Tairua Camping

We've been here before! Last time we were heading this way, we crossed on the old bridge, and saw this new one almost ready to go. I couldn't help feeling a little sad - that old bridge was pretty neat with its swing-span in the middle. It was finished in 1928, making it possible for river craft with masts to travel up the river. At one time, the Waihou Riverwas navigable all the way up to Paeroa.

Once over the bridge, we pointed the Landrover towards Tairua.


Doug was not allowed to spend $2 on a hot shower so had to use our solar shower.

Tairua Motor Camp is right in the middle of town. 'Great', we thought. 'Just a short walk to the beach, and the shops.' We were better at putting up the tent this time - much better weather too.
A different story at 2 a.m! The sirens needed to be very loud to wake up the volunteer fire brigade. It took ages before they finally arrived and sped off in the fire engine. We finally drifted off again, only to we woken again by when the rescue helicopter that seemed to be looking for our tent. The sports field was adjacent to the camping ground and he landed there. It wasn't a good feeling knowing that some poor soul was being ferried off to hospital.


Doug had a few things he wanted to do at Tairua - the first was to go fishing. He tried off the wharf first thing in the morning - the tide was right, but the fish weren't biting.



The next thing on the list, was to explore some of the tracks that were suggested in his 4WD book. It was the usual story - all interesting looking tracks had gates and 'Keep Out' signs.

Further on, we found a road signposted to Broken Hill and Golden Hill Mines. Sounded promising!





The bushwalk alone, made it worthwhile.



An added bonus was coming across the relics of the Broken Hills Mine.



Further on we came to a mine entrance where work was obviously still going on. Our trusty Penquin NZ Travel Guide tells us that visitors can see demonstrations of traditional quartz-reef working method (by arrangement). Something for another time perhaps?



We probably could have entered this mine, but were too 'chicken'!

We found a track down to the river, where we ate our lunch. There was also a DOC camping ground tucked away in the trees.





Later in the afternoon we had a look at Tairua's ocean Beach. Tairua has this surf beach as well as a harbour.

Ambury Farm

Stacey and Caleb were visiting for an hour or two today, so we decided to take them to Ambury Farm.

We watched sheep being sorted into pens for a while, then wandered on to have a close encounter with various pretty hens and handsome roosters. The kids enjoyed these, having had hens of their own as pets.



The turkey kept us entertained puffing himself up and stamping his foot.



Stacey was game to get in with the goats to pet them. The little one tried to escape each time someone went in through the gate.

To end our visit we took a little wander across the fields. It was hot so we headed back to the car to go and find an ice-cream.



We were quite amused - out of all the animals the children liked the hens the best!

Miranda Shorebird Centre

A wee trip was called for to see whether the Landrover's 'new' carburettor would make any difference to truculant warm starts, and fuel economy. We have been to Miranda before, and noticed the Miranda Shorebird Centre.
After packing a picnic, cameras and our Russian army binoculars, we set off.

The first stop was the Shorebird Centre where we consulted a map of the area.



The top track looked interesting - you could drive in on it. We did; so had lots and lots of camper vans. What a lovely spot for 'freedom camping'. Most of them were stretched out on their campstretchers enjoying the sunshine. We went to the very end, then set off on a short walk. Unfortunately black clouds swept over, and soon we were all scurrying for shelter.



Two signs gave more information about the area - click on photos to enlarge.






We then drove around to where there was access to walking tracks and 'hides'. There were quite a few people there with serious camera gear, telescopes and binoculars. You really needed the binocs or telescope as the birds were a fair distance away. There were plenty of birds to see.




Closer to the water's edge, we came to a 'hide'. There, one of the Trust members had set up a telescope so we could observe the birds that were further away. I was very intrigued to spot some wrybills hiding at the back behind the pied oyster catchers and godwits. (I had never seen one before.) Other observers mentioned spotting turnstones and a reef heron

These are the birds that we viewed through the telescope.

Rain threatened again so once more we retreated to the Landrover.

I'm pleased to report that the Landrover started again beautifully after each stop. Unfortunately fuel economy did not improve.

We're really looking forward to camping out again once the weather settles.

Tuesday continued

Our day was not finished yet. David had plenty more interesting places to explore - 'Did we want to drive through a river?' - Well not really - we don't want the old girl to conk! (The Landrover, I mean.)



We crossed this road bridge over the Tongariro River, to explore some tracks in the Kaimanawa Forest.



A short walk led us to this swing bridge high up over the Tongariro River. We were then in a really lovely forest. Camping areas with minimal facilities were hidden amongst the trees. There were various tracks, and we even came across a large group just setting out white water rafting down the Tongariro river.



The Tongariro River is part of the Tongariro Power Scheme which has canals, dams and tunnels supplying two power stations, Tokaanu near Turangi and Rangipo. Rangipo has been built underground just downstream from that road bridge and waterfall above. It is all managed by Genesis Energy.

Looking back up to the road bridge.

On the way home we drove through the Tongariro River ford just North of Turangi. Water was only about a foot deep, but it was a first time for us! David walked across first to check the bed and the depth. It had been a very full, enjoyable day.

Wednesday

Wednesday morning, Miriam and Ken arrived for breakfast. Ken's broken leg is now better, so they are enjoying being back on the bike after a number of months of no riding.



Heavy rain was forecast, so we set off home just after midday.

Rover Roams Ruapehu

Boxing day, Doug and I set off in the Landrover to pay Christmas visits to my sister (and family) in Taupo, then to travel on further around the lake to my brother and sister-in-law at Motuoapa.

We had a pleasant trip - the road wasn't too busy - and had our usual coffee and lunch stops along the way.




Monday morning we awoke to drizzle and heavy cloud. We really hoped that the cloud would lift, so that we could proceed with our plan that was to travel down the Desert Rd, then take the Tukino turn off and make our way to the Tukino ski field on the eastern side of Mt Ruapehu. (The turn off is to the right, close to the highest point of the Desert Rd, before you reach Waioruru.)

The cloud began to lift, so
we were hopeful that we would get a nice view of the mountain before too long.

So far the road was 'a piece of cake'. There were rough patches but nothing compared to our previous outing.

Finally we reached the gate. We were quite expecting that our trip would end here, as you need to get a key from DOC to continue on up to the ski tow. It was a nice surprise to find the gate unlocked, so we were able to start on the 'real stuff.' There were impressive views over the edge! Most parts of the road were pretty good. The banks were steaming as the sun warmed them.




The mountain continued to clear as we climbed.

Finally we reached the end of the road. There were two ski huts here. We could see the ski tow, over a valley to the right.




To the left was the valley down which the most recent (2007) lahar travelled from the crater lake. See video here.




Very soon the cloud began to descend again - we had been very fortunate to have caught this small window of beautiful clear views.




After a picnic lunch, we made our way back down the mountain, stopping once to admire the alpine flowers.