• Neil's on Wheels
  • Neil Turner
  • Neil's on Wheels
  • Neil Turner

Weekend break

When we bought our motorhome in March last year, we vowed to go away at least once a month. We don't always go far, but we try and stay at different freedom camps, doc sites, and POPs. This weekend we're in Taupo. We've started at huka-aratiatia. Read more
  • Trip start
    February 22, 2024

    Huka-Aratiatia, Taupo

    Feb 22–23, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    On our way here, we checked out a place that a friend had told us about. We drove into the reserve only to run into low overhanging branches. Neil immediately backed up and ran into the bollards. His poor bike is somewhat munted as is the bike rack. My bike escaped unscathed.Read more

  • Brunch in Taupo

    February 23, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Stir Cafe on the waterfront- best loaded toasties ever!
    Bought new bike helmets as our previous ones were very old and I had smacked mine on the ground a couple of times falling off my bike!!

  • Whakaipo Reserve, Kinloch

    Feb 23–25, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Found this site using the NZCMA app. The comments were pretty favorable, so thought we'd give it a shot. SO glad we did. It's a nice dry site with plenty of room. We're literally 30seconds from the lakeside. We've been kayaking and even braved the chill water for a swim! We've been joined by family (Keith and Julie) in their caravan.
    I had an argument with a lady who took offense to Diesel wanting to meet her dog. I was not impressed with the way she spoke to me, and I told her so!!! I had a little night time discussion with God, and he told me I could have been nicer 😞
    Today (Sat), we got the kayak and paddleboard out and went on the lake. The water was cold but so so nice!!! The boys rode the ebikes over the cycle track to Kinloch, while Julie, Diesel and I went for a walk. We met the boys in Kinloch and had a very yummy icecream before heading back to the campsite.
    Home-made burgers for dinner and an early pack up of the kayak/bikes etc as there is supposed to be heavy rain tomorrow.
    Sunday- very early morning wake up call with a huge gust of wind pulling the pounds out of our awning legs. I'm sure between Keith and Neil they woke the whole campsite up!!!
    Read more

  • Wairakei Terraces and Hot Spa

    February 25, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Had a beautiful soak in the 4 hotpools available here ($27pp). A cold coke and a bikkie in the motorhome before saying goodbye to K &J and heading home.

  • Coromandel Peninsula

    May 17, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Waiomu domain. A lovely freedom camping spot about 13kms from Thames township.
    We have a beautiful view out over the water looking toward Kaiaua/Miranda. A nice grassy area for Diesel to run in.

    Trip end
    February 25, 2024