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Labour weekend shenanigans
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  • Neil's on Wheels
  • Neil Turner

Labour weekend shenanigans

A short but fine adventure by Neil's on Wheels & Neil Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 23, 2025
    Labour weekend shenanigans

    Night 1- freedom camping

    October 23 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Our first camping trip without the dogs! 🐾 Amy came down from Auckland to house- and dog-sit for us, and it was so nice catching up with her before we headed off.

    We had originally planned to go to Mokau, but last week’s big weather event caused the river to flood and left the area pretty soggy. We figured camping on a wet site wasn’t the best idea, so we had to put our thinking caps on for a new destination. Ideally, it needed to be somewhere halfway between us in Tauranga and the Ruddles in Hawera.

    We ended up choosing the Tongariro Junction Holiday Park since it has powered sites. We’re on our way to Turangi to meet up with Mark and Karen tomorrow, but for tonight we’ve parked up at the freedom camping spot at the end of Keith and Julie’s street in Hamurana.    Read more

  • Labour weekend shenanigans

    Turangi- Tongariro Junction

    Oct 24–27 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    We were up with the birds — and the early traffic — this morning. A brisk breeze swept in off Lake Rotorua, but the sky was clear and promised a beautiful day ahead. We skipped breakfast, opting instead for quick showers and freshly brushed teeth before heading into Rotorua for a Wild Bean coffee fix and a quick catch-up with brother Keith at Temprite.

    The drive down to Turangi was smooth and uneventful, the kind of easy road trip where the scenery rolls by and the kilometres disappear without fuss. When we arrived at the motor camp, we parked up and settled in just as Mark and Karen pulled in — perfect timing.

    A little later, we ventured into town and struck gold at a fantastic op shop. The rest of Turangi, however, was a bit underwhelming — not much to see or do — so I dubbed it a “half-horse town.” Back at camp, we tackled the challenging job of doing absolutely nothing… and did it remarkably well.    Read more

  • Labour weekend shenanigans

    Turangi-Saturday

    October 25 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Had the best sleep ever last night — even managed a proper sleep-in! Neil woke me just before 9 with the promise of a cooked breakfast (can’t say no to that).

    We’d planned to head into Taupō for the day, but as we were leaving the campsite we spotted a market setting up in the town car park — and honestly, anyone who knows Karen and me knows there’s no way we’re driving past a good market!

    The weather couldn’t have been better — blue skies, sunshine, and the prettiest drive to Taupō with little glimpses of the lake through the trees. Once there, the guys went their own way while Karen and I made a beeline for the fabric stores and, of course, the op shops. After lunch at the local Irish pub (great vibe!), we hit a few more shops before visiting Rex and Viv — friends from Tauranga who were staying in an Airbnb nearby.

    I promptly fell asleep on the drive home — op shopping really takes it out of you! Thankfully, it wasn’t my night to cook, so I got to just flop into the lounger and relax while dinner happened around me. Bliss.    Read more

  • Labour weekend shenanigans
    1

    Turangi- Sunday

    October 26 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We were rudely (and loudly!) woken at 7am this morning by the town siren blaring! Thankfully, we all managed to drift back to sleep and didn’t surface again until 9am. It was a cool start to the day — about 11 degrees — definitely a jeans and jersey kind of morning.

    Today’s adventures kicked off with a visit to the Tongariro National Trout Centre, and it was absolutely worth it! We got to see native rainbow trout at every stage of life — from tiny eggs to wriggly toddlers to full-grown behemoths. The whole place is tucked between lush native bush and the fast-flowing Tongariro River, and we were serenaded by tui feasting on the kowhai blossoms in full bloom.

    Feeding the trout was such fun — they leapt right out of the water for the pellets, splashing us in their excitement!

    Back “home,” Karen whipped up some cheese and garlic scones (delicious!) before heading off for a relaxing soak in the Tokaanu mineral pools. Neil said this was a favourite Turner family stop back in the day, especially after a trip to the snow — and I can see why!    Read more

  • Labour weekend shenanigans

    Turangi-Labour Day

    October 27 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Woke to another grey, moody morning — perfect for lingering over coffee. We were meeting up for breakfast with a couple we’d first met at the Tokaanu pools and then bumped into again at dinner last night. Karen makes friends effortlessly — honestly, she could chat to a brick wall and have it smiling back!

    We packed up NoW and got ready to head out… only to find the motorhome wouldn’t start. Again. This little saga continues, despite Neil being sure he’d finally fixed it.

    We went to breakfast anyway (priorities, right?), and thankfully when we got back, NoW decided to behave and started up — phew!

    The drive home was smooth and uneventful. We were greeted by two ecstatic dogs and one tired but happy daughter/stepdaughter — the best kind of homecoming.    Read more

    Trip end
    October 27, 2025
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