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MACKS MEANDER AGAIN
  • Linda McKinlay

MACKS MEANDER AGAIN

A 31-day adventure by Linda Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 1, 2025
    Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    2nd leg Tga /Taihape

    February 1 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    I've restarted my trip for reasons too hard to explain here. So now I should have the correct day at the top of each new post. Here's hoping anyway. 🤞 First stop after leaving Tauranga was Taupo, where we had a brief catch up with friends from our Wanganui days Laurie and Isabel. The 40min detour through National Park and Ohakune felt tedious but it did mean we could have a stop in Ohakune for a stretch and for Rog to buy not one, but 2 famous chocolate eclairs for himself. 😱 He agrees that all the hype over their deliciousness is well deserved. 😋 Me being a goody goody 😇 made do with coffee ☕️ Arrived at the Taihape golf club about 6pm and very ready to stop. After tea we enjoyed a strole around the pretty course picking up a flash golf tee for Roger to add to his collection. Tonight it's very quiet and we have rain and sheep for company. Plan to hit the road by 8.30am tomorrow to be at the ferry bout mid day.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler
    1

    Taihape to Blenheim

    February 2 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    So keen to get going this morning we managed to leave 30mins ahead of time. Easy drive to the Ferry. We've been commenting how quiet the roads are which suits us fine. Found a gorgeous cafe surrounded by roses in Levin. 'Old courthouse Eatery' . Only opened in September. Just as well we found it in a back street cause there was nothing on the main drag and we were well ready for some cafine after our early start. Down the road was a Polynesian church and the music and harmony floating out the windows was awsome. We were a bit peeved cause our ferry sailing was delayed 30min and also there was an 'operational issue' meaning we had a slower than normal trip. So a whole 45min longer on the boat and it felt like a looooong boring crossing. 😠 Our Wings camp at Koromiko was full so we carried on to Blenheim race course where we have stayed before. Very very busy here too. But it's a nice setting and we're happy. Expect to sleep well tonight. 😴Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Active day in ChCh

    February 4 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Great to get the bikes off the truck this morning and to do the long awaited ride with Carol. Unfortunately Malc had to work. Carol took us through a Council Regional Park called The Groynes where there are lakes, picnic areas and walking/cycling tracks. Very pretty and super fun. We rode into Clear Water golf resort and had coffee and a muffin sitting in the sun admiring the gardens. We started from Carol and Malcolm's house and only had one main road to cross which was a bonus. Unfortunately though the finish of the ride was slightly spoilt by my bike tyre being punctured by a nasty thorn. Luckily, an easy walk away is a bike shop and the repair was done quickly for $10 while I was in the supermarket. Photos show a very quiet gorgeous dog, the tight squeeze parking, lunch, and 2 stunning cyclists.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    CHCH TO TEKAPO

    February 5 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    This morning Malcolm kindly took Roger and my bike down to the bike shop to have the wheel refitted as Roger didn't have the skill to do himself. He tried hard but it is very tricky. Once he returned it was time to hit the road again. Passing through Geraldine we were stopped by the Sth Canterbury highway patrol for a breath test
    There was a big team present as it was a special road safety campaign. Anyway when he discovered we were passing through Fairly he gave us vouchers for a couple of free pies from the famous pie bakery. They went down a treat as it was a late lunch by the time we reached Fairly. We're parked in the Wings camp in Tekapo for the night. We have a great spot with a view of the lake. Tomorrow we're cycling part way to Twizzle on the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail then back again. The forcaste is for a cloudy day so should be nice cycling conditions.    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Chch x 2

    February 5 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    So very sorry Carol, I omitted to mention our scrumptious feed of Foveaux Straight blue cod. 🐟 We enjoyed it so much that Carol very generously gave us some more to have for our dinner tonight. 😋 Very yummy and very special as its not a fish we see in Auckland seafood shops. Much appreciated 🫶Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    TeKapo / Twizel

    Feb 6–8 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Planned for a big cycle ride today. Packed the snacks and lunch last night and put all the cycling gear out ready to dress, load up and head off without too much delay after breakfast. We thought we'd do the section of the A2O TeKapo to the salmon farm. 24km each way. The trail was lovely riding alongside the canals and the surface was mostly sealed but it was just straight on and on and on
    We got bored so we did 16.5k and after a short break for sustenance turned around and did it all again in reverse. Actually there was quite a nasty cross wind making cycling difficult in places which wasn't nice. Anyway we did some exercise and that's always a good thing. We've been suprised how many people are walking the Te Aroa trail. A lot of them young ladies on their own too. We've moved on to Twizel and will ride in the morning then make our way to Wanaka. Photos. Roger contemplating, Lake TeKapo late afternoon. Cycle trail starting point. Trail canal and power station Ps. A2O cycle trail goes from Tekapo or Mr Cook to Oamaru. We have riden quite a few sections on previous trips.    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Damp start

    February 10 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    🌧 very late start this morning . It was a bit chilly and damp so much warmer and snuggly in bed 🛌 By the time we left our bed, did the morning ablutions, got dressed and had breakfast it was time for morning ☕️ and 🧀 scone 😋. Can't be too sorry about the rain though as its very very dry here. The plan was to drive the motorhome around the lake to Glendue Bay for a day of kyaking swimming reading and lazing, coming home after tea. Instead it was a 12min walk down to the township for a mooch around once the rain had stopped, a paddle to check water temp, (warm) an ice cream, then a very hot walk up hill home. The weather sure can change in a day. Driveway bbq burgers for dinner. Beach day tomorrow.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Beach Day.

    February 11 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After a brief stop in Wanaka for supplies, coffe and a chocolate nut pastry thing from a French bakery 😋 we set of for the beach ⛱️ 😎
    Had a wonderful day and didn't get home till about 9.15.pm The water was very easy to get into so we had several swims. The only disappointment was that it got quite windy 💨around the time Roger should have been setting up the bbq so we ended up cooking and eating indoors instead. However it had calmed down in time for us to have our cuppa ☕️ outdoors and then a brief strole before the drive back to Wanaka. Heading away for 3 nights tomorrow. First stop Arrowtown to 🚴‍♀️Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    MORE Riding

    February 12 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Wasn't going to share today with you but it was such a fantastic ride that I just have to for the Wrights benefit. We are staying in a POP just at the base of the Crown Range and close to the Arrowtown cycle trail so we were able to start the ride from our Motorhome. Beautiful trail along the river into Arrowtown and then through the stunning grounds of Millbrook Resort. From there a little bit of riding next to the road before about 7km of zigzagging up and down hills which took a bit of effort but the surface was really good and the trail wide enough for passing cyclists. It was super sunny so getting to Arthur's Point and finding the pub with a lovely shaded garden was very much appreciated. Hot fries and cold drinks were ordered and enjoyed before turning round for the return trip. Wharehuanui cycle trail plus some Arrowtown cycle trail 49km today. I'm expecting to sleep well tonight. Just thought I'd show you what we had for dinner. First time I've used Watties Just Add Mince and recommend for an easy meal. With a packet of precooked rice it went down a treat. Perfect on the road food.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    More humour

    February 14 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Does anyone else's blue sticker look like ours?

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Glenorchy

    February 14 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Stayed in a POP in Arrowtown after our ride, then today we drove up to Glenorchy to explore. Quite a few years since we were there and my it has grown. Very busy with overseas tourists at this time of the year. Also quite by accident came across the new NZMCA site. It's right in town and is pretty nice. Looks ready to use so maybe a consent from council is holding up things. We did a very pleasant 1hr 30min walk then found a nice spot by the lake to park up and have our lunch. Heading back towards QTown we stopped at 12 Mile Delta camp on the lake for the night. This site was previously a Doc Camp now run by council with a site manager. However we didn't see that person so got away without paying as they haven't set up online payment yet. A very pleasant refreshing swim topped off a great day.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler
    1

    Walter Peak Station

    February 15 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Booked the Earnslaw (aka The Lady of the Lake,) tour to Walter Peak Station with gourmet lunch and farm show. What a stunning place and wonderful day we had. The buffet meal was delicious and plenty ful. 4 meats plus fish and a selection of vegetables, salads and cold foods. The staff were friendly and helpful and the restaurant views - well you'll see from my photos. And then there's the gardens and beautiful old buildings. Over 200 for lunch and all so well managed. From lunch we had a 20min farm show with a sheep dog handling and shearing demonstrations. It was interesting and fun. Then back to the beautiful gracious old lady for a gentle cruise back to Queenstown. It was an extremely hot afternoon with the temperature climbing over 30 degrees, so I was very happy to get back to base where there was a big tree waiting and to sit in the shade with a cold drink and my book. ( must admit to a bit of trouble keeping my eyes open) A very satisfying day.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Lake Hayes

    February 15 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Lunch, paddle and down time at beautuful, serene Lake Hayes Arrowtown, before heading back to Wanaka to do laundry, cleaning and stock up pantry.

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Wanaka

    February 18 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    It's been a sit round waiting day till about 2.30. A couple of days ago our fridge decided it didn't want you work on gas which is fine while we are plugged into Miller's power. We were starting to consider how we could make the trip home with out refridgeration as Roger was having trouble finding someone to come check it over for us. For a while it looked like we might have to make a trip to Alex then luckily he came accross a nice young man in Wanaka who could come this afternoon. So he's here now and I have my fingers 🤞 . I'll let you know how we get on. It rained a lot over night which is a big hurrah for Wanaka. The poor lake is parched. Not heavy rain but pretty constant and the forcaste is for more rain this afternoon and a wet day tomorrow. Might be movie day. Lucky for us it cleared sufficiently this morning for a cycle to Edgewater for our annual coffee and scone. I must say I'm sure the scones were a lot bigger when we were first introduced to their yummyness. Sorry forgot to photograph. Had an interesting response to our bell ringing when coming up behind a couple holding hands. They just stopped on the track. Hands still held, but one each side of the path completely blocking our way 😵‍💫 Came across a fairy dell and some interesting sculptures that
    Walked down town to The Cow, our favourite pizza place last night. Did remember to photograph. Had a swim yesterday. Thought we'd got the instructions where to go correct but turns out we should have gone round the corner. Photos show why. Photos also show our tight squeeze on Miller's driveway. Just enough room. For them to get past with their cars.    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Fridge

    February 19 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    All fixed, well till we get home at least. Then it needs some servicing and parts replaced. Seems we had a blockage in the burner, which has been cleared. Thank goodness.

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Finger Lick'n Day

    February 21 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Started the day yesterday with a cycle along the Outlet track to 'Pembroke Patisserie' in Albert Town for coffee and treat. 🥐 A ride we have done previously. Mentioning this as the Wrights know it well. I don't intend to do that ride again unless something is done about the 3km of rugged, narrow, blind corners, nasty shear drop off into the river part of the trail. It is a very stressful, difficult piece of what is otherwise a beautiful easy track to ride. Too much for an old girl. 😱 Luckily we didn't have to go back the same way. Maggies 13th birthday so it was party time. 🎂 Amigo's (Mexican) for dinner, then home for party games and cheesecake birthday cake. After school today, we are taking Maggie to Cromwell for a night in the Motorhome. She's chosen the Menue. Bbq sausages (with sauce) in buns 🌭 and fruit pies for dinner and pancakes 🥞 and bacon and eggs for breakfast. 🥓🍳 Hope the rain stays away so we can do all this outside. Then it will be Mini Golf and real fruit ice creams 🍦 before heading home. I wonder who will enjoy this the most 🤔 PS. I wasn't trying to out do Grant with my food pics. 😄Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Freedom

    February 21 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Not a bad view for the night and won't cost a cent 👏 We even have a loo right next door in case we get caught short. 😂 Might even have a dip after dinner or in the morning if the wind drops.

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    A Wings Spat 😡

    February 24 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Very entertaining afternoon in Franz Joseph NZMCA. A motorhome turned up and discovered that their reserved space had been encroached on by vehicles on either side of their park. Well it was gloves off and several rounds of argy bargy with other people and the custodian trying to calm the aggrieved. They could actually have just moved onto a different space, but they wanted their reserved one. A matter of principle, it seems. In the end the big bus moved and they got their way. Of course the answer to this issue, which I expect is a common one, would be to mark each parking space with pegs or something. Then to extend show time the custodian decided we are full, (Though I can see room for 2 more vehicles,) and she has been turning very dissappointed people away. The first man was very upset throwing up his hands and doing a rant. Thank goodness we got here early afternoon. Having said all that, it's a great spot with nice flat hard packed surface and surrounded by gorgeous native bush. Oh the birds sing very sweetly tooRead more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    WOOLY JUMPER DAY

    February 25 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Sad morning leaving our Wanaka family and stunning central Otago yesturday. We've become very fond of the area since we started making regular visits. However the West Coast is pretty cool too so we will enjoy our time here. We have some maintenence to attend to when we're home. Accessories not body work this time. 😉 The winder for our awning snapped, our awning light needs replacing, our microwave is buzzing so has been unplugged, screws have come out of our bedroom mirror and the shower head. (both have stripped so need plugs) and then yesturday on the way here our bathroom tap fell off 😵‍💫 I guess it's a sign of mileage covered and our uneven roads. Very wet day today, our first so been pretty lucky. Had planned to spend the day kayaking Okarito Lagaoon and Wetlands 25min north. Lots of birdclife there, including the beautiful Kotuku (White Heron). Stayed put in Franz till after lunch and just called in for a look at the lagoon as we drove passed on our way to Hokitika. It's a quaint seaside settlement with lots of walking tracks and lagoon activities. We've decided a return visit is a must if we come back this way. Had to make do with photos not the kyak experience this time. Hokitika NZMCA is full so we have come a few kms up the road to Woodstock Domain for the same cost. Hoping to cycle tomorrowRead more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Parking Quandry

    February 26 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Hokitika Wings was full last night so we headed to Woodstock Domain POP just a few minutes drive inland. It was teaming with rain so we were very happy to arrive and settle in with 2 motorhomes 1 caravan and about 8 small self contained vehicles. Toilet, bins and water provided. $5 p.p. Parking was outside the fence on the road verge so a bit strange but a very quiet road so ok. Drove into Hokitika to ride more of the West Coast Wilderness Trail this morning. Hokitika to Stunning Lake Kaniere (pronounced Canary) A large part of this ride is through gorgeous bush alongside a water race. It is a spectacular piece of track and I wish I could have taken more photos to share with you. Getting back to the motorhome which we had parked just outside of town, we moved on to Greymouth intending to stay at the freedom camping space recommended by the Wrights. We were parked with ramps in place making us nice and level, I had made myself comfortable in the sun with a cold drink and snack when Roger announced he thought we might move 🤔 He had been talking to 2 gentlemen who knew the cycle trail we were intending to do tomorrow .The suggestion was we move to Kumara (back about 20mins the way we'd come) Community Reserve POP and ride from there. So here we are and only $5 per van
    It's much nicer with a big sealed car park toilets and a nice green field to look at. Very quiet too. So you have a photo montages of the cycle trail then a walk down the main street of Kumara picking up some freebies on the way back. Ps. Gosh it's a bit of an epistle tonight folks 😂    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    RIDE ONE👍

    February 27 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Apologies for the errors in yesturdsys' report. Thanks Sharon for pointing them out.
    All corrected now.
    2 rides today so 2 reports and gee they sure were contrasting rides. Both 20km return as it happens. The weather has been perfect for riding. Not too hot, not too cold, and no rain. Started the day with a very nice coffee at the Empire Cafe, (usual story) 😋
    Then we rode from Kumara to the Taramakau Bridge. Did think about riding into Greymouth for lunch but decided to do a 2nd ride this afternoon instead. Fabulous ride to the bridge. Nice and flat, great surface and lovely bush. I was quite happy to have this easy, no skills required, ride after yesterday's being a little more technical. 😉 Home for a break and food then off again. 😎 Note the huge handle on the coffee cup 😄    Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    RIDE 2 👎

    February 27 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    After a sandwich we set off on the trail leading to the Kapitea Reservoir. Sounded like a nice ride but we wouldn't recommend it. Started off with a bit of up hill zig zagging then a very rough rugged bone shattering surface for most of the remainder of the ride. The reservoir wasn't anything special just pretty water and interesting rock walls creating the dam. Rode about 4 km past there and decided surface wasn't improving and we had to do it all again on return so turned around. A bit disappointing as we had hoped to reach a specific point on the West Coast Wilderness Trail map. Came home after another 20km and had to use the anti flam on my poor knees. 😔 On the way home we stopped at Londonberry Rock. It was a 5 minute very pretty walk off the trail so I did it while Rog minded the bikes. The Rock was massive but unfortunately so large I couldn't photograph. It apparently floated down a melting glacier. Walking on the track to the rock I saw mining relics and mine shafts and heaps of mine tailings. (ie rock piles) Home for a shower and a drink with the neighbours. They spent many years living on their yacht in and around Malaysia and were there when the tsunami hit. So that was an interesting experience to hear about. Just off to the pub for dinner now with neighbours on the other side of us. Very sociable lot here. We're all cyclists so like to share cycling tales. Tomorrow heading to Reefton for coffee then on to next stop.Read more

  • Linda McKinlayMACKS MEANDER AGAINTraveler

    Final Ride 😪

    February 28 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Left Kumara this morning in fog and with the aroma of coal fires in the air.. First stop Reefton an hour and half later where we did our dump and had coffee. I love this town. It is so proud of its history and its good to see it still seems to be flourishing. Lots of painting and water blasting being done around town and a few new businesses opened up since our visit last year. I took a photo of a new sign board advertising activities for young and older. We are now parked up at Kohatu parked behind the Flat Rock Cafe. ( a POP) After a late lunch of pizza and fries, 😋 (a light meal tonight) jumped on the bikes again for a very short ride to Tapawera, another link in the Great Taste Cycle Trail. It seems this town takes recycling very seriously!! (Note the size of the bin) 😄 The seat facing the Graves took Roger's fancy. I guess one could sit there and converse with the dead over a cuppa. 🤣 We have company in the paddock behind the motorhome. Tomorrow we move on the RichmondRead more

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