2023 NORTH ISLAND TOUR – Habe fertig

Finally On My Way again.
Wellington – World of Wearable Art, Weta Film Studios
Kapiti Coast with golf at Paraparaumu GC and coastal bike trail. I had to leave Paraparaumu early as the wind on the beach was turning into gale force and my van was rocking. 
On the way to Palmerston North I had to get off the road in Foxton. The wind was so strong that the van was swaying and was hard to control. 
Palmy (Palmerston North) was my next stop for a few days. My first tee time had to be canceled due to frost, but I managed to play with the 9 holers later that day. The following day I enrolled and played at the Manawatu GC Ladies Open Day. I love the course.
Ohakune/National Park Village fantastic places to go biking. in the morning Old Coast Road trail and in the afternoon the Marton Sash and Door trail. Both trails are part of the Mountain to Sea Cycle trail.  Overnight in a DOC camp in the Tongariro National Park. 
Kawhia some scenic routes can be stunning even in the rain. Kawhai a small township on the west coast in the Waikato. It is a quiet, picturesque coastal community known for fishing, food and natural hot water beach. A place with a sense of place and pride for the Tainui tribal people.
Raglan A surfers paradise. Watching the windsurfers, who are now on foils, was a great experience. I can’t do it as I don’t like to get wet. I rather sit on a sailboat. Raglan a little arty village with lots of small shops and a Raglan Roasters Coffee shop with delicious flat whites and apple turn overs with loads of cream – heaven. 
10th October I have arrived in Auckland and enjoyed a game of golf at Royal Auckland and the Grange Golf Club. Absolutely groomed golf course. Loved it and I will be back for more. 
WEST COAST MURIWAI TO DARGAVILLE Early start as I picked up mum from the airport. We went straight into sightseeing, leaving Auckland for the West Coast. Muriwai, another surfers paradise, was our first stop. Where we enjoyed watching very talented surfers. Kauri Museum in Matakohe extremely informativ. Our final destination today was Dargaville. 
Bay of Island Matauri Bay very quiet and peaceful bay. Parked here for two nights and  inhaling the beauty of this place with a long white sandy beach. Not to miss golfing at Kauri Cliffs with absolute breathtaking views. There are hardly any international tourists at the moment. Wee bit concerning. 
Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, discovered the journey of New Zealand’s most important, historic site, where in 1840 New Zealand’s founding document was signed: the Treaty of Waitangi.
We visited Waitangi’s two contemporary museums, watch a powerful Māori cultural performances in an authentic Meeting House, joined an informative guided tours,  walked through lush native forest and gardens and saw a traditional Māori waka (canoe). 
Beautiful drive on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to Whangaruru. Whangaruru is a rural community and harbour on the east coast of Northland. 
Thru Mangawhai we traveled to Snells Beach and camped at Sandspit. Tāwharanui Peninsula is a finger of land projecting into the Hauraki Gulf from the east coast of the much larger North Auckland Peninsula of New Zealand. It separates Omaha Bay to the north from Kawau Bay to the south. Parked for the next two days in Wenderholm Regional Park as it is Labour weekend and most Aucklander are on the road.  
Hamilton Gardens only heard of them until today. Woohoo so impressive and it was a great sunny day. Love it. Driving further south on the Volcano Express Highway towards Rotorua.
Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. There are bubbling mud pools and the Geyser, which erupt many times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village with traditional wood carving and weaving schools. Taupo – A brief visit at the Craters of the Moon. Always fascinating. 
New Plymouth our next destination. I love biking and walking along the Coastal Way. It goes on for ever. Great camping in Belt Road with sea view and a day just chilling. 
A key highlight on the Forgotten World Highway, Whangamōmona is a charismatic town 1 hour 30 east of New Plymouth and 2.30 hours west of Taumaranui. It  is famous for its rich frontier history. Frustrated with local councils, residents declared it ‘The Republic of Whangamōmona’ in 1989. 
Over night in National Park on a DOC Campground, heavy rain fall and extremely cold. Unfortunately the weather was overcast  and we couldn’t see the beautiful Mount Ruapehu nor Tongarero. Still a gorgeous  scenic drive to Foxton Beach. I tried some fishing, but was not successful, did some biking instead. Great place to stop with a nice beach and biking trails. 
Paraparaumu perfect weather for two rounds of golf with good  company. Gorgeous sunsets, too. 
Wellington had to pay Te Papa (our National Museum) a visit. It is a mandatory program when visiting the capital. Late afternoon we took the ferry back to the mainland. 

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