Go South My Children

We are on the way to the South Island... a pilgrimage that is Up2Him where we go and with whom we minister. This will be a very exciting trip... Read more

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Trip start
March 2, 2023
Go South My Children Traveler
Trip 3 .. Go South You Say!
March 2, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
We left Tauranga yesterday after Waymaker was all groomed and turned into the beautiful girl that she is. We drove through Rotorua to drop off the car and then set the GPS to "South Island.".. we are off.
The first stop was the DeBretts Motor Csmp and Hot Springs in Taupo.... awesome soak last night in the hot springs. Afterward we meet a young French couple camping next to us who were on their honeymoon. We invited them in for a chat and ended up passing on some of our 51years of marriage experience to them. A blessed night.

We are off to "I dont know where this morning!" Roll on day 2.Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
A Time With Old Friends
March 3, 2023 in New Zealand
WOW! What a wonderful few days it has been. After our Taupo stay and hot swim we travelled through to Taihape, stopping at the Waiouru Military Museum. We have driven past it many times but never stopped... it is well worth a visit.
We overnighted at the Blue Gum Camp in Taihape... very pleasant and very peaceful. The ladies in the motorhome behind is wanted to gift us some passion fruit plants!!... hello! We settled for some home made rewarewa and honey ointment.
From there plans changed... we are now off to Featherson to spend time with Steve, Bex, and family therefore we travelled on through to Feilding to visit, and attend church with old friends. Our plans are to catch up with the family before catching the ferry on Saturday.
It is now Monday, and after travelling over the "saddle" among all the trucks going to and from the Hawkes Bay we are now parked up at Le Gra Vineyard. just before Masterton. And yes the Vineyard is closed...
We are off to I dont know where tomorrow.Read more
TravelerA ministry on wheels.
3/10/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Change is Often Good
March 9, 2023 in New Zealand
A quick update on our stopover at Le Gra' Family Winery at Opaki, a little way out of Masterton. When we were leaving, we went into the cellar to make a donation to Starship Childrens Hospitsl for our nights stay. The owner, Bryan, was cleaning up the yard and came over. We got talking and learned Le Gra' is gaelic for "with love." Their daughter, now 12, was born with many tumors in her brain and body and would only live for a maximum of 10years.. she is now 12. We asked Bryan if we could pray.. Yes! So we called down Heaven and had a wonderful time praying for her. Such a special time with such a special man, for his very very special daughter. Thank you Lord.
We left and drove Waymaker out to Castlecliff Beach to take a walk to the lighthouse... wonderful.
Had a chance to pray for Michael on the beach... his wheel chair was stuck in the sand. He was born with spinal bifida so we prayed and prayed. He said he wanted to become a "stand-up comic!" Maybe one day... nothing is impossible with God.
Next day we were off to spend time with our son Steven, and Bex, and tribe... and then off to the Hutt where we are now.
Our ferry to Picton was to leave at 1pm tomorrow but now its 8.45am .. ouch!.. a 4:30am start. But then... change can ofter be a good thing!Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
I Can See the Sea
March 11, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
After our early start from Belmont Park in Stokes Valley to catch our ferry, we had a very calm and quick crossing to Picton.
For the first time Waymaker was the very first vehicle off the ferry. We took a quick tour of Picton then set off on the 20 drive through to Blenheim... to an exceptionally full NZMCA camp at the Racecourse.
The next day Bryan and Mo joined us in their motorhome.
Monday we decided to do the usual (wine trail) but little did we know that nearly all cellar doors were shut tight on a Monday.. oh well.. we had a lovely drive.
This morning, we caught up on restocking our cupboards then headed south along the Kaikoura Coast to Kekeringu Beach. We are now all set up on site right beside the Pacific Ocean (& the railway lines!) ...Read more
TravelerSounds nice. Is that Freedom Camping on beach front?
3/14/23Reply
TravelerNo.. we are paying $23.00/ nite... NE gale force winds started building and we were very exposed therefore we have come through to the NZMCA camp at Kaikoura. slight breeze and a lot safer.
3/14/23Reply
TravelerThat's cheap.
3/14/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Sheltering
March 18, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
It has been a roller coaster of a ride since leaving Kaikoura. Travelling along the coast we were entertained by seals sunning themselves, while one in the water waved to us, and dolphins playing and jumping just off the shore. A wonderful coastal ride.
After then travelling over the hill country for 40minutes we decided to head off to a coastal motor camp for the night. Unfortunately, on arriving we discovered that "No Dogs Allowed!"
We were then told of another camp at the Hurunui River Mouth only 30 or so minutes further on would be a great place to camp.... oh!! "Sure, Right!" Then our problems started... ending up down a wrong track, then across a very very poorly maintained bridge .. in error.. then down to the camp that wasn't a camp for anything larger than a pup tent. And then we had the problem of turning Waymaker around and back up a loose river stone track up to the clay track we drove down to get there!!!
We made it without traction and with the front wheel spinning the whole way back up... ouch!
The Tavern at Greta Valley became our camp site for the night. Hughly noisy... all night!
Next morning we decided to head to the coast again and a small camp at Motunau Beach became our destination... and we are still here, all alone, waiting out a 24-hour storm to pass over.
Roll on our rolling on!!Read more
TravelerTrepid travellers eh. Still better than sitting waiting for yet another earthquake to shake our new decorated house and jarring my poor nervous system. Enjoy your travels.
3/19/23Reply
TravelerWhat a journey that would have been alright.. we ended up taking SH70 the Alpine trail. Basically the Inland road, beautiful scenery!! And the road nice and all sealed. We currently in Waiau, been for a bike ride an a swim at local community swimming pool.
3/19/23Reply
TravelerThat's the one we took from Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura last November .. a very beautiful scenic route. It is often closed in the winter due to snow!! Enjoy the hot pools tomorrow!!
3/19/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Wonderful World of Nature
March 28, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 7 °C
After the ordeal of Waymaker being pulled through the stones of Amberly Beach after to road to the golf club had been washed out by a storm, we spent the latter part of the day with our travel mates Bryan and Moana parked up overnight at a Omihi vineyard. May I say the $10 spent on the wine tasting was well worth it.
The next morning we left for Rangiora in full sun... a beautiful day... our first day of freedom!! We ended up at a small camp just out of Rangiora. It was fairly native and was behind an immaculate camp ( at 3x price we paid.!) The next morning we all went off to the Gateway Fellowship then for some KFC down by the river.
We decided to go to the Orana Wildlife Park on Monday and parked up at the McLeans Island Golf Club which is a Lions Roar down the Road from it. We spent the whole day there and totally enjoyed the experience.
Due to very bad weather today we decided to buy a powered site at the North South Motor Camp and to sit out the cold wet weather. And now we wait.Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Into the clouds
March 31, 2023 in New Zealand
We have arrived in Akaroa after the GPS took us off the main highway and up over the mountains and into the clouds ( we couldn't see a thing!) It was called the Scenic Route!!
Apart from that the trip when not in cloud was very scenic, and the road was good but very, very, very winding. Lots and lots of tight corners!!
While in Christchurch we caught up with Gary and Kirsten, dear friends of ours.) Unfortunately another friend we were no able to catch up with.
The weather was bitterly cold and wet... a brisk welcome to winter. Hopefully we will now get some warm autumn weather.
Off to practise my French after lunch!!
Ta, Ta!Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
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Arrive' in Akaroa
March 31, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Don't expect your GPS to give you the smartest route just the Scenic Route. Oh Boy! Did Waymaker arrive in Akaroa via the scenic route.... except, this 4th grade road was in total cloud; pea soup cloud over all the mountains we traversed. Never the less, we made it.
After our lunch the 3 of us took a stroll around town so as to soak up the French atmosphere as well as to try out my excellent high school French I can still remember. It would seem as though the French language has moved on since my day at school.
The photo are just a selection from out walk... enjoy!Read more
TravelerPretty place. You are looking like your Mum at this age Christine.
3/30/23Reply
Travelere
3/31/23Reply
TravelerExcept Mum always permed her hair, never had frosting,and hardly ever saw her wearing slacks. My how, fashion changed!
3/31/23Reply
TravelerNope.. my darling wife is not her mum. I can vouch for that.
3/31/23Reply
Traveler very very, French!
3/31/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Snail Pace is OK
April 4, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
Now at Methven for lunch after spending the night at Coalgate, and the morning wandering around the Rakaia Gorge. Decided to miss going up to Mount Hutt Ski Fields... far too rocky at present.
Off the Ashburton a little later on.. maybe!!Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Rain, Rain, Go Away...
April 6, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
We arrived at the Denfield Golf Club (Geraldine) last night after having our automated gas system installed into Waymaker and having called on our dear friends in Ashburton.
Today we headed off into Geraldine to buy some genuine mountain gear... Merino wool, possum "road kill," and natural wool stuff... just in case it turns really really cold down here. We caught up with people heading off to the Wheels Weekend in Wanaka... plus several Ford Zephyrs.
Afterwards we went down the road to Temuka to check out the Temuka Pottery, had lunch, walk the main street, then drove back to the golf club for another night of peaceful sleep.....Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
McKenzie Country where Rustlers Hang Out
April 8, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 15 °C
Fairlie, Gateway to sheep rustling country, the home of the 150th McKenzie Country A&P Show tomorrow!! Came through to here after attending Timaru Elim Church Resurrection Sunday Service.
Last night was little blue penguin watching night. We arrived 3hours before they came up from the ocean, first the little blue penguin then a whole lot if yellow eyed penguin, followed by the majestic Emperor Penguin pushing the seagulls out of the way as they marched up the beach to their nest... yeah right... never saw anything. It was too late in the season.. oh well we will just have to return one day.Read more
TravelerAwww, Had me going alright, until the emperor penguin arrived..🤣
4/9/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Back to my Childhood
April 10, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Off to the Fairlie AMP, Highland Games McKenzie Country 150th Show today ... awesome!! It took me back 65+ years when I went down to the Pukekohe AMP show except this one was huge.
Afterwards we left for The Good Shepherd Church at Lake Tekapo but due to rain we have pulled into a Freedom Camping Site for the night about 5km short. Enjoy the photos of the animals.Read more
I wonder whose alpacas those are. A few studs down there. Did you go to Adobe in Geraldine, when you were looking for winter gear? They farm alpaca and manufacture a variety of garments. The Good Shepherd church is nice. Has a peaceful spirit about it. [Philippa]
4/10/23Reply
TravelerWe spent money at most of the Geraldine stores... I am sure Adobe would have been been one of them. We are now in Tekapo... lunchtime!! At thd McKdnzie Country A&P show they had pen after pen of Alpacas.
4/10/23Reply
TravelerYes that's their Show for the year to present their alpaca stud names.
4/10/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Another Day, Another Place.
April 11, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
After overnight stopover in a freedom camp 7kms out of Lake Tekapo we decided to go 10kms back up the road to an interesting place we had passed at at Burkes Pass, plus take a look at NZ oldest church.
Afterwards we chugged on down to the Church of the Good Shepherd,Tekapo, before parking up with Bryan snd Mo right on the edge of the lake for lunch... awesome day!!Read more
TravelerGreat to read your wanderings. Brings back lots of memories travel those areas.
4/10/23Reply
TravelerOur painting of the Mckenzie country was bought at Burkes pass
4/23/23Reply
TravelerIt's a beautiful work. We saw some similar but not as good as yours... tempted to buy but decided no. We can see your one for free!! 🤪
4/23/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Time To Knock the Mountain Off
April 14, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
Two days up at Cook.
Day 1... rain rain rain. I am not one to go wandering around the alpine peaks in the rain.... back to camp. Day 2... a lot better. Cloud that was very slowly breaking up therefore my darling and I decided to do the shortest of all the walks.. up to Kea Point overlooking where the Meuller Glacier once was.
Arriving back at base camp (car park) who should be waiting for us but Bryan and Moana.
Deciding that victory was ours we came back down to the salmon farm out of Twizel to catch some big ones.. Salmon tonight.. its salmon tonight... yeah right!!Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Gorgeous Totally Gorgeous
April 18, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Cromwell, Gateway to the South and to all things beautiful. White I post this, we are parked up above the Kawerau River on a beautiful still yet sunny afternoon. Totally enjoying our surrounding.
We have just had Cyrus groomed and have spent a couple of hours at the Cromwell Heritage Princint Park. They are the old shops and village which were moved from the valley before the Clyde Dam lakewater claimed them.
This town has a good feel to it, It is very progressive, with a ton of facilities and amenities. The people here are so lovely it will be had to move on.
.Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Mountain Paradise
April 27, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C
After spending four days in Queenstown, where we bought a couple of real neat e-bikes and had a bike carrier fitted to the back of Waymaker we set off westward to Glenorchy What a marvellous two hour drive alongside Lake Whakatipu. .. totally stunning!
We have just finished lunch and are off "walking" to explore this wonderful settlement surrounded by mountains and the lake... oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a wonderful afternoon. (Sing along guys!!)Read more
TravelerMagnificent isn't it. There's a national park walk that starts there can't remember which one. To left of end of road. It's nice to do an hour then turn round and walk back. It's flat with bridges. End of Glenorchy is Mt Aspiring national park. We drove into there to was beautiful. Enjoy it all.
4/26/23Reply
TravelerWe will take our bikes there for a day trip tomorrow.
4/26/23Reply
TravelerStunning scenery, have lots of fun on your ebike expedition, no fancy wheelstands Maurice, 🤭love you guys.😍.
4/26/23Reply
TravelerShould I do a wheelstand it will only be when I am being thrown off over the back. LOL
4/27/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
Doubtful Sound.. I Think!
May 2, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
What a trip.... boat across Lake Manapouri, bus trip over the Wilmot Pass, (NZ most expensive road to construct) and another boat trip all around Doubtful Sound and into the Tasman Sea.... incredible!!

The day started with long fine periods with occasional showers, and ended up with force 5 hurrican winds, driving rain, and thousands of waterfalls pouring off the mountains into the Sound..... what an incredible trip, what a wonderful day!
These are just a few of the many many photos I took.... enjoy!Read more
TravelerIt's a magnificent trip. We loved every minute of it. Did you get to walk through the power station above all the turbines. Or is that too OSH dangerous these days.
5/2/23Reply
TravelerNo,. They don't do that now.... our trip was the lake, the pass, and the Sound... no power house... We were away for 7 and half hours.
5/2/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
On our way back to Central Otago
May 4, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
After spending a very busy 4 days in Invercargill tomorrow we head back towards Central Otago.
While here we have got to use our bikes a lot more, I even took the risk of riding into the CBD on Saturday morning, a 14km round trip... not too bad for a old geezer learner rider.
After church yesterday we sorted Waymaker out with diesel etc and then took off to Bluff.. just to say that Cyrus has been there!!
Christine is now doing the weekly wash while I sort out our trip in the morning.... as we start our pilgrimage back up north. ... a slow trip back north!Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Goodbye Southland
May 13, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C
We said a sad goodbye to Gore as we headed into parts unknown. Gore was good to us with the new tail lights on the bike rack sorted, and Christine's bike seat and pants got sorted. We also joined the country club for better stop over places on our pilgramage. Therefore it was goodbye to brown trout and golden guitars and hello to horses, gold, and deer... on our way along the highway out of town we decided Dunedin was out (we did that 6yrs ago) and the gold country of Central Otago was in.
Soon after hitting highway 8 we came to the help of 2 ladies way up this narrow dirt road. They we trying to call the police as two pig dogs had a beautuful but fearful doe backed up in a corner of a paddock by the road. I was off to the rescue with my awning pole..... shouting and whistling and waving my big stick around madly until other help arrived and called the huge savage dogs off.
We then continued driving along the narrow, winding, hilly clay road in the wilderness until reaching the back side of Gabriel's Gully.. where vast quantities of gold was found.
Needless to say that this morning, being Mothers Day, Christine, and I will be off up some tiny reach to find our very own pot of the yellow stuff or a huge nugget or two... our travels continue!!Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
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NOPE... Leaving Gabriel's Gully Empty
May 15, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
No gold to be had... Gabriel Gully is totally devoid of and sizable nuggets of gold (not interested in the small stuff) therefore we moved on totally broke; like so many before us.
We are now perched up in a paddock of a cherry orchard above Roxbough... with our power plugged in... yippee. Last night we had a boomer of a frost and no power... did anyone say cold!! Yep!! COLD!!
Maybe we can make our fortune here?? Yeah right!Read more
Traveler Is that a new model for the e bike??
5/15/23Reply
TravelerTracey.. I have totally forgotten what it could be used for!!
5/15/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
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We Cannot Get Away From Cromwell
May 16, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
We are back in Cromwell... plan on riding a track with our travel mates Bryan and Moana.
Our trip through Central Otago has been terrific, even through horrible weather. And the people? Totally wonderful. Reminds us of NZ 30yrs ago.
Our ferry booking has been made for 21st June and we should be back in Tauranga/Rotorua a week or so later....I must be off to prepare for the day... another adventure in trusting Him!Read more
TravelerThe Hinton's down there relations?
5/18/23Reply
TravelerRead my Instagram... 4th Generation and back
5/18/23Reply
Traveler The first step is the biggest!!
5/18/23Reply
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Go South My Children Traveler
You Have Got to Love Cromwell
May 21, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
We just love this place... such beautiful views, places to see, places to have fun at... we just love it.
Yesterday we went out to the Highland Race Track and tried out their toilets!! Yes you read right.. their toilets.. totally out of this world. Bought a whole lot of fresh veges and fruit. Then had a picnic lunch on the edge of Lake Dunsden with Bryan and Mo before heading off to our pop camp site.
Today was church, lunch with a friend and now set up overlooking the Kawerau River at it's junction with the Clutha River.... it is a beautiful sunny day.
Had a "special" time today with a lady who was touched in a very special way. TYLRead more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Safety Again in Hokitika
May 29, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 13 °C
What a great little city Hokitika is. Full of unusual architecture, wonderful people, and very strange food!! The weather we escaped from when staying at Franz Joseph has come back upon us, therefore once again we have pulled into the Hokitika Family Motor Camp to be safe for a few days.
Derrick, the father of the camp owner, popped in for a visit this morning in the midst of the storm for a time of prayer.. awesome.
We might stay here for a few more days depending upon the weather.Read more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Another Day .. Greymouth
May 30, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Another day, another town. The first job on the list is to get the laundry done before the rain hits us again. And YES!! Once again, we have booked into a camping ground for 3-4 days. But 1st job is laundry.. 2nd job is to find out all I can about my old neighbour matess who was born here. I am sure there are things I haven't yet been told. 3rd... is to find out why here and why 3days? BlessingsRead more
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Go South My Children Traveler
Reefton .. Awesome!!
June 2, 2023 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C
We have left Greymouth in pouring rain, lightning, and thunder and headed into coal/gold country to Reefton.
We called in on the Blackball mining town, where strikes and mine fire were had, as well as the Pike River Memorial to the loss of 29miners lives just a few years back.
We also did the inevitable... drove up a country road looking at stuff not realising we could not turn around, as well as ending up on the Lewis Pass Highway with the same problem. .. such is our life on the road.... but Waymaker came through.
We ended up in beautiful Reefton... along side a gold stream, parked up in town, and visiting many second hand shops... what an awesome and a very moving day!Read more
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