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Rules on the Road
  • Helen Rule
  • Helen Rule

Rules on the Road

We're retired and about to hit the road and live the dream. Les mer
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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    St Andrew's, in the sun, for lunch11Waimate rumblingKaikoura

    We've Made it to Marlborough!

    20. juni 2025, New Zealand ☁️ 10 °C

    Another visit to Dunedin NZMCA on the 19th and then we were off! We had a straight forward drive, stopping for David to finally have some of Hampdens Blue Cod, it was third time lucky trying to find the Take Away open. We ended our day at Waihoa Box, a place we've driven into but not stayed. It's interesting to see this flood protection structure which was built in 1910 to replace the original which was swamped and destroyed in 1908. It's protected by the Heritage Places Trust. The drive in was flat but oh so muddy. It's 'highway 1' for the local farmers feed out wagons and their cows crossing. Next day we explored a wee bit, visiting McCullochs Bridge for future camping reference, then continued around the block to Waimate where we visited a small but very good Farmers Market, excellent produce and fresh meat. We waited to cross the road there as dozens of motorbikes rumbled through the town. Saturday night we stayed at the Timaru T and C where we enjoyed dessert followed by the rugby final. Go the Crusaders! Great game!
    The Thompsons POP, in Rangiora was up to its usual high standards. Thanks Christine and Allan. We headed north and discovered the Parnassus NZMCA Camp. It's a real little gem and we'll visit again. We loved the walk out at South Bay Kaikoura, exploring the rocks on the other side and the night at the NZMCA camp, north end. Marfells Beach is a favourite of ours but this time the weather was wild however we did manage a decent beach walk and a forage of the wild greens that grow there. The big winds made for great kite surfing conditions and one surfer got some huge lifts.... we're thinking 10 to 15 M high. I'm always fascinated by the Pinenut forests on the way in. They're so different from the usual ones we see.
    The weather really turned to custard over the next few days with extensive flooding and damage throughout the top of the South Island. We stayed a couple of nights at the Blenheim Truckstop, just south of the town. This is flat, power available and with a great ablution block, all controlled through the Penny app. They also have motel units which was great for us. We picked grandson, Sam, up from the Blenheim Airport and we were supposed to be heading to Picton but the road was closed so popped Sam into one of the units for night. Was SO good to get my hands on a grandie! We dropped Sam off the next day, in pouring rain, to his drop off point for his 21 day Outward Bound experience. Very exciting! It was so lovely to stay with Stuart, brother in law, in Waikawa Bay, Picton. I took over the kitchen and we enjoyed a roast of lamb along with the chatter. David and Stuart relived their common pasts and of course David discovered more about his family history. Stuart is an encyclopedia for our combined family histories. It's wonderful to hear him chat.
    We're now at beautiful Momorangi Bay for a couple of nights. This is a fabulous DOC camp with great facilities, power, grey waste connection at each powered site, excellent kitchen and bathroom facilities. We're right on the water front but the nonpowered sites are across the road and elevated and look just as lovely. Highly recommend this place despite the disruption of road works from Picton. We're thinking that our DOC pass is now well and truly in the green. A great investment to make.    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    2Blenheim
    2BlenheimBlenheimThe explanation! BlenheimWe walked over the submerged bridge less than 12 hours earlier.1Flooding... BlenheimFlooding BlenheimWaihoa BoxDavid dreaming!Waiting on the pouring rain to get on the boat to Outward Bound12

    Photos

    26. juni 2025, New Zealand 🌧 15 °C
  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    1Momorangi Sunrise
    1Momorangi SunriseDavid, bush track behind campMomorangiMoody Momorangi morningClearing with the sun appearingGrove ArmBoat shedsAn appropriate seat!Aussie BayFrom Grove Arm looking across to Anakiwa then down Queen Charlotte Sound

    Momorangi and Aussie Bay DOC Camps

    30. juni 2025, New Zealand ☀️ 7 °C

    Talk about being in paradise! This place is fabulous. The Momorangi camp is outstanding! It's a bit wet up top so only the waterfront sites are open....oh dear..... what a shame! These flat sites offer power, and a grey waste outlet and views to die for! The ablution blocks are top notch, spotlessly clean. There is a full rubbish service. The walking track to Grove Arm via Aussie Bay had a fairly big slip close to Momorangi Bay so we didn't get far. However the track up the back of the camp is beautiful. Doesn't take long to do the loop but it's well worth it. There's glow worms to be seen at night. We spent two lovely days there and will definitely be back. Our DOC pass meant that we paid the princely sum of six dollars a night for power. We're now at Aussie Bay, which is basically two parking areas with a basic loo and fabulous views. We've stayed here on a previous visit to this area. We walked through to Grove Bay today and were stunned by the beauty. Fabulous! We walked back towards Momorangi and almost got there but the DOC workers had the last part of the track closed to clear the slips. This is a gorgeous part of the planet. We'll be back for sure.Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende

    Update

    3. juli 2025, New Zealand 🌧 13 °C

    We left Aussie Bay and headed, via Queen Charlotte Drive, to Kaiteriteri. We thought that the weather was to better over there and we'd be on power should anything go awry weather wise. There were big warnings out. We arrived in rain and settled into Bethany Camp. We were impressed. A very friendly, social group of people who come together for morning tea each day and other social gatherings throughout the week/ month. Whilst it was raining it was not cold and there was no wind so we went walking in our raincoats and with umbrellas several times. We discovered the pretty estuary walk into the village and beach and walked it daily. The Little Kaiteriteri track is also lovely but with steep steps down we only walked up to the top. We drove over the hills to Marahau where we walked the start of the Abel Tasman Walk. We didn't get as far as we'd have liked, about 45mins in, but we were stopped by a slip on the track. We saw enough to know we want to do more. That evening we walked to the pub in town to watch the ABs beat France. Phew! We enjoyed our week in Kaiteriteri and will be back.
    We decided to spend some time in Motueka, staying at the NZMCA camp. Lovely fresh fruit and produce in the sign in shed was a lovely surprise.
    We loved our time with our niece, Jacque, and her husband, Andrew. We walked the foreshore a couple of times and explored the wharf development. We visited Moutere Caravans and we were really impressed with their service and shop. David spent time, as a result of that visit, completing some R and M tasks.
    A new weather system was due to hit the area and as it seemed that the Blenheim region was to be less severely affected so we headed back there. It was a good decision. There was some significant damage and flooding that we luckily escaped.
    We're parked up at the Blenheim Racecourse along with two of my siblings and their spouses a well as another couple we all know, Chris and Ian.
    We enjoyed a decent bike ride yesterday and found a good pub to watch the ABs impressive win over France in the second test. Today we explored the Wither Farm tracks. We climbed up above the town reservoir and partway to the trig station. Should have strapped my knees.... there were some pretty steep pinches.....puff puff puff!    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    Millie. P and G's wee cutie that came with us to Portage1MomorangiPortage1How we accessed P and G's steps when the road was closed22The road is closed!But we walked beyond the gates to find views like this.And thisA plump kereru perfectly at home.The road works directly beneath P and G's home.P and G's entranceIt's soooo much steeper than it looks. Calf muscles had a burn on!Leaving Torea Bay heading to Waikawa BayWas a murky day.Think someone left their sidekick behind!The skippers! Thanks you two..... loved it all.

    Picton/Portage

    15. juli 2025, New Zealand ☁️ 12 °C

    We left Blenheim in lovely sunshine and made our way to Picton once more. A visit to the Makana Chocolate Factory is ALWAYS rewarding. So many taste delights to experience inside and the wonderful orange tree outside that was literally dripping in fruit that we were welcome to loot so we did. Delicious for these southern climes folk! We called into Momorangi Bay for a cuppa with Margaret and Paul, Gerard and Sue and Chris and Ian, on the way.
    We parked up at Anne and Stuart's again where I cooked dinner and enjoyed the evening with Stuart, Paula and Guy. The plan was that P and G were to pick us up in the boat, the next morning, and take across to Portage, where they live, for the night. Well laid plans and all that..... Guy had his ute and trailer with a load gravel on it at Stuart's so we offered to drive it in to Portage making sure to time the road opening for locals just right. Was a bit interesting when the traffic light folks got the signals muddled and there were two green lights at the same time! I'm pretty pleased David has exceptional backing skills..... there were two big rigs driving right at us among the big machinery and road crews.. Loving that they saw the humour in the situation! Gosh there's significant work going on and the road from Linkwater into Portage and beyond remains very fragile but there is a plan.
    P and G's home is set up a very steep drive but offers stunning views out to Kenepuru Sound. Accessing their home during road closure times is interesting. Guy has chiseled some steep, deep steps that go straight up from the road to their front yard.... didn't have my walking poles but managed well anyway. The evening was entertaining. David and Guy went to the Menz shed where it seems the only work done is bending an elbow and telling tall stories! I went to a ladies evening with Paula..... lots of laughs and of course a couple of drinks. Both these venues were 'just around the corner'! SO many corners!
    Enjoyed a walk this morning.....a bit like covid times.... walking down the middle of a closed road and then back up the steep drive to P and G 's home. Loved the quick boat ride from Torea Bay over to Waikawa Bay. It's been a cracker couple of days. P and G are generous hosts.    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    Very tired young man!
    Very tired young man!Left over trifle for breakfast.We enjoyed a long walk here. There were about 100 dogs on the beach but all 100% fine.1Beautiful view from Jacque and Andrew's drive in MotuekaLooking down from the Takaka Hill road.Love the rock formations.From the lookout at the top of the hill.Track in to look out.Perfect Port Tarakohe2Shorts on.... legs out day!Port TarakohePort TarakohePort TarakohePort Tarakohe.... love the wee boats.The rock formations are really interesting.Remind us of the pancake rocksPort TarakohePort TarakohePort Tarakohe

    Golden Bay

    18. juli 2025, New Zealand ☀️ 11 °C

    We've made it to gorgeous Golden Bay!
    But a catch up of what came before..... We had another couple of lovely nights with Stuart in Picton as we were picking up a very tired but elated Sam from his Outward Bound adventures. It was wonderful to hear his animated stories between feeding him SOOOOO much food! We dropped him off at the Blenheim Airport and then drove to Motueka for a night. We backed down Jacque and Andrew's drive for the night and watched the third All Blacks/France game with them. Thanks J and A. Always great to be with you both.
    From there we drove over the Takaka Hill and into Golden Bay. We stopped and walked into the lookout on the way.... impressive views back over Motueka and out to sea.
    We have had four blissful nights at Port Tarakohe. Bob and Eddie and Alan and Alan, NZMCA friends were there. We were later joined by Gerard and Sue, Chris and Ian and Margaret and Paul. The weather has been fabulous. Sunny warm days with very crisp evenings and mornings. So different from our Central Otago winters.
    We walked, explored The Labyrinth Stones and caught up with friends. There's still more to do in a week or so.
    We've all now moved to Pakawau..... the beach, the paddling, the weather.... shorts and tshirts.... the company.... absolutely wonderful! This is what it's all about.    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    1Corduroy Beach Pakawau
    1Corduroy Beach PakawauNot much wrong with this view!The sunsets and sunrises have been gorgeousA couple of hopefuls.... they too had sausages just in case!The Pakawau Wharf then......And now.Our much loved Sue on her special day.It's Sambucca time!Balloons with a view!Gorgeous PakawauSue's beach find and Chris sporting her cast.CollingwoodWharf CollingwoodQuirky CollingwoodHMS VictoryThe pots and tables were colorful and matched the colourful charactersPakawau on the only dull/rainy day we've had here.We walk every day.....our happy place1

    Pakawau

    24. juli 2025, New Zealand ☁️ 12 °C

    What a gorgeous wee gem this is. We've been here since Thursday 24th and will be here until Monday morning. We've been joined by Margaret, Paul, Gerard, Sue and Ian and Chris. Eddie and Bob and Ann and Allan have also been here so it's been quite social especially celebrating Sue's special day.
    Chris had a fall while out walking and unfortunately broke both the ulnar and radius in her left wrist. A trip to firstly the Takaka med center then Nelson hospital and she was sorted but really bruised and sporting a cast. She's pretty stoic!
    David has built bonfires.... yes they're allowed here..... so different from home.... two nights so out came the marshmallows! Such a lovely thing to do.
    We've enjoyed long beach walks most days with shoes off and David in shorts. David had a day out on the briny with hope of catching dinner. Lucky we had sausages just in case! We love winter in Golden Bay. Today it's been wet and breezy but the temperature has been around 13/14 so mild enough to walk between the intermittent showers.
    Yesterday we popped into Collingwood and were reminded that this was home to some alternative folk which added to the character of the wee town. We visited the little museum and found that the town was named for Collingwood who was second in Comand of the HMS Victory which we explored when we were in Portsmouth, England. Also saw an image of the wharf that was built at Pakawau which is now reduced to derelict piles.
    It's such a pleasure to have such mild weather every day and such a big change from the climate at home. We're loving it. Tomorrow we're heading out to explore Farewell Spit.    Les mer

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    Boat racing Daniel Waihola

    29.–31. jul. 2025, New Zealand 🌧 12 °C

    This is not related to our time on the road but definitely warrants a mention..
    Last weekend was a biggie for our family. Daniel competed in the last NZ Boat Marathon Commission event for the season. He entered the Nominated Speed event with Matt Lamb and Tully crewing, placing 8th, followed by the main speed event. It was special that Matt was with him for the first event but even more special that Tully crewed in the speed event making him the third generation in our family to take to the water competitively. Daniel placed second overall in the NZ Championship so NZ2 which means that as he is no longer NZ1 the green hair goes! AT LAST! 🤣 Very proud parents/ grandparents.
    Haven't done this before so giving it a go. Hope the FB link works.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15n6hpftWs/    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende

    Pakawau and Mangarakau

    30. juli 2025, New Zealand ☁️ 13 °C

    We stayed on at Pakawau to attend the Nelson/ Tasman NZMCA rally that was held over the weekend. What a great time we had. We met some lovely people and had loads of laughs. The gin tasting session was so good! The owner/ distiller was a really hard case.... great fun! We'll definitely call in to the distillery in Motupipi to make some purchases.
    Sunday morning we departed to make our way to Mangarakau. What a wonderful discovery! The road in is in mostly great condition. There are lots of causeways on the road around the Whanganui Inlet with a picture around every corner. We saw a pair of white heron wading on the flats. This is real west coast country. Native bush everywhere and very remote living. We were surprised at how many people call this place home, with lots of mail boxes at the end of steep tracks up to houses among the bush. Farmers here must face some real challenges but most of the stock looked to be in great condition. Calving is well under way now.
    Mangarakau is a fabulous place. Note this one Neil and Trish! Margaret and Paul were here to greet us after we parked on a bit of a clearing next to the beach. It's a real contrast to the east coast with lovely big waves foaming as they rolled in. The noise is impressive.
    David got his finny out but despite his effort we were pleased to have a back up plan. Paul had set up a beach fire which we sat around, cooking dinner and eating toasted marshmallows until they ran out so out came chocolate fish...... who knew they were soooo good toasted!
    We woke to a lovely sunrise and mild day so we explored the beach which is sandy with a big rock spit at one end and the Puturau River mouth at the other. The tide surges up the river at high tide and this the best time to catch kahawai but not for us. Just a chocolate fish....see the pic. The rock spit at the other end is just wonderful with beautifully carved pools, limestone formations, interesting stones and sandy paths through it at low tide. We were completely enchanted here.
    Lots of driftwood provided building materials for beach structures, one had an entrance that featured a fire pit that looked great but I'm sure held a fair chance of destroying the creative effort!
    We have been surprised by the number of people who just appear on the beach, almost all locals. One young chap arrived at dusk and joined us at our beach fire with his lovely pooch, Dawn. He was one of five builders constructing a new woodshed nearby and had brought his Dawn down to the beach for a run. He stopped and yarned for an hour and enjoyed one of our spit cooked sausages which were delicious. David loved reliving his scouting days!
    This place is one of NZ's best kept winter secrets......shhhhhh let's keep it that way because apparently it's wall to wall people during whitebaiting and summer holidays.    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    3

    Farewell Spit

    5. august 2025, New Zealand 🌬 12 °C

    We changed plans earlier in the week so took the opportunity to head out onto the Spit on our way back from Mangarakau. We walked up the eastern side for about 1.5ks then crossed to the west coast via a well formed road with a few muddy patches that saw us detouring through a bit of scrub. The contrast between these coasts was quite impressive. The Eastern side was strewn in driftwood and the tide was well out leaving huge mudflats that were great to walk on. The western side comprised a wide open sandy beach backed by sand hills and fronted by big rolling waves. Absolutely gorgeous! The weather was mild, again, and the walking easy so a really lovely day that ended with an icecream at the Pakawau camping ground, cheapest icecreams we've had for eons, and the drive back to Tarakoe where we'll stay for day or two to let a weather front blow over before we head over to Totaranui for a few days.Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    1

    Port Tarakohe and Totaranui

    7. august 2025, New Zealand 🌧 11 °C

    We stayed five nights at Port Tarakohe and were joined by Chris and Ian for some of that time. The days were spent exploring; Takaka township where I found a lovely little butcher shop, The Butcheress; Te Waikoropupu Springs which is still lovely but becoming filled with weed; a lovely walk at Patons Rock on a dreary misty day; a walk into Pohara and another around the Port. David was chuffed to be asked to go fishing with Dion O'Rourke, a Lions mate from our time in Wanaka, who lives in Pohara. Ian was pleased to go too. They had a successful day bringing home two good kahawai and five gurnard. They caught others but returned them to the sea. It was a beautiful calm day. The fish was delicious.
    The drive into Totaranui was great given the recent weather. There's evidence of some big slips but none seemed to damage the roads rather they poured over the roads and were easily cleared.

    The DOC camping ground is massive and remote. It's got over 200 camp sites and can cater for around 850 people! It's separated into sectors. There's a well set up ablutions block for every two sectors however the showers offer one temp only......COLD! Imagine that at New Years. Apparently it has a big number of young people celebrating! The golden sand beach will be heaving.
    We walked to Skinner Point and explored the beach on the way.
    We set up on the beach, after dinner one night, to watch for penguins but sadly didn't see any although there were footprints aplenty from the previous night.
    We also enjoyed the set up fireplaces and once again toasted mini chocolate fish!

    On our way out today we drove into Wainui Bay and walked out to the beach. It's really lovely! We followed that up with a walk to the Wainui Falls. We loved them both. It was disappointing that the last few steps on the Falls track were washed out so my knees weren't up to walking the last few meters around a corner to see the Falls. David clambered down some rocks and he walked the last wee bit and got good photos.
    We're now back at Port Tarakohe for the night before we head back to Motueka/Blenheim/ / Nelson Lakes..... decision still pending!    Les mer

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    3The Cathedral1

    Ngarua Caves Takaka Hill

    13. august 2025, New Zealand ☀️ 9 °C

    Well WOW! The best $30 each we've spent in ages.
    We're both a bit rattled by being underground but we'd heard great things about these caves so took the plunge and down we went with Janet, our guide.
    What a truly fantastic place. The images speak for themselves. My knees were a tad unsure a couple of times and my head was definitely unsure when I saw our exit method but so worth it. These ancient cave systems are remarkable. The Muldoon and Rodin 'sculptures' have been formed by water alone. Incredible!
    Musicians love the acoustic qualities and brides love the atmosphere of the cathedral so there are special occasions held there. Very special!    Les mer

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    MOTUEKA/MAPUA

    14. august 2025, New Zealand ☀️ 8 °C

    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. ❤    Les mer

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    21121

    Catch up time

    24. august 2025, New Zealand ☀️ 14 °C

    We've had a lovely time discovering the Motueka, Blenheim, Rarangi, Richmond area with a short lived diversion to St Arnaud.
    The weather has been wonderful so we've walked lots. Rabbit Island is a firm favourite so we've loved the chance to walk on this gorgeous beach a few times. We got the bikes out one day and cycled from Richmond and around a lovely costal area before we ended up at the Honest Lawyer for a well earned beer. We had thought a basket of hot chips would go down well but thought better of it when told we'd wait for about 75 mins! The beer was good! As was the music being played by a wonderful band. 30's and 40's music. We loved it and the atmosphere it brought to the garden where loads of people were enjoying a gorgeous day.
    I was thrilled to get my hair cut by our clever niece, Jacque.
    Part way through this part of our trip we decided to head to the West Coast and really enjoyed the drive to St Arnaud where it rained and rained all night long. So....a look at the long range forecast saw us hightailing it back to the East Coast and sun.
    We shopped at Connings fruit and vegetables market and also discovered Good For, a fabulous bulk store for all dry food pantry requirements as well as oils and sauces. Both these places we recommend highly.
    David loved wandering around the large area at the Wakefield vintage museum. He enjoyed reminiscing about the machines and tractors etc from his youth.
    We walked around a small lake at Taylors Dam. It's really pretty with lots of resident swans, geese and ducks but also a track that saw us minding where we stepped.... there were fowl poops all over it! It was clearly evident that the area had been flooded in recent weeks.
    While staying at the Blenheim Racecourse we discovered Pollard Park. It boundaries the golf course that's directly behind the racecourse. What a find! It's the lovliest park. On two boundaries sit homes that look directly into the park or the golfcourse but separated by a water channel. It was interesting to see the bridges the families had erected to gain access to the park. A drawbridge, a swivel bridge, a concertina bridge, planks, regular bridges.... all manner of styles were evident.
    Rarangi is a lovely area. The beach is not to our liking, gravel and course sand, but it has great views. Access to Monkey Bay is via some stone steps to a viewing platform where the North Island was in plain view. We decided to use the steps for a bit of fitness training....up down up down...puff...puff...puff!
    The walk to Whites Bay is closed from the road above Rarangi but we walked to the road via a steep, zigzagged track.
    Hopefully we'll get to Wither Farm for a walk tomorrow.    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    Wither Farm. This bridge was washed out the first time we came here.
    Wither Farm. This bridge was washed out the first time we came here.Wither FarmBlenheim river walk.Blenheim river walkRemnants of old mill. Blenheim river walkLove this building. BlenheimMy favourite flowers foraged from Rarangi. I've never seen them growing in the wild. A treat!Freesia growing in the wild! RarangiThere were 8 Tui foraging in a kowhai at Koromiko.Love this!Murchison NZMCA camp.MurchisonMurchisonMurchisonSide view of the Theater1Six mile walk.... Fallen trees and mud aplenty!Called in to the start of track..... very wet!3A rock carved roof... impressive.A sweet touch in Westport.Art deco Westport

    From East to West

    4. september 2025, New Zealand ☀️ 17 °C

    As indicated in my previous blog we did indeed get to Wither Farm where we loved a steep but gradual climb to wonderful views out to the sea. Whither Farm is a network of tracks that cater for walkers of all abilities as well as cyclists of all abilities. It's a wonderful asset for Blenheim that's well maintained and patronized.
    Next day we were pleased to 'do' the Blenheim River paths which we tried to cycle a few weeks ago but most of them were flooded. Was great to see them dry and cleaned up.
    We moved to Waikawa Bay to spend time with family and watch the AB's play South Africa. It was a great match accompanied by lots of commentary from all the 'experts' in the room! Lots of laughs!
    We've stayed at all, bar one, NZMCA camps in the SI now after enjoying a night at Koromiko where we wandered through the memorial bush track and had a catch up with members we'd met in Kaikoura.
    We've been crisscrossing our way around the top of the SI catching up with Ian and Prue on occasions so it was wonderful to have a couple of nights with them in Murchison. It was our first stay in this wee town and we loved it. It's full of rustic old buildings brimming with stories past. We discovered a gorgeous walk that saw us climbing up a few step pinches that opened to a simple, at times muddy and blocked with fallen trees, track through native bush that ended at a weir and gorgeous waterfall. This track is right up there with the lovliest we've found so far.
    We've been trying to get to the West Coast but poor weather has seen us delaying this past of our trip however we decided to just go for it so we did. We traveled on a very wet day to Westport NZMCA camp. We popped in to see the longest swing bridge in NZ, which we admired from afar, on the road to Westport. Yesterday and today have been really warm. The North Beach provided us with a great walk which we followed up with some of the Cape Foulwind track which we'll complete from the other end when we return to Westport in a few days.
    Today we continued up the road to Gentle Annie camp in Mokihinui and what a camp it is, right on the wild west coast. We love the quirky details.
    We noticed a Country and Western Museum in Hector, on our way here, and went in for a look. WOW! What surprise! Barry has been collecting LP's, 45's, and 1000's of photos and other morabilia for 60 years and has amassed one of largest private collections in the world. Hector is a tiny wee place and to find this here was really unexpected.
    We'll explore the walks around here tomorrow between the predicted showers.    Les mer

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    Mokihinui River1

    West Coast.... you're wet!

    14. september 2025, New Zealand 🌬 11 °C

    While parked up at Gentle Annie we experienced a massive storm! Thunder, lightening, torrential rain and wind. Think Kidds Bush Barb! Despite that we decided to move over the hill, Karamea Bluff, to Little Wanganui after a catch up with Colin and Janet, Andrew's mum and dad at their bach in Mokihinui.
    It's been interesting to see the contrast in white baiting here compared to home. The stands are very basic, some with a bit of shelter but lots with none. On the Mokihinui River there is a self imposed ban on set nets so only scoop nets are allowed. Over the hill we saw very few set nets so presume the same applies on that river too. The catches so far have been disappointing.
    Again the weather was terrible but when the sun showed its face we hightailing it to the beach. Walked for about 40mins before turning for home just as a new front came in. We got drenched!
    So.... we're quitting the coast! We have tried to explore but it's been pretty futile so we'll try again in May next year. We're now back in Westport awaiting the arrival of my new bank card, walking between showers when we can but invariably getting wet. Soggy shoes are the order of the day!
    We're going to head to Reefton then Hanmer Springs and pray for sun!    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    These rubbish bins are very attractive and are especially placed for visitors use. Impressed!
    These rubbish bins are very attractive and are especially placed for visitors use. Impressed!1Inangahua Swingbridge...I even stopped to take a photo!Local fungi! Such an unusual colour.The Sluice Box, Lake Daniel's TrackInangahua River

    REEFTON TO HANMER SPRINGS

    17. september 2025, New Zealand 🌧 13 °C

    We left Westport in rain and arrived in Reefton in rain so no changes weather wise! We donned raincoats, grabbed the brollies and explored this quaint old town. We loved it! Popped into a few shops and got a few surprises..... one shop sold fishing gear, guns and amo, bikes and accessories, general hardware and........knitting wool and all accessories! Talk about a random mix! The chap was very chatty with a quick wit and great sense of humour. The general store across the road was the first building in the Southern Hemisphere to have electricity, generated from a local power station. It seems that Reefton was also the first town to have electrically lit street lights...hence its slogan 'Town of Light'. We did invest in a bottle of Little Biddy gin..... it's made here so it's a souvenir! Right!
    We parked at the racecourse which would be lovely in dry weather so we'll be back.
    We had a look at a couple of great walking options but everything was sodden so left for Hanmer driving a new road for us through miles of pristine native forest. Absolutely gorgeous! Discovered and experienced the Inangahua Swingbridge.....yep I volunteered to cross it! and then the Daniel's Lake track so of course we had to have wee look at that. A five minute walk, that wasn't, to the Sluice Box, saw us bushwhacking around big puddles that blocked the track and being liberally showered each time we touched a tree but wowed by the high water pressure squeezing through the gap.
    The beauty of The Coast is amazing and we will be back.
    Hanmer Springs turned on sun for us..... so so good, we were definitely feeling soggy! We intend to be here for four or five days.    Les mer

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  • Helen RuleRules on the RoadReisende
    1The original cafe building Hanmer SpringsThe original cafe building Hanmer Springs1

    Hanmer Springs

    18. september 2025, New Zealand 🌬 11 °C

    It's been absolutely wonderful to discover lovely Hanmer Springs. We've not stayed this long before so we're happy.
    This charming town is built around the pools and is definitely a hot spot for tourists and holidaying families. We happened to be here during school holidays so it was busy! We had two sessions in the pools, one in the main area where there's a myriad of options for all and one in a private pool to avoid the hundreds of kids that descended on the pools. David was happy to recognize the updated but original cafe area as the place where he and his family enjoyed hot milkshakes after they'd spent the day in the, then, segregated pools where no swimming attire was required. Highly recommend this as a must do activity. You can join the Hot Pools Club online to get good discounts.
    We discovered the great network of walks and experiences in the Heritage Forest area that's just out of town. We walked up Conical Hill, puff puff puff, discovered the wonderful sculpture walk and the Forest walk which followed the perimeter of a large park space. There are lots of options for walking and biking here. It's a great facility.
    I enjoyed by birthday while here and had a very good morning tea at Power House Cafe. It's also well worth a visit.
    We spent 5 nights at the NZMCA Park then moved across the road to the Hanmer Reserve park which is great. There's limited parking, max 10 vehicles, but loads of space and a river walk up a deeply rutted track but we enjoyed it.
    We have moved onto Kaikoura via the inland road to Mt Lyford.
    David was chuffed to discover Rodin racetrack where he watched cars out doing their thing. He loves the back story of this place and what they're trying to achieve. Google it to find out.
    We stayed at the very quirky, Terako Downs POP, where we quite literally bush whacked our way down the river. David was a hero and forged a crossing for us. Ever the Boy Scout! All was going well until 3 horses approached us st a very fast gallop so the well built crossing was dispensed with and wet, soggy shoes, socks and pants were dealt with back at the MH. It did not take nearly as long to get back.....adrenaline a plenty saw to that!
    The drive to Kaikoura was great. The road is really winding but we discovered deep river valleys and north Canterbury high country farms. This is rugged country. We loved it.    Les mer

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