes later a white Mitsubishi hove into sight, pulled up, an elderly man hopped out, shouted “shut up” to a dog barking noisily in the van and came and inspected our situation – without really

4 Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

saying a word. I assumed he was someone who lived nearby and had been asked by the AA dispatched ‘rescuer’ to suss out the situation and report back.

“Bloody stupid tourists”, I muttered apologetically.

He just shrugged and grabbed hold of the branch at the rear and shook it, then kicked at the mound of clay and said “try to move it forward.”

I got spinning wheels.

“Okay”, he said, hopped back into his van and disappeared.

Five minutes later he was back, with a small pruning saw and a spade. He lopped off the branch, then decapitated the mound of clay with half a dozen good swipes of the spade.

“Try that!”

I was so agitated that my first two attempts to drive out were hampered by the fact I had the Fiat in neutral! I mentally slapped myself, pulled it into ‘drive’ and drove out …

Our rescuer was all smiles now and we were talking about this and that when a liveried ute pulled up – this was the official AA dispatched ‘rescuer’ from Mangōnui!

So, who was the quiet stranger with a noisy dog in the back of his Mitsubishi van?

His name was Les Beazley, a local, whose

5

secondary access to his property was up the road that I was effectively blocking with a motorhome the size of a young house.

So, in the future what do I do? Do I pack a small pruning saw and a spade, just in case?

Nope, what I learnt from the experience is, my years of driving count for nothing, I should have made sure I knew how to operate the reversing camera and I really should have made absolutely sure I had room to turn before I attempted it.

Thanks Les!

2. Washing the road grime off after an adventure-filled sojourn around Northland 3. Fishing boats at the Totara North wharf 4. The night of the Totara North incident, Allan Dick had the kitchen block at Tauranga Bay camping ground to brighten him up!

5. The road in to Totara North is interesting and historic. When the road was widened, they cut a corner out of this old mill building!

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North Korea Journal Michael Palin RRP $38.00 Penguin In May 2018, former Monty Python stalwart and intrepid globetrotter Michael Palin spent two weeks in the notoriously secretive Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a cut-off land without internet or phone signal, where the countryside has barely moved beyond a centuries-old peasant economy but where the cities have gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious underground train stations. His resulting documentary for Channel 5 was widely acclaimed.

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In order to rescue ourselves from climate catastrophe, we need to radically alter how humans live on Earth. We have to go from spending carbon to banking it. We have to put back the trees, wetlands, and corals. We have to regrow the soil and turn back the desert. We have to save whales, wombats, and wolves. We have to reverse the flow of greenhouse gases and send them in exactly the opposite direction: down, not up. We have to flip the carbon cycle and run it backwards. For such a revolutionary transformation we’ll need civilisation 2.0.

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Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

Kate Murphy RRP $24.00 Penguin At work, we’re taught to lead the conversation. On social media, we shape our personal narratives.

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We’re not listening. And no one is listening to us. This book will transform your conversations, your relationships and your life

Little Hector Meets Mini Maui Ruth Paul RRP $18.99 Penguin Little Hector is off on a holiday to meet his rare and special cousin, Mini Maui. For the first time in his life, Hector is the BIGGER dolphin. But Mini Maui thinks he’s BOSSY. Will they ever be friends?

Taking the Lead: How Jacinda Ardern Wowed the World David Hill RRP $25.00

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Sixteen Horses Greg Buchanan RRP $37.99 Macmillan Near the dying English seaside town of Ilmarsh, local police detective Alec Nichols discovers 16 horses’ heads on a farm, each buried with a single eye facing the low winter sun.

After forensic veterinarian Cooper Allen travels to the scene, the investigators soon uncover evidence of a chain of crimes in the community – disappearances, arson and mutilations – all culminating in the reveal of something deadly lurking in the ground itself.

Books Do Furnish a Life Richard Dawkins RRP $40.00 Penguin Including conversations with Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Steven Pinker, Matt Ridley and more, this is an essential guide to the most exciting ideas of our time and their proponents from our most brilliant science communicator.

The Missing Sister Lucinda Riley RRP. $37.99 Macmillan The six D’Aplièse sisters have each been on their own incredible journey to discover their heritage, but they still have one question left unanswered: who and where is the seventh sister?

They only have one clue – an image of a starshaped emerald ring. The search to find the missing sister will take them across the globe.

When Jacinda was little, she wanted to be a clown. But when she saw schoolmates who didn’t have lunch, or even shoes, she knew she had to do something. Some kids laughed at her for wanting to help people so much, or said she couldn’t do it. But that didn’t stop Jacinda.

BOOK WINNERS VOL 10 Zachery Quack Minimonster B Oliver. Hastings Love Your Career from The Start D Goodall. Renwick Moa’s Ark G Lyon. Petone Landmarks C McCallum. Invercargill Historic New Zealand racing Cars C Clarke. Dunedin A Seat at the Table M Pedersen. Paraparaumu Jocks Country J Brown. Masterton Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories K McAra. Auckland

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ROAD KAI

WIN A BOOK

No.1 Superfastdiet The 3-day diet

by Victoria Black & Gen Davidson The creators of the world’s largest online fasting community bring you the easiest diet on the planet: you only have to be ‘good’ for 3 days a week, and then you can relax for the other 4 days. It’s that simple! Victoria Black and Gen Davidson started SuperFastDiet to prove that weight loss can be fun, easy and part-time, and The 3-day diet stands out as the most effective path to long-term, sustainable weight loss. This book includes:

Rainbow veggie rosti with avocado, tomatoes and dukkah running Breakfast head

• scientific research showing how The 3-day diet and intermittent fasting work • 60+ fresh, delicious recipes for every day of the week • meal plans and practical strategies for your fasting days

No, you absolutely don’t need to head down to the local cafe to get yourself a winning brunch pic

– simplyveggie whip together this rainbow This gorgeous meal is full of healthy fats and plenty of Rainbow rosti withrosti. avocado, fabulous fibre. For a protein hit, add an egg for just 80 calories extra. tomatoes and dukkah

Gently toss together the avocado, tomato and Thyme-ly mustard dressing in a bowl.

Serves Prep Cook Cals per serve Vegetarian • inspiring true stories of 3-day diet success from the 4 30 minutes 20 minutes 173 Season and set aside.

SuperFast community.

Wrap the grated zucchini in a clean tea towel No, you absolutely don’t need to head down to the local cafe to get yourself a winning • 1whip avocado, sliced and ring dry, then transfer to a bowl. Stir in brunch pic – simply together this rainbow rosti. This gorgeous meal is full of healthy WE HAVE A COPY OF fats and plenty of fabulous fibre. For a protein hit, add an egg for just 80 calories extra.

• 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved the pumpkin, carrot, egg yolk and chives.

The 3-day diet TO BE WON! sliced Gently toss together the avocado, tomato and Thyme-ly Scan QR code or Email Subject line 1200avocado, lengthways Season well. g cherry tomatoes, halved mustard dressing in a bowl. Season and set aside.

Road Kai to subs@rvmagazine.co.nz lengthways • ¹ ⁄ cup (80 ml) Thyme-ly mustard Heat a large non-stick frying pan over ¹⁄³ cup (80 ml) Thyme-ly mustard ³ the grated zucchini in a clean tea towel and ring dry, Give us your full contact details and dressing (page 112) dressing Wrap then transfer to a bowl. Stir in the pumpkin, carrot,medium–high egg yolk heat and spray lightly with oil.

1 zucchini, coarsely grated and chives. Season well. which recipe shown here you will try300 g peeled, seeded•and coarsely 1 zucchini, coarsely grated Divide the mixture into eight, and spoon four grated Kent pumpkin first. Entries close 31 Oct 2021 Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium–high heat and 2 carrots, coarsely grated • 300 g peeled, seeded and coarsely spray lightly with oil. Divide the mixture into eight, portions and spoon into the pan, shaping into rounds 1 egg yolk four portions into the pan, shaping into rounds and pressing 1 small bunch chives, thinly sliced Kent grated pumpkin and pressing down firmly until each round is down firmly until each round is about 1 cm thick. Cook for olive oil cooking spray minutes each side until cooked and golden. Remove ¹⁄³ cup (75 g) hummus • 2 carrots,4–5 coarsely grated about 1 cm thick. Cook for 4–5 minutes each 1 tablespoon pistachio dukkah from the pan and cook the remaining four rosti. fresh herbs and lemon • wedge, 1 egg yolk side until cooked and golden. Remove from to serve (optional) Serve the rosti with the hummus and the tomato mixture, • 1 small bunch chives, thinly pan and cook the remaining four rosti. and sprinkle with dukkah and sliced herbs, if using, and a the lemon wedge, if using.

• olive oil cooking spray Serve the rosti with the hummus and the • ¹⁄ cup (75 g) additions hummus tomato Family Serve with fried, hard-boiled or poached eggs and mixture, and sprinkle with dukkah and ³ thick buttered toast.

• 1

tablespoon pistachio dukkah herbs, if using, and a lemon wedge, if using. to enter online • fresh herbs and lemon wedge, to Family additions Serve with fried, hard-boiled WINNER ROAD KAI VOL 10 serve (optional) or poached eggs and thick buttered toast.

THE SLOW COOK – V BAILEY of ROTORUA • tips for a more balanced mindset to help you maintain and supercharge your weight loss

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Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021 Calorie boosters

Cauli-freddo with crispy kale Dinner

When you think of cauliflower, do you immediately think of a gorgeous creamy pasta sauce?

No? Get ready to have your mind blown! This gorgeous, velvety vegan sauce poured over crunchy veggie noodles is sure to satisfy those persistent pasta cravings without the calories.

Cauli-freddo with crispy kale

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking Serves Prep Cook Cals per serve Vegan 4 25 minutes 15 minutes 114 paper. Lay the kale in a single layer on the tray, spray very lightly with oil, then When you think of cauliflower, do you immediately think of a gorgeous creamy pasta sauce?

4 kale leaves, stems discarded, sprinkle No? Get ready to•have your mind blown!

This gorgeous, velvety vegan sauce poured over with the Basic dried spice blend. Bake crunchy veggie noodles is sure to satisfy those persistent pasta cravings without the calories. leaves torn into 3 cm pieces for 12–15 minutes until golden crisp. Cool the 4 kale leaves, stems discarded, Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line a large • olive oil spray kale on the tray. baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Lay the kale in a leaves torn into 3 cm pieces olive oil spray single Basic layer on the tray, spray very lightly with oil,Meanwhile, then • 2

teaspoons dried spice place the cauliflower and 2 teaspoons Basic dried spice blend sprinkle with the Basic dried spice blend. Bake for (page 113) 12–15 minutes until golden crisp.

Cool the kale on the tray. blend Herbaceous vegetable broth in a large 400 g cauliflower florets, chopped ½ cup (125 ml) Herbaceous • 400 g cauliflower florets, saucepan Meanwhile, place the cauliflower and Herbaceous vegetable over high heat. Bring to the boil and vegetable broth (page 115) broth in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring to the boil 40 g cashew cheese chopped cook, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes until the stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes 500 g fresh zucchini and cauliflower is tender and almost all of the broth has carrot noodles • ½ cup (125 ml) Herbaceous until the cauliflower is tender and almost all of evaporated. Cool slightly. ½ cup small basil leaves 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts • vegetable broth the broth has evaporated. Cool slightly.

Add the cashew cheese to the cauliflower mixture and blend • 40 g cashew Addadding the cashew cheese to the cauliflower using acheese hand-held blender until completely smooth, a very small amount of water to loosen if needed – it should • 500 g fresh zucchini and carrot mixture have the consistency of thick custard. Transfer to a large and blend using a hand-held blender noodles bowl. until completely smooth, adding a very small Add the vegetable noodles to the bowl.

Season and toss to of water to loosen if needed – it should • ½ cup small basil leaves amount coat well. Serve in bowls, topped with the crispy kale and basil leaves, and sprinkled with pine nuts.

• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts have the consistency of thick custard. Transfer to a large bowl.

Family additions Serve with cooked spaghetti, cooked mushrooms and basil pesto.

Add the vegetable noodles to the bowl. Season and toss to coat well. Serve in bowls, topped with the crispy kale and basil leaves, and Calorie booster sprinkled with pine nuts.

Add 100 g cooked mushrooms or drizzleFamily 28 cals additions Serve with cooked spaghetti, with 2 teaspoons basil pesto.

40 cals cooked mushrooms and basil pesto.

The 3-Day Diet

Astounding apricot chicken capsicums

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Capsicums add crunch and sweetness to your dinner. When you stuff them with apricot chicken, a true family favourite, you have got yourself a real winner, winner chicken dinner.

Astounding apricot chicken capsicums

Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced).

Line a baking dish with non-stick baking Serves Prep Cook Cals per serve 4 15 minutes + 50 minutes 309 15 minutes standing paper. Put the capsicum halves in the dish, cut-side up.

Capsicums add crunch and sweetness to your dinner. When you stuff them with apricot • 6

large green capsicums, halved Stir together the couscous and Basic dried chicken, a true family favourite, you have got yourself a real winner, winner chicken dinner. lengthways, stalks and seeds spice blend in a large bowl. Season. Stir in 6 large green capsicums, halved Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced). Line a baking dish with non-stick baking paper. Put the capsicum the halves in lengthways, stalks and seeds removed chicken, then the whole can of apricots the dish, cut-side up. removed • ½couscous cup (100 g) wholemeal couscous and juice. Leave for 10 minutes, stirring ½ cup (100 g) wholemeal 2 tablespoons Basic dried spice Stir together the couscous and Basic dried spice blend in a Basic dried spice occasionally. blend (page 113) • 2 tablespoons large bowl. Season. Stir in the chicken, then the whole can of 400 g chicken breast stir-fry strips apricots and juice. Leave for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. blend Spoon the apricot-chicken mixture evenly into 410 g can apricot halves in natural juice Spoon the apricot-chicken mixture evenly into the capsicum • serve 400 g chicken breast stir-fry strips the capsicum halves. Cover with a piece of mixed salad greens, to halves. Cover with a piece of non-stick baking paper, then baking paper, then cover the entire • 410 g cancover apricot halves natural the entire dish within foil.

Bake for 30 minutes,non-stick then uncover and bake for a further 20 minutes, or until the dish with foil.

Bake for 30 minutes, then juice chicken is cooked, the couscous tender and the capsicum halves golden. uncover and bake for a further 20 minutes, • mixed salad greens, to serve Leave to rest for 3 minutes before serving with mixed or until the chicken is cooked, the couscous salad greens. tender and the capsicum halves golden.

Family additions Serve with steamed green beans and Leave to rest for 3 minutes before serving toasted sourdough. with mixed salad greens.

Family additions Serve with steamed green beans and toasted sourdough.

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Advertorial

SPOTLIGHT CUSTOM BUILT 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 Campervan

Black beauty ‘Benz - Road Runner Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain and DC&B supplied

SCAN QR TO WATCH THE VIDEO

OR CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle

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etting on the road and living the dream, that’s what people want from an RV, a tool to enable them to enjoy their style of life and living, when and where they want it. For some that means heading off-road and going bush, up and down mountains, or along long sweeping beaches to get to their ‘spot’.

Four-wheel or All-wheel drive RV vehicles, built to drive in, on and around these types of terrain, are not for the main-stream RV owner. The price is not in the entry level market of under $150k, that is for sure, as the cab chassis base is the most expensive fixed cost of a motorhome and being 4WD or AWD adds 10–15 per cent straightaway to the build cost. So when we spotted what can only be described as a big, black beast, with an interior that was red’ilicious sexy, with all the bells and whistles anyone might need, we had to grab some photos to share with our readers.

This unit has been custom built for a discerning customer by family-owned Design Coach & Body Company, coach builder/ manufacturers in Christchurch. Building motorhomes and campervans is just one of the services the company has been offering Cantabrians since John Thomson established the business in 1995. Today DC&B is a one-stop shop for caravan and motorhome owners, as they undertake insurance repairs, new builds, re-builds and renovations, installations, even putting new Luton-profile tops to low-profile motorhomes to create the extra handy bedroom space that Lutons are so popular for. They can also do self-containment,

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gas and electric certifications, warranty inspections, and services for many brands. I look forward to going through their factory in the near future. They are currently busy building nine six-berth motorhomes, and while talking with the team we learn that they have built over 120 vehicles of various types including rental motorhomes, slide-on campers and horse floats over the years.

Let’s take a look at this ‘Road Runner’-named Mercedes-Benz Sprinter long-wheel base, dual wheel, four-wheel drive campervan. It is sleek, sexy, moody, warm and homely all rolled into one.

The client had a list of requirements (as

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they often do), and having previously owned a motorhome the couple were well versed in what they wanted. On the kerb/entry side of the vehicle there are two double electric steps, one for the passenger cab and the other for the habitation entry at the slide-out door point.

1. Built to go off-road, 350 watts of solar on the roof, slide-out BBQ hatch, roll-out awning on the kerb passenger side 2. The front cab seats swivel for extra seating in the lounge area 3. Large 27˝ TV hangs from the wall, large windows all around for great views, with cosy curtains for privacy 4. 12V compressor fridge unit under the bench

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Easy, flexible loan terms for new, used, and custom-built RVs. For personal service call JD on 021 564 799 or apply online at SpartanFinance.co.nz JD Rayner SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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This second step for the passenger is specific for the needs of the lady of the house, I loved them immediately as I stepped up and down easily, no pulling or heaving your butt up onto the seat here, just step up and in with ease and comfort on all body parts involved.

The interior front seating is custom designed in luxury red leather requested by the client and doesn’t it look amazing.

Knowing that those luxury Mercedes seats are heated and fully electric is so nice – having a car with heated seats for the first time myself, they need to be sat on just once on a chilly day to be loved from that moment on. The cab seats also swivel to offer extra seating to the lounge area in the front half of the vehicle – where the red leather upholstery continues.

This area contains a cocktail cabinet with glasses tucked in and storage above,

a side lounge seat under the driver’s side window, storage cabinets above, LED colour control mood lighting and walkway night-lighting throughout.

The flooring is tiled, actual tiles not vinyl – I can’t say I have seen that before in an RV. I guess the small profile will allow for flexing and movement in the floor. It certainly looks nice throughout the vehicle, and the floor is all one level.

The kitchen is on the kerb side of the vehicle, the habitation door is the standard van sliding door, and the windows throughout are standard-fit Mercedes-Benz tinted windows. The interior walls have been fully insulated with sound depth panelling. There is no stove or grill, but the couple requested an exterior BBQ unit in a pull-out locker along with an exterior fold-down table as they plan to do big cooking outside and keep things simple with a three-burner gas cooker in the bench top.

There is a lot to love about this vehicle, and I appreciate being able to spotlight this

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5. Step into a spacious, living area, with seating opposite entry, lounge seating further to the rear that converts to single or double bed, and full-width dry bathroom across the rear 6. Generous sized drawers and cupboards under the sink and gas hob unit. Kitchen bench length 1100mm 7. Overhead lockers run both sides of the roof line, dark theme carries through, the 10-inch soft-touch CZone control panel monitor is up here as well 8. 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ELWB Van 2987cc diesel 140kW 7-gear auto 9. The dry bathroom across the rear, decent vanity sink on top of unit, drawer and shelf storage below, mirror on the wall with overhead locker storage. 12V electric flush toilet to the left, full height shower to the right, sliding entry door is great 10. Take the squab off this rear lounge seat to reveal the power centre beneath – holy moly. These two rear side lounges can either be two single beds, or joined in the middle to create a large double bed

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TECH SPEC’S

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long-running New Zealand manufacturer who has been building, supporting and inspiring their customers to achieve their dreams in their RV, specific to their needs whatever they may be, for over 25 years.

And thanks to the owners who have allowed Design Coach & Body to share their personal campervan build with our readers.

2020 Custom-built two-berth campervan ‘Road runner’ Cab Chassis • 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ELWB Van 2987cc diesel 140kW 7-speed auto • 4-wheel drive with dual wheels, Black Rhino Destroyer 20˝ alloy wheels • GVM 5000kg, tow-rated towed mass 3500kg braked trailer • Length 7500mm, width 2400mm, and external height 2715mm (excl. sat dish), internal height 1950mm Self-containment • 375Ah lithium battery storage, 3000W inverter, 150Ah charger, 350W solar panels • Dometic 12V 108L compressor fridge with removeable freezer box • Fresh and grey water fitted tanks 110 litre • 3-burner gas bench hob • Eberspacher diesel heating • Truma 14L gas–electric water heater • 1 x 9kg gas bottle Living • Auto satellite, 27˝ smart TV and Wi-Fi • Bed – 1800mm x 650mm as singles or 1800mm x 1700mm as double

The -

es

-Coach-a ign nd

ody -B

Ph: 03 344 2442 Email: admin@designcoach.co.nz 21 Islington Avenue Waterloo Park, Islington, Christchurch www.designcoach.co.nz

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ONE STOP MOTORHOME SOLUTIONS

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QUIET

EFFICIENT

SIMPLE

Brushless induction motors ensure minimal noise, a long device lifetime and capability to operate in extreme temperatures as low as -45°C/-49°F.

Great fuel economy, the 2D model consuming only 0.24 litres of diesel per hour.

Can be controlled with various control panels or remotely via your iOS or Android smartphone.

Action Manufacturing NZ PROFILE

Scan this QR code to check out our 13min Factory tour video

OR CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle

Action’s stations are all go Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain

I

n early August the Rock and I were in Hamilton so we arranged to pop into Action Manufacturing at their Kaimiro Street, Te Rapa, factory to see Brad Rolston, head Industrial Designer for Action Manufacturing in 2 Hamilton. Brad had invited us to see the 2021 KEA Nomad threeberth campervan and the new KEA Cascade four-berth motorhome construction process taking place in the new premises. This also gave us a chance to check out the latest breast screening unit also being built on site as well as the latest in ambulance service vehicle builds.

Action expanded in late 2019 taking over premises next door, so now have two large buildings in Hamilton as well as one in Albany and Takanini. We headed into the campervan and motorhome building first. It was here we got to check out the new designs and ideas for the 2022 range. It was interesting to see the drawings and hear of the great ideas coming up – a shame that Brad did the old “off the record only please – these are top secret right now”, so readers will have to wait until next year to find out the company’s new plans.

In the meantime we slipped on our hi-viz gear and headed into the factory to see the large CNC router working as it precisely marked and cut out window, door and hatch holes in the full-length motorhome side panels. All of Action’s production sites support each other with expertise and capabilities

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shared between them. We continued around the factory and saw the interior cabinetry packs that are made in the Albany factory and shipped down to Te Rapa, the bulk wet bathroom fibreglass inserts waiting to be installed into a camper or motorhome shell, and the final sandwich Omnipanel and Omnifloor prepped and ready for installation, lined up in order of the build.

Step-by-step, new builds roll down the production line streamlining the construction process. We saw a line of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter rear-wheel-drive cab-chassis lined up waiting for the process to start, with more sitting outside the specialty build engineering plant. These cab-chassis are powered with a

2.2L four-cylinder common rail diesel engine mated to an 8-speed ATM auto transmission.

We followed the build on the KEA Nomad M700 three-berth, seven-metre campervan.

At only 2000mm wide, 2750mm high and with an internal height 2100mm, these should be nifty vehicles to drive. The rear U-shaped lounge with rear opening doors offers plenty of living space with two tables, and the swivelling front cab seats provide extra seating.

A small table in this area would work for snacks, while keeping the rear area made up as a king-size (2000mm x 1780mm) bed or an alternative single bed configuration (2 x 2000mm x 600mm beds). Another plus are excellent views out the big van windows.

The wet bathroom has a bench toilet with 12V electric flush, compact sink unit, shower head above and a mirrored cabinet for storage.

3 1. Action are specialist manufacturers of large refrigerated trucks, ambulances and many types of RV and other specialised vehicles, from the ground up. 2. Action CEO Grant Brady 3. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab chassis ready to go SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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The kitchen offers a three-burner gas hob on the bench with stainless steel sink unit, a 110L 12V compressor fridge under the bench, drawers and cupboards for storage, and overhead locker storage as well. All the mod cons are included – microwave, diesel heating, gas-electric hot water, 90L fresh and 110L grey water tanks, a TV, solar panel for the 110Ah house battery, and even an exterior slide-out BBQ unit comes as standard.

Moving over to the second production line in the building, we viewed the first of the KEA Cascade motorhomes to be produced in the factory. Until recently these models were made in the Albany plant, but with the increase in production capability in Hamilton, alongside the need to produce more units

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for both the domestic rental market and new RV sales business from all Action Manufacturing plants, a decision to move the line from Albany to focus on the 6-berth motorhomes and Hamilton to build the 4-berth Before long, production numbers will be double those recorded from both the Albany and Hamilton factories.

This is fantastic news for Kiwis clamouring for a motorhome or camper, especially as demand for motorhomes and campers has been breaking records in our post-Covid-19 world. The numbers on the production lines have varied over the years, with a pre-2020 figure of one RV every 3–4 hours being completed (1000 per year); post-Covid, in May to July 2020 this dropped to one every two

days, with reduced staff keeping the factories ticking over; by the end of 2021 total production across all Action Manufacturing facilities is projected to be back up to 900+ with the company gearing up for further growth.

The difference between a campervan and a motorhome is well illustrated by comparing these two vehicles. The KEA Nomad you will notice was built inside the original full body of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter longwheel-based rear-wheel-drive van. With the KEA Cascade motorhome, the cab-chassis is exactly that, just a front cab with only the wheels and chassis system in place, ready for a floor to go down and the build to go on top. With this build the low-line Luton roof cone is aerodynamically designed and

4. Action’s Everland motorhomes, the Maui Platinum, interior furniture and repairs are taken care of by the Albany plant. Some orders for components from overseas have been a challenge, but the team have adapted quickly and the supply chain requirements adapted to mitigate the effects on the business 5. The four-berth KEA Cascade model has one of my favourite features in a motorhome: a hydraulic dropdown ceiling bed (2000mm x 1400mm) over the large U-shaped rear lounge. If needed you can make up the bottom lounge into a large bed (2100mm x 1500mm), then push the button and have the main berth drop down to create a double bunk situation, ideal for families. It’s a compact motorhome at just 6400mm long, 2200mm wide and overall height of 3000mm. These models have a bigger 130L 12V compressor fridge, 100L fresh and grey tanks, a combined gas heating/hot water system, and a prewired aerial for an optional TV to be fitted 6. Where is the third-bed in the KEA Nomad readers may be wondering? Fortunately Brad showed us in just a couple of moves how the passenger seat folds down and out to provide a single berth (1850mm x 800mm) – a good use of space. These campervans retail at around $129,990 brand new

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built as one piece, the side walls are CNC-cut for precision and made from the specialised Omnipanel that has revolutionised the weight factor in all the vehicles Action Manufacturing produce.

We looked through a final completed campervan and motorhome before heading across the carpark to the second building that houses the production of the specialty vehicles, such as the new breast screening mammogram trailer unit being worked on.

These are fully fitted out with all the required medical equipment and are graphic wrapped and handed over ready to go.

Further around is the ambulance and special medical response vehicle section.

The same concept of production line construction sees the vehicles inching forward step-by-step as the units are fitted with beds, equipment and seating all ready for the paramedics to step in with bandages, medical items and the like before they are sent off into service. The Rock was excited to sit in the driver’s seat and check it all out from the front, I was surprised he didn’t play with the sirens, but one of the staff did that for us – everything has to be tested. Some of the vehicles we saw on the line are destined for Australia, the company still having a contract to supply specific vehicles into that market.

Other vehicles are gathered around another section, including specially designed

pods intended for a work ute. You never know what might be coming through as the designers and team work with clients to specifically design what they need. Part of the design process includes travelling on the road with clients to see and feel how they use the vehicle, in order to truly understand what their needs and must-haves might be. With new design ideas the team will often pull in customers to explore and critique a test vehicle in the design office to form a focus group to make sure they are on the right track. In fact Brad had a team of paramedics in last week going over the latest ambulance off the line, getting familiar with upgrades, equipment placement and more.

It was good to see the growth in this business since our first visit in 2009 and I admit to being surprised to learn that thl are reputedly the largest motorhome rental and sales operator in the world, partnering with RV industry giants like Thor Industries, and a variety of businesses around the world – New Zealand, Australia, America and the UK. Add to this the digital app travel platforms they own, like Roadtrippers, Cosmos, and Campermate that are used worldwide. Then there are private rentals with Mighway, tourism businesses in Waitomo, RV and specialty vehicle manufacturing including trucks, and more. The last 10 years has seen the thl business move, shake, stabilise, reimagine and ‘pivot’ constantly to

OMNIPANEL The Omnipanel has been designed to be highly UV-resistant. The exterior is an easy-to-repair composite structure if damaged. It can’t leak heat or hold moisture, has no metal in the body to fail, is lightweight and offers the lowest cost of ownership over many years.

The outer skin is smooth fibreglass, inside is a closed-cell foam with high thermal features for maximum insulation, and vacuum bonded with a two-part adhesive for extra bonding strength to the thinner fibreglass internal wall panel. At 30mm thick the Omnipanel system is thinner than that used by many overseas manufacturers, and it employs the latest in closed-cell foam technology for extra insulation. All this adds up to significant weight savings.

The Omnifloor system is similar, but with aircraft-grade alloy framing and marine-grade ply providing a strong floor base over the chassis.

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stay ahead of the game. It has been a whirlwind for us watching this company since we first got involved in this magazine in 2007.

Action say they are highly proud to be building vehicles for New Zealanders in New Zealand and are looking forward to producing more kiwi made vehicles in the years to come. I look forward to seeing the changes as they come in the next 10 years.

7. Brad Rolston Head Industrial Designer with Allan Learmonth Motorhomes Team Leader 8. The building programme on the ambulance side works along similar lines to the motorhome production line.

The Rock gives this finished Ambulance a thumbs up 9. Fantastic graphics on this big unit, you might see it in your region in upcoming months and years

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Earlier this year Tourism Holdings Ltd (thl) confirmed an agreement to acquire the remaining 50 per cent interest in Action Manufacturing from joint partner Grant Brady and Alpine Bird Manufacturing – Grant had had a 50 per cent stake since 2012. With the deal completed satisfactorily, Grant is now enjoying more downtime in his day-to-day life, though he remains an Executive Director of Action Manufacturing as well as being a top-ten shareholder of thl. From what staff tell me, Grant is still in and out of the factory and office in Auckland, and keeps in touch with everyone at Action Manufacturing in Hamilton.

It is an end of an era of sorts for Grant who has been building motorhomes since 1995 but Grant plans to keep his toes in the water. I am sure he will be at upcoming motorhome show events and we wish him well.

Previously named Action Motor Bodies, the company was first established over 75 years ago in 1943 as an engineering, truck, and specialty customised vehicle business. In 2007 thl purchased Action Motor Bodies, adding the company to its portfolio of RV related businesses that already included Ci Munro.

Having secured a significant DHB contract in 2010 to build mobile dental units, the following year Action secured an ambulance-building contract for 50 to 70 units for the New Zealand market, and up to 200 for Australia. This large number of vehicles would provide a significant cementing of Action Manufacturing’s position in the production of specialty medical units in Australasia.

In 2012 Action joined the RV Manufacturing Joint Venture with the thl-KEA Manufacturing merger deal with Grant Brady. This deal saw the two giants in the New Zealand motorhome manufacturing and rental scene come together. This merger also saw the establishment of RV manufacturing facilities in Albany, Auckland and Melbourne in Australia, while Action in Hamilton focused more on the construction of specialty medical vehicles, ambulances and large medical units. In addition, the RV Super Centre site was established in Auckland, and now Christchurch.

In more recent years the Action Manufacturing plant in Hamilton has grown in size, and factory expansion in late 2019 saw the company taking over neighbouring factory facilities, more than doubling their size. This also allowed room for another arm of the Action Manufacturing business to relocate part of their manufacturing business to a section of the new site. The company had purchased Fairfax Industries in 2018 – a refrigerated truck-body manufacturer for over 40 years – and part of this business was relocated from Auckland into the expanded Hamilton plant, enabling the Auckland site to expand that side of the business as well.

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Control at your fingertips

Fuel-saving aerodynamics

Cabinetry that will last for years to come

Superior systems

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ummer is fast approaching and there is so much to see in our own backyard. The Everland is Action’s own 4 berth motorhome that comes from the factory making New Zealand’s most popular, bestperforming, rental motorhomes including Britz, Maui and Kea. Equipped with extensive ‘as-standard’ features and overbuilt for New Zealand conditions – you could be ready-to-roll into a summer roadtrip in a motorhome that’s built both rental tough and street smart. It’s the best of both worlds – performance, comfort and unique features in a vehicle known to outlast the competition and hold its value. We reckon that’s an unstoppable combination.

www.actionmotorhomes.co.nz www.rvsupercentre.co.nz

Large windows for unrivalled views

Omnipanel lightweight body & floor

Mobile living made easy.

STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE

DOMETIC PGE121

Portable inverter generator, 2100 VA The Dometic PGE121 portable inverter generator is the ideal power source for long camping and RV trips where power isn’t readily available. Thanks to the powerful pure sine wave technology, the PGE121 can generate power to charge RV house batteries and power sensitive electronic appliances such as RV air conditioners, laptops, portable fridge/freezers, and power tools. At the centre of the PGE121’s design is portability, with an extendable handle and sturdy wheels built-in for ultimate convenience. dometic.com

Advertorial

Dometic PGE121 – Innovative Portable Generator Technology Dometic’s mission is to make mobile living easy, so that you can call the whole world your home.

STRONG CONSTRUCTION: High-quality materials for the most rugged adventure

D

ometic offers smart and reliable products with outstanding design to cover every aspect of your days and nights spent away, and the Dometic PGE121 portable inverter generator is no exception.

The PGE121 is at the forefront of innovative design for generator technology, allowing you to take all your favourite home comforts on your next camping or RV trip – even where power isn’t readily available. With a high peak power output of 2100 VA, the pure sine wave inverter technology can power the most sensitive electronic appliances including

RV air conditioners, laptops, portable fridge/ freezers, power tools, and is also perfect for charging the house battery of your RV. This generator technology even boasts an Eco mode which varies the engine speed depending on the output required, minimising the amount of fuel used while providing a reliable stream of power.

If you’ve been turned off the idea of getting a generator because they can be heavy, awkward and difficult to move around a campsite, you’ll be pleased to know that the Dometic PGE121 is fitted with an extendable handle

and robust wheels, making it easier than ever to move into the best position.

Turning on this generator is also made simple with its push-button electric start, so you no longer need to worry about trying to operate a tricky pull start system. An additional convenience is the autostart feature, which allows automatic start-up of the generator if battery voltage is insufficient to charge it up again.

Set off on your next adventure with the ultimate peace of mind knowing that you’ll never be caught without a reliable source of power.

Learn more about the PGE121 as well as Dometic’s other energy solutions by visiting: www.dometic.com

TELESCOPIC HANDLE: Easily extend the handle to

suit your height

MULTIPLE OUTPUT OPTIONS: Ability to power appliances with 12V DC, 240V AC or USB power

ROBUST WHEELS: Built-in wheels for simple

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e v Lo

TH E ROAD L IFE

07 579 6489 Sales Consultant Andy Moir 027 494 3166 sales@roadlife.co.nz 15 Birch Avenue, Judea Tauranga www.roadlife.co.nz

Advertorial

Roadlife

The team at Road Life in Tauranga are proud to be the second largest sellers of Sunliner motorhomes and 5th wheelers in Australasia.

S

ince Rhys and Michele Hunter opened the doors in August 2017, the business has expanded to include sales and office staff, technicians, groomers – and most importantly lots of satisfied customers.

They are the sole New Zealand distributor for 45-year-old Australian brand, Sunliner, and have established a growing Kiwi following for these quality motorhomes and fifth-wheelers.

The Road Life team sell vehicles nationwide and love catching up with customers at their busy Tauranga yard or the annual motorhome shows in Auckland and Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

Road Life specialise in 4x4, all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles – sought-after choices for Kiwis keen to see New Zealand with the peace of mind that their vehicle is well-suited to our roads and environment.

They deliver all their vehicles with the solar, battery and water capabilities to go further and stay longer. Their experience selling products that are built tough, also extends to understanding the needs and expectations for luxury motorhoming in New Zealand.

They listen to their customers and help them find the right option for them – with the right accessories fitted to ensure their motorhoming experience is customised to their on-road lifestyle.

Road Life run a fully-equipped North Island service centre with experienced staff that can complete any task, including the engineering and customisation of parts to make your motorhome suit your lifestyle.

Their workshop team can fit all motorhome accessories – bike racks, TVs, satellite dishes, ladders – you name it, they do it.

Road Life have a growing reputation among their customers for going the extra mile, and are proud that their business’s growth is based on word-of-mouth recommendations for both the quality and practicality of the product they sell, and the after-sales service they provide.

They are firmly established at the top end of the RV market in New Zealand.

With this comes the expectation of a personalised and professional service, both

throughout the sales process and once a motorhome is delivered.

New owners of the Navian 541 reviewed in this edition, Anne Beecher and Rob van Slyke, had this to say about their experience with Road Life:

“As very new Sunliner owners we have had a very happy experience with Road Life Tauranga. Due to Covid it was a longer time to get our van than was first thought but the team at Road Life kept us fully informed throughout. Handover was done recently, and we felt very comfortable with that process. Not once were we rushed along. The support since handover has been exemplary. Road Life have been a pleasure to work with on this journey.”

comfort you’re accustomed to.

If you want to experience life on the road, without compromising on quality or luxury – talk to their experienced team today.

They know what makes life on the road enjoyable, relaxing, and fun for Kiwis, and tailor each of their vehicles to suit. Choosing a motorhome is a big decision but they can talk you through the options, discuss how you like to live, and help you make the right choice.

Don’t wait – secure your slice of freedom today.

Call their friendly team on 07 579 6489, email sales@roadlife.co.nz or talk directly to sales consultant, Andy Moir, on 027 494 3166

Road Life’s customers anticipate years spent exploring New Zealand, surrounded by the comfort and luxuries of home. Choosing Road Life is a commitment to a vehicle that will take you the places you want to go, in the style and

SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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REVIEW SPOTLIGHT SUNLINER Navian

SCAN QR TO WATCH THE VIDEO OR CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION

Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle

Sleek Sunliner stunner Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain

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recent trip through Tauranga involved a visit to Road Life RV, in Judea, the home of the New Zealand distributor for Australianbuilt Sunliner motorhomes. There was a good looking, big 8-metre motorhome on the yard with multiple people with clipboards scurrying

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in and out of it, around and under, all ticking off lists. A couple of queries revealed that it had arrived the week before and was due for delivery to the new owners the following day. The team have extensive lists to facilitate checking that every part, fixture and fitting was

working and looking exactly as it should. The team jumped aside so the Rock and I could take a look around, and I am so pleased they did.

The unit was certainly designed for life on the road and although not the largest RV on the road it was certainly bigger than we were used to with our seven-metre unit. It is built on the impressive IVECO cab chassis, which offers all the latest and greatest in safety technology in the engine and driveability of a vehicle, plus all the bells and whistles in the cab to keep us happy, entertained, connected and as visually aware as possible. The grunty 170hp turbo-diesel engine is perfect for New Zealand’s roads and mountains, aided by an 8-speed auto transmission. The chassis is dualwheel, rear-wheel drive, popular with many when choosing between front- or rear-wheel drive options.

The double slide-out unit was impressive, and though this model doesn’t have a rear boot storage area as such (there were storage lockers for those random items) it is a feature you can choose from the range – with most manufacturers there are options you can add to customise the motorhome to meet your specific needs.

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The lithium batteries and REDARC battery management system, housed in its own locker, made the unit look very proficient with its technology elements. This vehicle will happily stay out freedom camping for fiveplus days easily – you might need an extra toilet cassette if you are really off grid but power wise you will be right.

A single electric step and exterior grab

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handles aids entry through the impressive habitation entry door. A second internal step up is a great size and well lit with LED strip lighting. The internal step is a good depth, and takes you up to a flat one level floor throughout the living spaces, aside from the small step up in the dinette area in this unit.

To the left of entry is the cab area, with the Luton bed above; the bed lifts up when not

in use to give an easy walk through between cab and living space. When in use there are windows on both sides with screens and blinds, LED reading lights and a security net if required, a good sized space for a secondary berth area.

Opposite entry and down the driver’s side of the vehicle is the double slide-out, which can expand the living area width by 800mm.

Between the dinette area and the bedroom is a slide-out entertainment unit that takes a 32˝ TV, and has two other decent shelves and storage cupboards below – great use of space. Lots of LED lighting along the roof line, and there are roof vents for ventilation. There are entertainment speakers in these ceiling area as well.

To the right of entry along the kerb side of the vehicle runs the kitchen unit.

Styling choices here see the sink being a black rectangle unit with the water faucet on one side and a separate water filter tap on the other. An impressive benchtop wood insert for the sink provides extra bench space. The depth of the bench is generous, creating more preparation space. The three-burner gas hob alongside the sink has a glass lid with a wood-effect top similar to the bench top. At the entry door end of the bench is a generous pull-up bench extension that can be used when required. Great storage options with three drawers

1. The whole vehicle is inspected before handover to the new owners. Note the windows which are double-glazed embedded polycarbonate – they fit nicely flush to the body, on the inside there are catches to secure, and as they are top hinging there are stays to secure them open, fitted with fly screens and blinds 2. Based on the IVECO Daily 50 C 170hp, 8-speed auto trans diesel, rear-wheel-drive chassis, with an impressive double slide-out on the driver’s side for dining and bedroom expansion. This unit is 8 metres long and goes to the maximum legal width of 2500mm and 3300mm height, still on a car licence at 5200kg GVM 3. The electric awning is substantial covering nearly the entire living space length 4. Above the battery power locker an exterior table drops down, next to it a spot perfect for an outdoor TV night with aerial cable and power available, further forward storage space, all lockers are from the Thetford hatch access range 5. The batteries, solar controller systems, inverter and relevant hook ups in the dedicated side locker area 6. The pull-out storage unit is outstanding, the 32˝ TV fits in the top area, a multitude of uses for the shelves and cupboards below.

More storage under the dinette seats. The forward-facing seats also have the extra two seat-belted seats fixed. Lots of LED strip lighting as well as spotlights in pelmets and ceiling area’s (This image shows alternative cabinet colour options) SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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below the sink and another under the gas oven, which has a combined grill within. The rangehood is set above the hob, and three cupboards with shelves are above this area.

An opening window is set into the wall with a splashback for easy cleaning. The ‘tech tower’ holds the large 175-litre fridge/freezer unit,

CONSTRUCTION There is a steel sub-chassis built on top of the IVECO standard chassis, and a one-piece floor on top that has no joins, is fully sealed underneath and insulated, with one-piece vinyl on top. These features work together as a strong foundation for the body, with less movement and flex, and a strong base for securing walls, tanks and under-floor storage areas.

The walls are of ThermoTough™ Wall, a product they developed in-house around 30 years ago. Designed for strength, durability and weight reduction this European technology has the waterproof cross-ply timber sheet. The walls are one piece, so no joins or gaps to worry about. The walls are rebated and interlocked for strength and the one-piece roof and nose cone are designed for aerodynamic and waterproofing abilities. Combine this with the strength of the base floor structure, and the fixtures and fittings inside are very well secured.

The exterior roof is made from a product called DuraRoof™, again a reinforced timber structure combined with compressed Duplo Foam, offering a fully insulated bonded core. So essentially there is an internal ceiling finish, then compressed Duplo Foam inside a timber frame and the GRP on the exterior. Roof vents have structural frames around them offering strength and stability to the structure as well.

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above that the microwave unit, and another storage cupboard above that. The tech tower unit is foam sealed within, which helps reduce noise from the exterior and keeps the insulation barrier strong for the interior of the vehicle.

Next comes the dedicated bedroom area, though no walls separate it completely. The bed is in the slide-out area and is a generous size. There is storage on one side of the bed, a shelf unit, overhead storage lockers, a window over the bed and plenty of LED lighting in the area. Opposite the bed there is wardrobe and cupboard storage beside the tech tower, then below a large window, a long bench unit containing an electric-lift 40˝ smart TV – a cool feature to have the TV tucked away when not in use and when travelling. Just push a button and up it comes when you want to watch telly in bed, nice. There’s generous floor space in this area walking through to the bathroom in the rear.

The dry bathroom is full width across the rear, has a good-sized window for natural light as well as a roof vent above the full-sized shower, which is in the left rear of the vehicle.

A sliding cavity or pocket door gives entry

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and privacy to the area. The toilet is a quality ceramic pedestal toilet, with the expected 12V electric flush system to the cassette below. The vanity unit has a round basin on top of the wood top, Three generous drawers below will take all your bathroom needs, and the overhead cupboards are perfect for towel storage.

The corner unit has a lid that lifts to reveal a washing machine – to be fitted shortly the team tell me, but we can’t wait for the photos of that so it won’t show in these images. Plenty of space in the bathroom for getting dressed after showering in the full-sized shower box.

I like that you step up into the shower box as it is raised higher than the floor, good for grey water flow down the shower waste and no water splash out potential onto the floor area.

White walls, wood-finish fixtures, woodlook vinyl floor in a colour palette that ties everything together for a modern, contemporary finish throughout, one that won’t date over the years. All the cupboards, and drawers are made of plywood, and are glued and screwed in place to the floor and walls, ensuring less noise and movement in the vehicle when travelling. The one-piece vinyl floor combined with the furniture being sealed on

TECH- SPEC’S

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the bottom ensures no water can get through anywhere to cause damage. All the interior wall and furniture finishes are easy to wipe clean and highly durable.

There are lots of classy features to delight – the kitchen sink unit, fabulous slide-out entertainment unit, a big bedroom space, and impressive TV unit – nice-nice-nice. The amount of storage throughout is generous and accessible, and the expanded space the big double slide-out gives just can’t be denied.

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The Sunliner range includes bigger models than this one, with even more options to choose from in the floor plans. They also do the Sunliner Chase motorhome on the Ford Ranger 4-wheel-drive ute chassis. Sunliner have something to offer across most sizes and chassis requirements; they even produce a stunning fifth-wheeler, modern and sleek with finishes similar to this model, a must-inspect if living in an RV is an option for you, or you like to have a lot of space around you.

Sunliner Navian N541 four-berth motorhome from $258,900 (price and specifications subject to change) Chassis • IVECO 50C 3.0 turbo diesel – 170hp with 8-speed auto transmission • Rear-wheel-drive, ABS brakes, stability control, traction control, colour rear view camera Dimensions • Length 8000mm, width 2500mm, height 3300mm • GVM 5200kg Tare 4450kg (approx) Self-containment • 2 x 170W solar panels, REDARC 12V BMS • 2 x 135Ah lithium batteries, 2000W Pure sign wave inverter • Diesel heating, and optional electric air conditioner • Water 200L fresh with flow metre, 150L grey, separate water purifier tap • Gas and electric hot water • Optional washing machine • 175L 3-way auto fridge with freezer • 2 x gas bottles 9kg • Combined gas oven-grill, with three gas hobs • Ceramic pedestal 12V electric flush cassette toilet Living • Microwave and rangehood • Queen bed 5´ x 6´2 x 6´ rolled • Optional TV Smart 32˝ bedroom and 40˝ living area, auto satellite dish • Large single slideout slide-out with café dining and bedroom inset • 2 x Double USB chargers • 2 x electric roof fans • External speakers, TV antenna, 240V power inlet and outlet, gas bayonet, mains water hook up, hot-cold shower, colour rear camera, electric step, and this model optional bike rack

7. The over-cab Luton area has the second berth, with opening windows both sides, reading lights and safety net. This area pushes up when not required, for cab entry height comfort 8. 175L fridge-freezer tower with matching wood grain finish to the doors, microwave above – storage cupboard above that. Under-bench gas oven/grill unit, gas hob above with wooden cover on top of the hob. Rangehood above hob as well 9. Three-ring gas hob unit, glass top that has matching wood grain finish on its top 10. Sexy black sink, separate filtered water tap, wooden sink cover for added bench space. Polycarbonate splashback on the wall area, tiling along the gas hob wall 11. Full-width dry bathroom, full-sized step-in shower box to the left, ceramic pedestal 12V electric toilet, a washing machine fits in the corner. The vanity unit has three drawers below, and lots of overhead locker cupboards above 12. Separate bedroom area with more storage beside and above the bed itself. The fridge tower on the left separates the space, electric lift TV on left cabinet opposite bed end. Supplied image shows darker colour option SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

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NEW

Full L.E.D Headlights

Redesigned interior with additional fingertip controls and soft touch steering wheel

Electric Park Brake

EXPERIENCE THE NEW DAILY E6 With innovative new safety features, high level driver appointments and more powerful yet cleaner running Euro 6 engines, the new Daily E6 continues to be the ultimate platform for motorhome applications. Enhanced engine options with 180hp and a market-leading 210hp provide superior power and torque to deliver effortless driving while still meeting stringent exhaust emission performance. And when matched to IVECO’s industry-best 8-speed Hi-Matic full automatic transmission, the owner can rest assured of seamless power delivery and a dynamic and responsive driving experience. The new Daily E6 also introduces new technology including a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Queue Assist and other new active safety features, while new high-performance L.E.D headlamps dramatically aid visibility and increase road presence. Importantly for motorhome owners, the new Daily E6 also introduces clever Cross-Wind Assist technology which uses the vehicle’s electronic stability program to stabilise the motorhome if hit by sudden gusts of wind. Inside the cabin, the driver will also enjoy a new instrument cluster that provides over 100 points of information, while a new electronic park brake allows for easier movement around the cabin.

To discover why New Zealand’s leading motorhome brands trust the IVECO Daily visit www.iveco.co.nz David Didsbury 027 403 2035 National Sales Manager

Straun Syme 027 434 0846 Sales Canterbury

Trevor Wills 021 347 118 Sales Auckland

Advertorial

B2B RV Services Christchurch I f you have a problem with your RV, no matter how easy or difficult, B2B is your one-stop business solution. B2B RV Services are well known in Christchurch as diesel heater suppliers and installers in RVs. This is just part of the services on offer, if you have solar, an inverter or self-containment requirements or, indeed, anything other than mechanical, they are the place to go.

Way back in 2015, Peter Mitchell decided to become a home handyman specialising in motorhomes and caravans, and thus B2B RV Services came into being.

People often ask what does B2B stands for?

Quite simply, B2B means Back To Basics, with

‘basics’ implying there is too much technology in modern RVs. Working out of the back of his 4WD, and while also looking after grandson Giovanni, the business soon grew, and more and more jobs were being handled at Peter’s home from his driveway while his own cars had to be parked out on the street. Once diesel heaters came on stream it was not uncommon for him to install them in the rain – in one case, Peter installed a diesel heater in a fifthwheeler parked on the street, with the rain so heavy that the gutter was full of water. It wasn’t uncommon for Peter’s partner, Cheryl, to come home from work and struggle to find a park, with six vehicles parked on the street.

As the business grew, it wasn’t long before living 24/7 in what was effectively the workplace wore pretty thin, and a workshop suitable for two vehicles was sought. B2B’s current workshop was finally found, with more than enough space for one person to work in, while the big pit in the floor was an absolute bonus. That same workshop is now staffed by four very versatile guys, each of whom has his own specialities including an

electrical whizz-kid to handle all the technicalities of the modern RV. Peter and Cheryl are based in the office and are currently interviewing for an office/retail assistant – watch this space.

Visit the website, give them a call or drop in and discuss your RV needs. www.b2brv.co.nz

B2B RV Ltd RV Repairs & Accessories

Your one stop shop for Solar, Heating, Self Containment, Television, Water Tanks, Toilet Repairs, Insurance Repairs, Gas Work, Cabinetry, General Repairs & much much more 236D Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch | 027 675-7101 | www.b2brv.co.nz

Advertorial

Generator Place New Zealand

W

ith recognizable brands such as Honda, Robin, and Mosa Generators, Generator Place has the largest generator range in New Zealand. Not only do we have the big brands, but we also have the highest levels of service to back it up. This includes all the accessories you may need, and a service network accessible throughout New Zealand so all the guess work is taken out of your purchase. Our brand‐new website makes purchasing your new generator even easier, meaning you are just a few clicks away from a top‐quality generator with superior back‐up service that you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

Not sure what generator you need? Our team is here to help. The Generator Place team is highly knowledgeable and can guide you into a complete portable power generation solution tailored to your unique needs.

Come and see us at the Hamilton Motor Home Show on the 17-19th October to see our products firsthand, talk to one of our expert team, and get some great deals on our extensive generator range. If you can’t make it to the show don’t fret, our deals will also be available on our website so don’t miss out!

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Let New Zealands leading generator specialists help you find your new generator today, visit www.generatorplace.co.nz or call our helpline on 0800 438 866

Advertorial

Onehunga Panel and Paint – recently incorporating BUSY BODY motor home refinishers

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e would like to let you know there is a quality motorhome refinishing service available to give you the smartest looking RV on the road. Recently established at the off-ramps from the south-western motorway, in Onehunga, Onehunga Panel and Paint has just merged with Busy Body, a long-established caravan and motorhome refinishing service in Auckland.

We’ve combined the longstanding coachbuilding expertise of Busy Body’s personnel, with the latest panel and paint techniques at Onehunga, to produce a high-quality service to reinvent your home on wheels.

Our range of services will address any dent, flake, bend, or other damage. We can fix serious structural issues threatening your roadworthiness, repair body deterioration or damage, and repaint to the highest standard with climate-conscious paints from the best manufacturers. If you need internal or external modifications to your chariot we’ll be glad to make it happen.

Our team have many years’ combined experience in structural, panel and paint work.

You’ll be amazed how the sorriest looking sight can be transformed into a thing of beauty. All it takes is some imagination, careful thought and attention to detail. Not everyone can produce a top quality result, but we guarantee it.

Our workshop manager, Anthony, has years of experience sorting out every kind of repair problem you can think of. He also knows the insurance business well and can reduce your stress levels considerably through his understanding of the ins and outs of insurance claims. He’s more than happy to have an initial chat with you to get an understanding of your requirements and concerns.

Summer is not that far away. Take a look at your pride and joy now and be sure it’s ready to take to the highway in a month or two.

Anthony Jaques - Manager

Please visit us at 53 Neilson Street, Onehunga if you’d like to discuss your needs, or start with a call on 09 634 4333

ANY SHAPE, SIZE OR COLOUR WE REPAIR & PAINT THEM ALL

onehungapanelpaint.co.nz

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I EV L G D STB, ER N I OR EM OVOXFNOV M 36 OF 3 TH E ARET TNOG 8 E I W STREPEN E O TH ND N A W GR O D

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GET READY FOR A LIFE OF NEW DISCOVERY

2021 Piazza Series

2021 Coachbuilt

2021 A-Class

2021 Family Flair Series

2021 Pulse A-Class

2021 Low Profile

PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR THIS SUMMER

0800 RV CENTRE (0800 782 36873) WE BUY & SELL QUALITY NEW & USED RV’S & CARAVANS Sales Manager Billy Gist 021 909 932 Brian Anderson 027 821 0053 Email: sales@levinrv.co.nz 3 Oxford St, Levin | Sales Yard Hours: 8.30am till 5pm Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays and Public holidays

www.levinrv.co.nz

Levin Rv Centre

Advertorial Oztent ADVERTORIAL

OZTENT

The Oztent range includes Foxwing awnings, camping furniture, screen rooms and beach shelters.

I

ntroducing the 30-second Oztent from Heatrite in Palmerston North, who are regular exhibitors at all the motorhome shows around the country and have been for many years. Tents range in price; $1000 will buy you a basic one roomer, made from high-quality, waterproof, 8oz Ripstop Poly-Cotton Canvas and a heavy-duty heat-sealed PVC floor, and it comes with side and rear windows and zippered power inlet.

For just under $3000 you get a fully modular two-room, full-height tent with lots of extra features from a zip-in entry floor under

Malamoo Beach Shelters

the awning, SkyMesh skylights and exclusive ModCan material used.

All Oztents are made with guaranteed waterproof material and are covered by a full two-year warranty.

Oztent’s Darrell spends a lot of time showing the 30-second tent build to people at the various shows they attend.

To see the range for yourself as well as the range of other quality camping products from Heatrite go to www.oztentnz.co.nz

Foxwing 270° Awning

Taipan Hot Spot Chair

Oztent Side Kick

30-second Oztent RV-4

THE ORIGINAL 30 SECOND TENT

SECONDS TO PITCH. SECOND TO NONE.

OZTENT chairs and stretchers Total comfort and quality with 150kg weight rating. Plus five year warranty.

Visit our website

OZ917

Due to its modular design, you can add two or more tents side by side or awning to awning. If you own a motorhome, campervan or a caravan then this tent provides an instant extra room which can be freestanding or easily attached to a sail track.

The OZTENT is also the perfect tent for fishing or boating. Spend more time fishing and boating and less time erecting your tent. The OZTENT gives you time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors because that is the very reason you are out there. You won’t regret the convenience, durability and ease of use this tent offers.

• Made from 100% Waterproof Guaranteed Rip-stop Polycotton canvas with double stitched and tape sealed seams • Heavy Duty, Waterproof heat sealed PVC floor • Many models available plus optional accessories • 2 Year Warranty • Oztent also has a range of furniture, screen rooms and beach shelters

oztentnz.co.nz

for more info and online shopping or call

0800 109 933

Come see us at 83-85 Bourke Street, Palmerston North

Now available at Rotorua Heating & Outdoors 3 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua

TM

PREFERRED SUPPLIER

More than radiators

0800 723 428

New Radiators Diagnostics Welding Repairs Fabrication Clean-outs RV Specialists

With radiator agents and seven warehouses across the country, we can generally offer same day radiator service

ANYWHERE IN NEW ZEALAND!

As nationwide radiator servicing agents, we carry out comprehensive cooling system checks and specialise in replacement radiators for cars – from the family sedan to a treasured vintage sportster. We also specialise in radiators for RVs, trucks, construction equipment, agriculture, power generation, mining and rail applications.

Quality Experience Know-how Service

www.0800radiators.co.nz

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0800 723 428

Advertorial

RV Service Centre was established in April 2015 by Clint Bastin

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lint worked for Wakerley Motorhomes for 13 years before they closed shop in 2015, and offers customers more than 20 years’ experience coach building and repairing RVs and caravans. It is rare that he comes across something that he’s never dealt with previously.

This means you aren’t having to pay for someone to learn on the job and get the most costeffective job done without compromising on workmanship.

RV Service Centre is situated at 36g Macdonald Street and have recently expanded the premises and staff. With Clint at the helm, Bruce and Max are the Senior Technicians, Ben and Justin are the Junior Technicians and Kelly has come on board to help with the dayto-day running of RV Service Centre.

The fully equipped, 10-bay RV Service Centre is manned by experienced technicians with years of experience in all RVs and caravans. They can help with awnings, damp repairs, insurance repairs, satellite, solar, self-containment, electrical certification, and

mechanical servicing.

With the expansion of the RV Service Centre, Clint has been working on becoming your one-stop RV repair shop, meaning you can drop your RV off for mechanical servicing and WOFs as well as any repairs or maintenance that’s required, taking the hassle out of sorting things out yourself. They can now proudly say they are your one-stop RV repair shop for anything RV related.

RV Service Centre is approved by all insurance companies for any repairs. With winter here and summer looming, its best to be looking at completing your routine maintenance and servicing now. Feel free to contact Clint to discuss booking in your caravan or RV now, as they already have bookings leading up to the Christmas

Holidays, it’s not long … Only four months away!!

RV Service Centre can proudly say it has one of the highest five-star rankings on Google for RV Repairs in the entire country!

Clint and the Team pride themselves on their customer service and workmanship. Just google them and find out for yourselves.

Consider RV Service Centre now as your one-stop RV repair shop. www.rvservicecentre.com

SPECIALISING IN RV MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS Our services • • • • • • • • •

Self-Containment Certification Electrical WOF Gas Certification Plumbing Electrical Fault Finding Repairs of Existing Equipment Servicing of Fridges & Diesel Heaters Charging System Requirements Assessment Free Estimates

• • • • • • • •

All Insurance work Full mechanical services and WOFs Onsite assessments Valuations of vehicles and pre-sale inspections Detailing Water damage Resealing And so much more!

0800 783 492 | www.rvservicecentre.com | 36G Macdonald Street, Mount Maunganui

NO HOLDING BACK

Heritage grille • Four Maxxis AT980 215/75R15 tyres ARB Base roof rack with trade rails • Front weathershields Front and rear mudflaps • Rear cargo tray • Jimny Safari decal

SPECIAL EDITION JIMNY JX MANUAL ONLY $29,990+ORC

SZA1161

For info on our Real Value 3 year/100,000 km comprehensive warranty, 5 year/100,000 km powertrain warranty, PLUS a full 5 year roadside assistance plan, visit www.suzuki.co.nz

Advertorial

WICKEDWHEELS

E Bikes, E Scooters, E Mobility Aids… with Attitude!

W

ho are WICKEDWHEELS? WICKEDWHEELS kicked off four years ago, primarily in the field of mobility aids but almost immediately evolved from there as it became apparent that to meet customer demand for E-products there were unexplored avenues. Why did a mobility scooter have to have three or four wheels?

Why not two? So started the Fat-Rat range of big-tyre E-scooters. From there, enquiries into E-bikes dictated that WICKEDWHEELS simply had to find quality offerings to supplement their range. Evolving. Growing. Quite exciting really.

So here they are today with a range of quality electric wheeled products from super-experienced Gold and Platinum Asia-based suppliers, all vetted personally by WICKEDWHEEL’s Operation Manager, Mike.

WICKEDWHEELS

Every offering electric. Every offering with only the best batteries – lithium-ion. Every offering … with attitude! Genuinely superb goods at a spanking good price point. Fold-up E-bikes from $1875. Fold-up E-wheelchairs from $1750. Beat that!

Perhaps also of interest – Mike’s background in manufacturing, at senior management level in Operations and also as Senior Engineer Quality Assurance for Nissan in New

Zealand, stands their customers in good stead. Mike knows what he’s looking at and is proud as punch to bring that experience to WICKEDWHEEL’s offerings.

Note please, WICKEDWHEELS E-bikes and E-wheelchairs are primarily fold-up in design – perfect for RVs, caravans … goodness … even car boots!

Please have a look. Visit the wickedwheels. co.nz website. They promise it will be time well invested. You might also like to look at their Trade Me feedback under GeezMike.

Hundreds and hundreds of positives. No neutrals. No negatives. Drop Mike a line if he can help in any way. Mike (Operations) and Emma (Marketing/Sales).

WICKED PRICE! $1545 to $2285 GST Incl email: info@wickedwheels.co.nz South Auckland

FOLD EM’ AND GO!

Upcoming EVENT GUIDE NZMCA MOTORHOME CARAVAN AND LEISURE SHOW When: October 15-17 Where: Mystery Creek Events Centre, Ōhaupō www.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz

WIN

TICKETS

NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show in Hamilton specialises in providing a complete experience for all visitors. All industry leaders, plus a huge array of industry-related accessory providers will be present, offering a huge selection of everything imaginable to make your outdoor lifestyle complete, or simply offer expert advice.

HAAST WHITEBAIT FESTIVAL

When: October 2 Where: Haast River Motels and Holiday Park, Haast www.westcoast.co.nz The Haast Whitebait Festival is held during the whitebait season and includes a variety of stalls, face painting, bouncy castle, whitebait cook off and whitebait racing, helicopter flights and live music.

PIC COASTAL CLASSIC YACHT RACE

When: October 22 Where: Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf www.coastalclassic.co.nz

The PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race from Auckland’s Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand’s premier fleet yacht race and has been held annually at Labour weekend since its inception in 1982.

HURUNUI GARDEN FESTIVAL

When: October 28–31 Where: Hurunui District www.hurunuigardenfestival.com

Over the weekend you can visit private gardens, historic homes, also a showcase of local artists, their place of work and beautiful exhibits for sale.

ALEXANDRA BLOSSOM FESTIVAL When: September 24–26 Where: Alexandra www.blossom.co.nz

Celebrate the arrival of spring in Central Otago with the unique feel of a country fair in a modern age.

BAY OF ISLANDS WALKING WEEKEND

When: October 15–17 Where: Russell www.boiwalkingweekend.co.nz

The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend has 22 walks to choose from – from a Cultural History tour around the Russell village to an Island Ramble.

TASTE WHANGANUI 2021

When: October 23 Where: Majestic Square, Whanganui www.tastewhanganui.nz

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER COUNTRY CAR SHOW

Taste Whanganui – a weekend of boutique distilleries and wineries, gourmet food, and live music

When: October 1–2 Where: Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park

MANAWATU A&P SHOW

When: November 6–7 Where: Manfeild Park Stadium, Feilding www.manawatushow.co.nz Come and celebrate the rich lifestyle of our agricultural region with us at the Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show.

Enjoy spring in the wonderful Franz Josef Glacier Village. An area of great beauty, wonderful food and a wide range of accommodation. Open to any car, truck or bike. Entry is free and any funds raised will benefit the South Westland Area St John Ambulance.

TAIHAPE RIDERS – RIVER TO RIVER 2021

When: November 6 Where: Taihape Town Hall, 90 Hautapu St, Taihape It’s on again! YOU are invited to spend a fantastic day riding some amazing back-roads in the Rangitikei region.

NELSON ARTS FESTIVAL

RIDE THE WILDERNESS

Nelson Arts Festival is one of NZ’s longest running regional festivals with a fantastic mix of theatre, music, dance, circus, visual arts and talk – it’s the perfect way to get the most out of our smart little city!

This event gives riders the opportunity to see the West Coast beauty and will have four magnificent events all in one day!

When: October 21–31 Where: Nelson www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz

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Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

When: November 13 Where: West Coast Wilderness Trail, Ross www.ridethewilderness.co.nz

Upcoming EVENT GUIDE CROMWELL GOLD ‘N’ NOTES HOEDOWN When: November 19–21 Where: Cromwell Racecourse www.Cromwell.org.nz

BDO LAKE TAUPŌ CYCLE CHALLENGE When: November 27 Where: Taupō www.cyclechallenge.com

WIN 2 TICKETS

Arguably one of the country’s largest sports participation events is again looking forward to welcoming around 5000 riders and over 8000 supporters to the Taupō region.

Country music lovers should prepare for hoarse voices, sore feet and late nights – one of the biggest events on the country music calendar. A motorhome and caravanners’ paradise – an annual gathering of friendships, locals and out of towners. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652224925097809

NZTRVL Win Tickets, PO Box 220, Martinborough 5711 or email to: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz

NELSON MOTORHOME SHOW

When: November 27–28 Where: Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park, Nelson www.nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz

TOAST MARTINBOROUGH

When: November 21 When: Martinborough www.toastmartinborough.co.nz

To WIN tickets post, email or scan QR:

Winners will be drawn 7 days prior to the event.

The Rotary MotorHome Show is a must-attend show held every year. The event is the major fundraiser for local charities organised by ROTARY.

Toast is a unique one-day multi-site event, with vineyard sites participating and offering wonderful wine, food and music choices throughout the day.

When you get here, all you need to do is select your food, wine and music choices, hop on a shuttle (or walk) and enjoy the day. to enter online

WE ARE NOW OFFERING DOES YOUR CARAVAN OR

WE ARE NOW OFFERING alignments $120 MOTORHOME wheel FROM

MOTORHOME LARGE 150

EASE OF ACCESS

FROM wheel Book your tyres and wheel $ alignments alignment.

Spend a night in our lock up yard.

120

Hop off the motorway. Hop into our very large yard.

MOTORHOME LEAK?

EASE OF ACCESS

OWLARGE OFFERING WE ARE NOW 150 OFFERING FROM

wheel

MOTORHOME alignments $

FREE PARK & STAY

FREE WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK in under 10 minutes.

FREE TYRE & SUSPENSION CHECK FROM

wheel MOTORHOME alignments $ Selling tyres since 1980.

FREE PARK & STAY Book your tyres and wheel alignment.

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SIMPLY PAINT OR ROLL IT ON AND WALK AWAY

FREE & SUSPENSION CHECK EASE TYRE OF ACCESS

120 FREE PARK & STAY 120 MOTORHOME FREE PARK & STAY Book your tyres and wheel alignment.

Spend aNOW night in our wheel lock up yard.

WE ARE OFFERING WE ARE NOW OFFERING $ WE STOCK A MASSIVE alignments MOTORHOME LARGE 150 FREE WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK FREE WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK 150 MOTORHOME MOTORHOME in under 10 minutes.

120 120 TYRES RANGE OF RV FREE TYRE & SUSPENSION CHECK FREE TYRE & SUSPENSION CHECK EMAIL drurytires@hotmail.com LIKE our Facebook page TEXT Anthony on 021 225 2142 FROM

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HopHop off the motorway.

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LARGE LARGE 150 Selling tyres since 1980. 150 FROM FROM wheel wheel $$ MOTORHOME alignments MOTORHOMEalignments

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1 FIRTH STREET, DRURY 2113

1 FIRTH STREET, DRURY 2113 Av

EMAIL drurytires@hotmail.com ailable in 1, 4 & 10 LIKE our Facebook page litre p ails TEXT Anthony on 021 225 2142

www.tires.co.nz

selected Mitre 10 outlets or for 1From FIRTH STREET, DRURY 2113 further information visit our website

EMAIL drurytires@hotmail.com LIKE our Facebook page www.tires.co.nz www.tires.co.nz www.liquidrubber.co.nz 021 225 2142 to DRURY EMAIL drurytires@hotmail.com TEXT Anthony on 021 225 2142 Email murray@liquidrubber.co.nz TEXT Anthony on on 021021 225225 2142 TEXT Anthony 2142 1 FIRTH STREET, DRURY 2113 TEXT Anthony on to to PUKEKOHE PUKEKOHE

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to to AUCKLAND AUCKLAND

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in under 10 minutes. in under 10 minutes.

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WE STOCK A MASSIVE

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Hop off tyres the motorway.

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FIRTH STREET

to PUKEKOHE

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SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

127

MARKETPLACE

Choose NZ's best rated leisure and marine finance broker - Choose Credit One

brought to you by…

Call 0800 300 500, visit creditone.co.nz

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2016 Fiat Tribute T625

2010 Mercedes Sprinter 7M

2011 Roller Team Ford Transit

2018 Burstner Ixeo 680TL

Excellent condititon 31000 km Highline Sleeps 4 2 seatbelts new tyres Thule awning Separate shower 200 watt solar panel $114,950. Ph: 021 969 112

One owner well maintained, seatbelts for 6 Large back window, many extras, head room 2.2m Sleeps 3 adults plus 2 in cab over $100,000 ono. Ph: 09 575 1614

Plenty of power for towing, storage cover New fridge freezer/2x house batteries Permanent queen at rear, huge garage at rear $98,500. Ph: 021 325 968

Exterior shower, rear spacious garage Multimedia navigation system, 4M awning Triple bike rack, drop down TV $146,000 Ph: 021 168 2499

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2020 Autotrail TK RS

2007 Kea Endeavour

2017 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel

1994 Isuzu Journey 9M

Huge rear washroom with standalone shower.

The clever layout sleeps four, in the hi-line and extra forward facing rear seatbelts. $168.500 Ph: 09 294 6500 NationwideRV Drury

2.4 Turbo Diesel 6 speed manual 153000km 6 berth king over cab queen at rear Stored undercover, fully serviced $95,000. Ph: 021 868 758

IT’S READY TO GO! Thoroughly cleaned and emptied In excellent condition,only done 100km in 3 years Been parked stationary and taken great care of it. $130,000 Ph: 027 568 7639

Class 2 licence, 5 speed manual, good tyres 5 berth, rear island dbl bed, lounge converts Dining also converts, self-contained & outdoor shower $95,000. Ph: 027 640 0040

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2015 Jayco Conquest

2010 Winnebago Esperance

2017 Autotrail Tracker EKS 4

2001 National Seabreeze

Excellent condition, 4 berth, bike rack Full ensuite, slide out bed, leather seating External tv stand and speakers, electric awning $148,500. Ph: 021 476 960

Iveco Daily 50C17 4 berth, slide-out dining Double permanent bed & double over cab Slide-out dining, 3 solar panels $160,000 Ph: 021 163 9575

Compact motorhome that drives easily Full annual service records, excellent condition 4 seat belts, separate shower cubicle in bathroom $129,500. Ph: 027 558 8825

10.2m V10 luxury on wheels She is fully equiped, well designed & appointed In immaculate condition, a wonderful home to live in and drive $165,000 Ph: 09 8462591 or 021 412804

WATERPROOFING Call into our showroom for accessories, solar panels, satellites, awnings, TV’s etc

03 688 0166 FREEWAY LEISURE & RV CENTRE LTD.

PARTS & ACCESSORIES REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE SELF CONTAINMENT WORK ph. 04 233 0331 | email: steve@freeway.co.nz 25 Ulric St, Plimmerton, Wellington

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Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

LUBRICATIOn DECKS

Caravan & Motorhome Repairs

CENTRAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES MAIN ROAD SOUTH, LEVIN

FULL DIESEL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE • All COF Work • Transport and General Engineering • Heavy Transport Engineering • Trailer Manufacturing • Stock Crate Repairs

Ph (24 hrs) 06 368 2037 or 06 368 1591 Chuck 021 246 8202 Ian 021 432 995 email: central.autoslevin@gmail.com

MOTORHOMES - COF - SERVICE

WE SUPPLY GENUINE REPLACEMENT PANELS AND PARTS FOR ENGLISH AND EUROPEAN MOTORHOMES AND CARAVANS

All double glazed windows, skylights, wheel spats, bumpers, side skirts, trims, habitation doors, locker doors, locks, tail lights, indicators, and interior habitation parts.

Ph: Kevin 027 517 0300 Email: sales@cmparts.co.nz

cmparts.co.nz

TOWBARS - DRAWBARS

WE ARE THE No1 SPECIALISTS IN WATERPROOFING MOBILE HOMES

DIESEL SPECIALIST - TRUCKS - TRACTORS

GO GO ONLINE ONLINE AND AND LIST LIST YOUR YOUR RV RV FOR FOR SALE SALE -- www.rvmagazine.co.nz/all-listings www.rvmagazine.co.nz/all-listings FREE TO LIST YOUR RV ONLINE, MULTIPLE PHOTOS FREE TO LIST YOUR RV ONLINE, MULTIPLE PHOTOS AND AND DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION SPACE SPACE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

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2008 Forest River Wildcat

2006 Traillite

2007 Isuzu Traillite NQR 500L

2014 Leisureline Elite Special Edition

1998 Isuzu Forward Crewcab Tow Vehicle 2 bedrooms with 1 queen bed, new washing machine Hydraulic system, plenty of storage $130,000. Ph: 027 499 9115

Hino 500 FD 8ltr 6 speed, class 2 licence New Nomad house batteries/front tyres, driving mirrors, new Fiamma 5M awning, new RSE 32” smart TV $180,000. Ph: 027 496 2158

Well looked after, regulary serviced & cleaned Custom built, 4 deep cycle batteries Current WOF & Rego, Queen bed, plenty of storage $150,000 ono. Ph: 022 382 1969

Immaculate condition, fastidious owners Fantastic layout with island queen bed Full 2 room awning with porch, service done last month $80,000 Ph: 027 222 4102

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2012 Fiat Ducato Bessacar 660

2017 Mercedes Benz Sprinter

2018 Peugeot Elddis Autoquest 185

2008 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter

4 berth 56,000km 6 speed manual Fixed double bed, dining makes up 2nd double 4 seatbelts, double bike rack, storage box $105,000 ono. Ph: 021 223 3878

Fantastic 4 berth featuring 2 double beds With the lounge converting into a double Combined shower and toilet and fully equipped kitchen $104,990. Ph: 03 578 3310 Deluxe RV Group

4 berth, Current WOF, single beds and lounge Makes a double, rear bathroom, bike rack $139,990. Ph: 03 578 3310 Deluxe RV Group

A tidy unit features a rear U shape lounge Generous sized kitchen, additional bed over cab Recently serviced and has a new COF $79,990. Ph: 0800 222 108 UCC Motorhomes

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1991 Toyota Liteace Camper

2016 Frankia i8400QD

2015 Southern Star

1985 Isuzu Journey

175,000kms 150 solar panel Wind out awning table converts to bed Shower & toilet motor reconditioned Aug 2020 $24,300 ono Ph: 021 02380070

Very tidy condition, just serviced, new COF Large island bed in rear, kitchen good size Additional drop down bed, huge rear garage $235,000. Ph: 0800 222 108 UCC Motorhomes

Set up for off the grid, heavy duty axles TV inbuilt freeview, 80 ltr fridge 60 ltr freezer, Caravan roll out awning w walls $55,000 ono Ph: 027 435 9271

Good condition for age, drives well 213307km electrical Wof till 08/22 COF 12/20 Rego 03/21, view Pokeno $29,999 Ph: 027277 6001

NZ’S FAVOURITE

MOBILE FIRE The Legendary

Littlecracker

Multifuel • Compact • Quality CALL US TODAY (03) 313 6271 Tarlan Technical Ltd

66 Amesbury Road RD 7, Rangiora 7477

www.littlecracker.co.nz For all soft Upholstery needs Squabs, Wall linings & carpet 21 Chelmer Street Oamaru ph. 03-434 6238 E: info@blackhawkltd.co.nz www.blackhawk.net.nz

Wholesale Discounts Direct to the Public “to bring you the BEST brands with the BEST choice, at the BEST price” 07 846 7771 www.rvsupplies.co.nz

B2B RV Services YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL YOUR RV NEEDS • Independent pre purchase checks 236D Main South Road • Full service self containment Hornby, Christchurch • Solar installs • Diesel heater specialists • On board water email: peter@b2brv.co.nz • Television installs • General fault finding and repairs • LED Lighting • Much much more

Ph: 027 675-7101

b2brv.co.nz

NEED A MATTRESS?

WAIKATO BEDDING LTD Talk to us today about custom building your mattress to suit your comfort requirements.

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm. Riverlea Rd, Hamilton, Ph: 07 856 0393, Email: sleepland@waikatobedding.co.nz

Advertise your business here today!

Call Bruce Mountain 021 657 090

SEPT-OCT 2021 Vol 12

129

MARKETPLACE

Choose NZ's best rated leisure and marine finance broker - Choose Credit One

brought to you by…

Call 0800 300 500, visit creditone.co.nz

12-20

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2020 Jayco Conquest

2014 Mercedes-Benz

2016 Frankia 7400 Exclusive

2017 NZ New Auto Trail Comanche

Like New…available Now, sleeps 4 Outside speakers & gas BBQ bayonet Slideout dbl & overhead cab bed Always stored unless when being used $195,000 ono. Ph: 027 441 5545

Sprinter Kea River rest M721 Permanent bed over cab & rear dinette makes a dbl. Self contained, 6 berth, rear wheel drive $84,990 Ph: 03 578 3310 Deluxe RV Group

Beautifully appointed inside w a fixed qn bed over a large rear garage, spacious sep shower 2 berth, 1 owner, 34962 kms $190,000. Ph: 027 605 6016

Leather upholstery, tow bar, extra TV 4 new rear tyres, 6 berth & seat belts External bbq point & shower $189,900. Ph: 027 235 5233

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2001Tahoe & 2003 Ford Explorer V8

2008 Traillite Coromandel

2018 Autotrail Scout

1986 Nissan UD 12M Bus

(will sell separately), plenty of storage Shower and bath, near new deep cycle batteries Great family caravan, sleeps 9 $60,000 Ph: 027 497 0555

U shaped lounge, class 2 licence 6 storage lockers with a large rear one Tow bar certifed up to 2000kg

Built on the very popular Fiat Ducato platform, with 3 years Warranty remaining. U-shaped wraparound lounge. Two singles or one large king size bed Spacious washroom with roomy sep shower. $175,000 Ph: 021 0501177

Very spacious and livable, very well looked after Sep bedroom, full height shower, lounge suite re-upholstered Fully self contained home on wheels $150,000 ono Ph: 027 490 0986

$165,000 ono. Ph: 021 101 2634 N

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ZEALAND MA DE

this Winter with...

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Custom built 5th wheel motor home

1986 Hino BG300

2011 Mercedes Benz

2018 ACM V80 Sapphire IV

Chevrolet 2500 truck brought brand new and customised to suit. Both have full wheelchair access. All set up for freedom camping. Has been serviced every year since new and stored inside when not in use. $150,000 Ph: 027 958 5852

3 bedrooms, sleep 7 comfortably This bus is one of a kind, it has been very well serviced. And drives like a dream, plenty of storage $150,000 Ph: 021 08779163

UCC Model Brunner with 515CDI twin turbo One owner, 67000km full service history 2x 195 AH house batteries, top of the range $153,000. Ph: 021 150 1048

Motorhome has excellent storage. Large overhead storage lockers, with internal/external access, pull out adjustable pantry. Sleeps 4, 2 singles in rear coverts to queen and 1 bed over cab $129,500 Ph: 021 921 377

Sparky

The Cute Wee Fire with a Big Heart

Caravan & Motor Home World

Heat Output 7kw (estimated).

A 1.2kw Lion wetback can be fitted to heat your hot water.

Everyone loves Sparky.

He can be found in many diverse locations and situations from mobile homes, house boats, holiday homes, tiny houses, tucked up in Exceptional Value, front of inefficient old Great open fires and even in Service & Customer Satisfaction larger modern new builds.

Sparky will keep you cosy and warm and boil the kettle for a cuppa while he chuckles away and brightens your day.

Manufacturers of: lightweight Atlandis Caravans, conversions, parts, repairs… 40 years experience Colour

options now Ph. 07 856 3373, 111 Riverlea Road, Hamilton available! www.cmw.co.nz

Leon

Meet Sparky’s big brother Leon

Heat Output 16-18kw (estimated).

A 3kw Lion wetback can be fitted to heat your hot water.

Leon is a multi-fuel fire standing 900mm high with a fixed log box base for wood storage and a stove top cooking surface.

Leon will keep you warm and cosy on the outside and will boil the kettle or cook a pot of soup or stew to warm your insides too.

Leon has been built to work hard and stand the test of time. When fitted with a “Lion” wetback plenty of power saving SHIMMERING hot water is also on hand.

ROSE

NEW

US ONwith 03 384 • Resin CALL complies the 9482 AS/NZ OR VISIT thecompositegroup.co.nz Food Standards

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Ph 09 408 2469

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Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

› SANDWICH PANELS

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GO ONLINE AND LIST YOUR RV FOR SALE - www.rvmagazine.co.nz/all-listings FREE TO LIST YOUR RV ONLINE, MULTIPLE PHOTOS AND DESCRIPTION SPACE AVAILABLE

8-20

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2009 Nissan MK240

2020 Royal Flair 18’6” Piazza

2013 Tiffin Allegro Breeze 32BR

2020 Royal Flair

Horse truck but take horse dividers out and use back area for storage, Insulated living area, very good condition $152,000 Ph: 027 2808828 or 07 5768134

2 berth, U shaped lounge/diner Drop down dbl bed, good storage, double glazed $150,000 Ph: 021 909 932 Levin RV

10m converted right hand drive, Solar power, sleeps 6, generator, 2 slide outs, 2 awnings, Excellent condition, 1 owner $325,000 ono Ph: 021 0245 3519

Piazza 2 berth, 2 seater couch at rear Good storage in wardrobe and cupboards Sep shower, double glazed $145,000 Ph: 021 909 932 Levin RV

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2020 Rollerteam Zefiro 675

2020 Dethleffs Trend

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SCAN QR CODE TO WATCH THE NEW CASPAR VIDEO

To watch videos of Caspar’s adventures visit his facebook page or watch on YouTube

Caspar’s capers

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par

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C

as

’s Cap

Island hop & lockdown

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rf arf, woof woof friends Here we are again in this lovely time where everyone is at home and available to play with me, and walkies are all go every day. Mama and papa call it lockdown; I call it woof woof walkies down.

It has been a busy couple of months since my last column. We have had some lovely weather in Auckland, so walkies at the Viaduct in the city have been regular events, meeting lots of mates on these walks. We explored the marina area under the Auckland Harbour bridge this month and went down to a place called Mission Bay. There are so many places along the waterfront in town that we can go somewhere different every weekend if we want to. Next time we will take the bikes in with my buddy rider, and we will get onto

3

134

OR CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION

Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle

the urban trails mama says.

On the way home on one trip, we stopped in Manukau at the Auckland Botanical Gardens – what a great place for walkies this is. They have an off-the-lead dog area as well, but we didn’t make it there this time, and just did a preliminary walkie to explore this new future place to visit. Lots of other people there with doggies too, and some weddings, and some loud cars too, can’t wait to go back here again.

We had a big trip away again in July, visiting Don and Sally in Urenui as a halfway spot to stop over on our way to Wellington, and we stayed in Wellington at Te Papa Museum in their carpark, cheap as chips mama said, at $30 for the night. We got in line the next day to go on the big Interislander ferry boat.

I am well used to this now and could woof

4 Vol 12 SEPT-OCT 2021

2

woof and yap yap quite a bit to other doggie friends we met in the queue. A couple of them hadn’t been on the boat before. One friend Georgie we met was from Martinborough too, yip yip yippy a new friend when we are next there.

The ferry was delayed a lot so we got to the other side later than we thought, and papa decided we would stop at Lynn and Dave’s

5

6

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for a rest near Kaikōura, where my friend Layla lives. I always have a great time chasing rabbits with her around the bushes, though she crunches them up to eat while I just play, yip yip yappy good times I was thinking.

It was confusing when we arrived. I sniffed and searched for Layla, and woof woofed at Lynn where is she? “Sorry Caspie, Layla has gone to heaven just before you arrived”.

She couldn’t wait for me to arrive – WHAT, another friend gone to that place. I will miss her on our trips. I had to play with Lynn and have lots of cuddles, we were both so sad.

The next day we got on the road again, Stopping in at a new place called Gore Bay, not that interesting but good as a break for me, then we got to Christchurch where we stopped in at a couple of business places to see people. At TrailLite I was allowed to get out for a wee walk (literally arf arf). Then I had to wait in the motorhome while mama and papa went to the motorhome show coz I wasn’t allowed in at this place – lucky we have the motorhome for me to hang out in.

When they finished, we went to visit Stig, our friend who lives at Sumner Beach. His backyard is great for running around, and the beach is across the road, so walkies and sniffles was a treat for me.

Back to the show the next day, and then into the city of Christchurch for a walk around, see what is new. We have been here lots of time, walkies along the Avon River, lunch around the Riverside market, check out the noisy tram thing and lots of pats from people – good times for me.

Soon enough it was “Caspie time to head home”, and our journey back up the country started. When we got to Blenheim we stopped in at another mate’s place for a visit. I looked around for Jock, but grrrr grrr you wouldn’t believe it, his mama Joe said he had gone to heaven too, must be with Layla and all my other mates, holy heck! These stopovers are going to be boring for me now. Then I spotted the cat against the hedge, and a battle staredown started, with mama yelling at me to get back. Joe tells us this cat is mean as and will rip me to bits – woof woof try it missy, but yeah I did back down arf arf.

1. We often start our Viaduct walk with a walk around this grassy area before we hit the pavement 2. Lunchtime at the Good Luck Coconut on Wynyard Wharf Viaduct area Auckland 3. Viaduct walk, behind Wynyard Wharf is the Seafood Market and restaurant area, mama and papa loved the ‘Pets welcome’ sign here 4. Lots of new friends to meet in the city 5. New Plymouth at Nationwide RV, checking the motorhome for the water leak 6. Meeting Georgia from Martinborough at the Interislander Ferry line in Wellington 7. Hunting rabbits at Surfwatch while Lynn feeds the chickens. We both missed Layla being there with us 8. We stopped for a walk at Gore Bay Campground 9. Caspar met this little three-legged friend at the Riverside Markets

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Ac r o s s o n t h e f e r r y a n d b a c k t o Martinborough for a bit. Always great to be in the office working, cruising the section barking at my Marty mates, off for breakfast or lunch for meetings – good times. This time we ran into my old friend Sooty. His papa died last year, and he lives in West Auckland now, so seeing him running around Marty was great.

On the way back up the country we dropped in to other friends. I was starting to wonder if my mate Boyboy would be here, as my other mates had all headed off to heaven, but yes, he was there with old Lil, and a tiny new puppy called Gigi. Whew, I am getting old at nine years, and this little puppy was exhausting after a while. We tore around the house, outside into the dark and around the house, in and out, up and down over the furniture until I collapsed with exhaustion. I had long hair and with the fire going just couldn’t handle the heat with this pup.

It was so good to be home though, and to hear mama say it’s time to get the magazine done, we are off to work now – I could relax and chill out, and I got a long-needed haircut.

Papa took me again this time and like last time I came home with mutton chops. This

time the groomer left it all there again, so I came home with a full beard. Mama laughed and laughed and said I looked hilarious – grrrr not happy with that. And I got sore spots in there that I had to itch and scratch madly, until finally mama said that must go and papa got his 12 clippers out to shear me – thank goodness for that.

Then the lockdown word came out while watching the news at 1pm. Walkies is great, but not being able to meet other doggies for a sniff, and not letting people pat me is not so cool, bit woof frustrating, but I remember this is part of the rules.

Take care with your owners, keep your doggie mates safe from other people too. Soon we will all be back to normal. Mama has made lots of videos of my activities this month, so check out my Facebook page, or scan the QR code and watch me out and about.

Where’s Caspar’s

10. Meeting up with Sooty after all this time was great 11. New puppy Gigi was fun, but so so exhausting she wouldn’t sit still 12. A beard trim felt fantastic

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Destinations: Springfield to the Bealey Pub • Whakaraupō harbour • Stewart Island explored • Allan Dick’s road trip to Mitimiti • RV virgin roadie • Āwhitu Peninsula to Waikawau Beach