MOTUEKA/MAPUA

After our caving adventure we decided to stay a few more nights in Motueka..... it's such a good jumping off point for lots of places of interest. There's a variety of walking tracks right behind the NZMCA camp so we investigated those one day and then walked into town. We discovered the Ruiwaka Resurgence which we really enjoyed despite not being able to get up to the actual point of the Resurgence. The track is damaged. It's a lovely spot.
We caught up with Ian and Prue in Richmond where we stayed to the A snd P showgrounds. We were entertained by a local Kennel Association who were running a scent school for their dogs. Who knew that was even a thing..... apart from security/ police pups!
The following day we attended Bethy's funeral online. An emotional time with lots of tissues nearby. I needed a bit of a blow out afterwards so we rode 20kms on the beautiful Mapua cycleway.
On our way back to Motueka we found, on Prue's advice, The Factory Corner where we discovered the absolute best green grocer we've ever been to. The Conning family grow most of the produce which is of outstanding quality. There's a great deli that sells fabulous selections of specialty meats and cheeses. If you're up this way put it on your list!
We've discovered little pockets of loveliness all around us. The Riwaka boat harbour, The Raumanuka Scenic Reserve..... again, where we walked before a shower had us scurrying back to the MH, The Smoke House in Mapua for fish and chips and yes.... they're great and we'd recommend you go there, a wonderful POP, Gardner Valley, run by the very generous snd hospitable Wolfe family. There's a lovely walk around their wetlands and the area above them.
Today we found Kina, a wee area above Mapua. It was good to be walking on a beach again and to see some of the very impressive, massive mansions and estates. WOW.... there's some money in the area!
Tomorrow we celebrate our 49th wedding anniversary. What a gorgeous place to be to reflect on our life-journey together. ❤Read more