On the Road again

Our friends Di and Gary, Lynda and Ian had been talking to us about travelling together around the Coromandel, and then heading northwards, and we jumped at the chance to take to the road again. The trip was to start with a visit to our place which proved very convenient as Judy was called up to have her pacemaker replaced and our guests were able to dog sit for the time we were away. It was such a relief to get that device changed and to know I will be all good for another 10 years or so.

The end of our cul de sac looked like a motorhome park, with ours being the poorer cousin of the three. We were grateful to our neighbours for permitting our friends to use their driveways, Given a few days to recover, we hit the road hoping that the weather forecast would not be as bad as predicted.

The first leg was a very short one – a trip to Buffalo Beach to have a coffee and a mussel fritter at the aptly named Di’s Diner, followed by a stay at the NZMCA Park in Whitianga, with the objective of being able to visit the first winter market the next morning.

We were intrigued to have our happy hour disturbed by the sound of a helicopter directly overhead. It landed just across the canal from us, the garage door of the house opened, the the helicopter was pushed inside to join the BMWs and Merc’s.

The rain arrived as predicted and the morning markets were a bit of a soggy affair, although well attended. We were pleased to see the smoked mussel company there so we had to have some of those!. Then it was pack up time and we headed off to Kuatounu (an equally long journey).

Luke’s Kitchen is a famous rustic surf scene pizza Bar at Kuatounu, and we decided our visitors needed a taste of that. First up though was to take the boys for a quick walk on the beach, between showers. The beach is pretty, with the Kuatounu River running through it, and some interesting rock formations at the end,

Lunch was as great as expected, even though we were huddled around outdoor gas fired heaters to keep warm, but we all enjoyed our pizzas and then headed off to the camp. The rain and wind had well and truly set in by now, and Judy did not sleep well fearing that the river would flood, and it was just alongside our parking spot. Of course it never happened and the next morning was a much sunnier, drier day.

We had arranged to stay just the one night here and we were off to Coromandel the next morning, but Bruce and I decided to take the dogs on a long walk.

Kuatounu Beach is pretty but not very long, so we had a quick look and then drove on towards Matarangi.

Matarangi is a surf beach but it is long and sandy and easy walking. There were lots of dunes for Hunter to explore and some big shells for Bruce to throw for Oscar to chase.

Once the dogs had run off some steam we headed around to the boat ramp to make ourselves a coffee, and also to inspect the freedom camping area that we had heard was here. This was also a lovely spot and we would be very happy to camp here at some time. Judy was especially thrilled when a flock of about 12 white spoonbills flew overhead and landed not too far away in amongst the mangroves. What majestic birds they are.