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Waitangi break

February 2025
  • Neil's on Wheels
A short but fine adventure by Neil's on Wheels Read more
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  • Neil's on WheelsTravelerWaitangi break

    Rustic Rabbit day 1

    February 6 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Waitangi Day started off leisurely with a good sleep-in, but soon became a flurry of activity. I tackled the housework, baked cookies, and made jalapeno jam before prepping for the Resolvit fly spray team coming tomorrow while we're away. The heat hit hard, leaving me feeling unwell, so I cooled off with a cold flannel.
    Things took a turn when I drove my car onto the empty section for Neil to move the motorhome, but CRUNCH—I side-swiped the electric gate control panel and the gate! Luckily, Neil is handy and fixed it, though I felt terrible about it.

    We took a quick drive to Matamata for Neil to check on The Warehouse's sound system. Strangely, the issue resolved itself before we arrived, making it a brief stop. Luckily, The Warehouse will still pay Neil for his time and cover fuel costs—a win-win!

    Our next stop was the Te Aroha dog park, conveniently situated next to the NZMCA park, and let the dogs have a good run. Several other dogs showed up, making it a fun time for everyone. Neil struck up a conversation with a couple who were towing a late model Suzuki Jimny behind their camper.

    Now, we're at a POP site in Te Aroha, returning to the welcoming spot where we stayed a few weeks ago. We’ve become good friends with Jen and Craig, and their puppy, Maggie, has become fast friends with our dogs. The site is nestled among lush fruit trees—plums, apples, nectarines, peaches, nashi pears, and a hedge of feijoas. Every step releases a sweet, fragrant burst of fruit! This time, we've brought our gumboots to join in the milking action. The dogs are completely at ease here and didn’t need to be tied up, especially after we spent the evening puppy-sitting Maggie, keeping Diesel and Marley happily entertained. I'm sure they’ll sleep soundly tonight!    Read more

  • Neil's on WheelsTravelerWaitangi break

    Day 2

    Feb 7–10 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    The dogs were feeling generous this morning, granting us an extra 15 minutes of sleep—pure luxury on holiday! The sunrise was stunning, but bed was still calling, so back we went for a couple more hours.

    Marley decided I needed a wardrobe change, helpfully jumping on me with plum-covered paws, christening my freshly donned dress. It was a perfect excuse to put the camping washing machine to the test! Neil took charge, and we’re happy to report: success! The sunny, breezy weather played its part, drying everything in no time.

    Meanwhile, my stewed windfall apples, peaches, and nectarines from last night were calling to be made into paste. Cue a morning of stirring while Neil kept insisting I sit and relax. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem, but today, creativity won out!

    Maggie popped by and did us the favour of wearing out the dogs, giving us a peaceful afternoon of reading. A productive, messy, and wonderfully slow holiday morning—just the way we like it!

    At 4:15, it hit me—I was supposed to be helping Craig with milking! I rushed over just in time to put the suction cups onto the cow’s teats (because, fun fact, cows don’t have nipples). Then, I hosed down the milking yard like a pro and got behind the wheel of the quad bike, bunny hopping my way down to the cow paddock and back—basically, a crash course in off-road driving. After that, we fed Gavin the calf, the pigs, and the ever-hungry chickens. Best part? I collected 11 fresh eggs to take back to the motorhome.

    Jude arrived just in time for an adventure to the wee township of Te Aroha! Our wonderful hosts, Jen and Craig, invited us to their favorite spot, The Duck and Cover, where the food was incredible, the service top-notch, and the company even better. Laughter and great conversation flowed as we got to know each other over a delicious meal.

    Luckily, we had managed to secure our hosts cozy little Airbnb for Jude, so after marveling at the breathtaking, star-filled sky (no light pollution—just magic!), we left her to enjoy her own space and called it a night. A perfect evening in every way!    Read more

  • Neil's on WheelsTravelerWaitangi break

    Day 3

    February 8 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Another lazy start to the day—because why rush when you're on holiday? The morning kicked off in the best possible way: a delicious cooked breakfast with Jude. Fueled up and ready for some adventure (or at least some leisurely browsing), we decided it was time for a girls' morning. Off we went to Te Aroha, determined to explore every op shop in town. That didn't take long (Te Aroha, you are adorable but compact), but we still had a great time rummaging through treasures and checking out the sights.
    Te Aroha is also home to renowned artist Adrian Worsley, known for his incredibly detailed sculptures crafted from scrap metal. His unique creations can be found throughout the town, adding a touch of artistic charm to its streets.
    The afternoon was a slower affair. Jude enjoyed a nap while Neil and I sought refuge from the sun in the motorhome, happily buried in our books. Every now and then, I’d take a break from my book to blissfully spray myself with a hose—my own makeshift cooling system. Absolute heaven.
    Then, at 3:50, duty called. I woke Jude from her nap (gently, of course), and on went the gumboots. It was milking time! As a seasoned pro (😁), I jumped straight in, and soon enough, Jude and I found our rhythm. Before we knew it, the cows were milked, and Neil volunteered to wash down the race with a fireman’s hose. Meanwhile, Craig gave us a crash course on removing and flushing the milking cups, preparing them for the next round of cow duty.
    Just as we wrapped up, Steve and Carlene finally arrived, and it was time for well-earned drinks and nibbles with Craig and Jen. Then, as the sky turned dusky, we set out collecting twigs and pinecones for the outdoor fire. With flames flickering and laughter filling the air, we sat around, chatting and soaking up the warmth of the night—just the perfect way to end a day of simple joys.    Read more

  • Neil's on WheelsTravelerWaitangi break

    Day 4

    February 9 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Woken up—not by the dogs this time—but by Neil, off to help Craig with the milking! I briefly considered joining but, honestly, those extra hours of sleep were too tempting. Craig was surprised to have such an eager helper—classic Neil, always up for lending a hand!

    The last day of a holiday is always bittersweet, requiring a mental shift to enjoy what’s left rather than dread the inevitable pack-up (which I won’t bore you with). Jude was determined to mow the section, declaring it "fun!"—until she started flinging freshly cut grass into our faces while we cooked brunch!

    All in all, this weekend was easily one of my favorites in Neil’s on Wheels!    Read more

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