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South Island Autumn 2023
  • Tina and Gary
  • Tina and Gary

South Island Autumn 2023

Off we go again. A new adventure in a brand new campervan. Leer más
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  • Inicio del viaje
    24 de abril de 2023
    Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 20 Tekapo

    30 de junio de 2017, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    Day 20
    I won't apologize for the bombardment of photos. We really were in the most magical place on earth today and just happened to have pristine weather.
    From 1degree this am when Denise Crimp and I braced it with our doggies. Honey looking for bunnies in the frost. Lol
    The day warned up and was INCREDIBLE
    biked around to town for a bit.
    Then after lunch Gary Boulton and I took the opportunity to drive camper up to Mt John Observatory, scary, windy road complete with cafe.
    What a beautiful country.
    Night night 🌙
    Will wander outside later to see the night sky, we are in the MacKenzie Basin, one of best places in the earth to see the night sky. 🌙 🌟    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day one Auckland to Matamata

    24 de abril de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Up early, walk to Orewa Beach to see the non existent sunrise. 🌅 Lol
    Off we go in our new Dethleffs Alpa.
    Packed up ready to go and first stop Zion Motorhomes to reset the settings of air suspension. Had to wait 3 hours so walked down to Pokeno shops and bought some yummies from Pokeno Bacon shop. 🥓
    Look at the cute rubbish bins they have.
    All sorted and off to Ngarawhaia to pick up Honeys' new wool handmade coat from Ruffles Petware.
    Onto Matamata Saddlery who make OCD (Obsessive Cycling Disorder) who make amazing covers for our bikes.
    They closed at 5pm but stayed open til 7pm for us to sort us out. We need a cover with lights on it as it covers our lights and indicators, not an easy exercise.
    These guys went above and beyond for us and didn't leave until 7pm. Incredible service.
    We found our holiday buddy Denise all tucked up already at Matamata RSA not too far away and we settled in for the night.
    We are excited to get up at
    5 30am for the Anzac Parade in the morning. Will be getting my clothes out ready as it will be 3 degrees.
    🌙 night night    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 2 living the dream

    25 de abril de 2023, Nueva Zelanda

    Day 2
    Early start for Dawn Anzac Parade and Service at Matamata. Very moving. So many people. Breakfast at RSA after.
    Next stop Tirau coffee stop.
    We stretched our legs at Huka Falls very cool and we felt like tourists.
    Then we saw from fb Anzac post that Owen Smith was just down the road at Tokeroa so we did a detour to catch up. So glad we did, how lucky was that?
    Here we are now at a great spot thanks Lynette Middleton and Bill. We would have driven right past.
    Right on Lake Taupo east side, driving south.
    Great to catch up, another amazing coincidence. 👏
    You guys are living the dream.
    Night night 🌙
    Hope to sleep better tonight.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Freedom camp in Fielding

    26 de abril de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Day 3
    Left Holiday park just after 10am following quite a jolt 5.9 earthquake, not all of us felt! Cool!
    Onto Turangi for some supplies after a coffee and walk in very autumn like park on outskirts of town. 🍂
    Next stop Waiouru after a no snow very bleek looking desert road. We all went through the Army Museum, always worth a look especially after Anzac Day. Took lots photos for you Dad hope you can see them OK.
    We parked up now in this great Freedom Camping area in Fielding with a river, cycle track, sports fields, toilets etc.
    Gary Boulton has cooked us girls yummy gourmet beef burgers so we are fed and watered.
    Night night. 🌙    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 4 made it to Wellington

    27 de abril de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌙 5 °C

    This weather is stunning. Chilly chilly mornings, woke to 6 degrees and took photos of Campervans and sunrise.
    Across the grass, we are #2 and 3 from the left.
    We went our separate days this am, Denise having family to catch up with and some work to do also, but parked her "office " at the Beach. Lol
    We had some teething problems to sort out with Fiat but turned out to be just a fuse.
    Wandered through Fielding, Foxton and drove down Kapiti Coast to Plimmerton NZMCA Park.
    Robin and Pete custodians here and golf friends came to visit and christen new wagon with a huge platter and drinkies. How special was that? They really do have the kindest hearts.
    We felt very privileged.
    Night night 🌙 Up early in am for smooth sailing ferry to Mainland.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 6

    29 de abril de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Our first relaxing day at Rarangi. Weather was 20 degrees and great. Bad weather coming.
    Met our neighbours and walks on stony beach and up to Monkey Bay.
    2013 The Hope family designed a seat up here looking out to sea in commemoration of their daughter who's body was never found.
    We biked around to the golf course at Rarangi about 4 pm and decided to move there for the night. Good decision, we here all by ourselves and got the dogs on sunset running around to look for elusive bunnies.
    Night night 🌙 😴    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 8 Ward Beach

    1 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We left Waterlea Racecourse at Blenheim at lunchtime after a lovely walk around the corner to one of my favourite parks in the country, Pollard Park. Saw Teddy's rose 🌹
    Did our shopping New World, Warehouse, Animates etc. Then spent the afternoon at Omaka Aviation Centre. World 1 and 2 memorabilia and lots planes.
    Settled in for the night bit further down the road at Ward Beach at a park over property which is private farmland with 4kms of coastline. It has been in the family 118 years.
    Wild and wonderful with evidence of the earthquake with rocky ledges lifted out of the sea.
    Not much reception here.
    Night night 🌙
    Might see some seals and whales when I wake up to catch the sunrise.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero
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    Day 9 Kaikoura

    2 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Woke to capture great sunrise with the bulldozers taking the cray boats out. We left Ward Beach at lunchtime and had great lunch, seafood chowder, and salmon bagel at The Store right on the beach at Kekerungu. Divine. Stopped at the usual pull over places to see seals and gorgeous coastline.
    Drove on to Kaikoura NZMCA Park and treated to brilliant sunset. We not even on the west coast!    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 11 Waiau

    4 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Best day yet. Still no rain yet loved driving down the Kaikoura coast rd.
    Stopped for photo shoot with seals and seal pups. It's the season .
    Stunning drive through coast road and then turned off to gorgeous variable scenery from controlled burn offs to farmland and autumn calleys and mountains.
    Parked up tonight with a full moon and a great night in local pub at Waiau stunning spot with local hospitality.
    We loved it. 😍    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 12 Hanmer Springs

    5 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Autumn all around us and glorious still. Scenery is stunning. Lots of nice river and bush walks with the dogs.
    Drove to Hanmer Springs just 40 mins away and parked up in xarpark while we went to hot pools for a soak.
    Denise checked into Top 10 and had some pampering at the Spa. We will join her there tomorrow night, but tonight we are at a pretty river freedom camping spot on outskirts of town.
    Pizza on the webber, togs and towel drying on the fence we look like homeless people.
    Still no rain peeps!    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 13 Hanmer Springs second night

    6 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Left our freedom camping spot at lunchtime and headed to Top 10 campground at Hanmer.
    Got our spot next to Denise and powered up.
    Still no rain peeps, I'm sure it's coming. Was 22 degrees today. 😳
    We did washing and housework them headed out for a bike ride in the Forrest.
    Late afternoon we headed in for another soak in hot pools divine, couldn't stand the 16 year olds in bikinis and full makeup doing Instagram selfies right in front of everyone. They didn't care, that we didn't care.
    Bloody hell what is the world coming to? I tell you it was very OTT.
    They even missed the stunning sunset. 😍
    Came home with curry takeaways and watched the Coronation. 🤴 👑    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 14 arrived in Kaiapoi

    7 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Left Hanmer at lunchtime after a walk at the Forest Sculpture Amble. Wasn't sure what an amble was but Denise assured me it was a slow walk. Dogs enjoyed it. 😉
    Drove on to Hawarden out of Canterbury still in Hurunui District to luckily catch up with the Lovells.
    What a beautiful homestead they now call home. Reminded me of Meryl Streep of Out of Africa.......... I had a farm in Africa! Opening line .

    Just made it after dusk to Kaiapoi where Denise is parked up at nzmca Park.
    Looks a beauty here, so close to golf, cycle ways, shops and dog park.
    Happy days.
    And yet still no rain peeps.
    It did rain in Hanmer overnight, but we were asleep 😴 💤 don't count that.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 15 Kaiapoi 2nd night

    8 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Day 15
    Kaiapoi NZMCA
    This place is cool. I could stay a week easy.
    Bit tired today as I didn't sleep well. 😴
    Walk into town lovely coffee and our first cheese rolls this trip. 😋
    Great Cafe called Paris in the Weekend. Great cycleways and art all around town.
    Had a read, chat ...... loads people here, great dog park next door and wetlands too.
    Bella went for a swim. Oh-oh!!    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero
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    Day 16 Kaiapoi

    9 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Day 16 today
    We ❤️ Kaiapoi
    Waited another day to make sure we caught up with Glenda Giddy and Phil who are heading north
    We went for a bike ride first along the embankment out the coast. Sounds nicer than it was, cause we went past the 💩 ponds. Lol
    Rained here at 1pm for an hour. Now bit blustery but not cold.
    Had a great night catching up with Glenda and Phil.
    See you at home next month.
    Glad you've had a great trip 😀
    Night night 🌙    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 17

    10 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Day 17
    Kaiapoi to Methven.
    Bella came said hello to her friend Gary Boulton in the morning. Said goodbye to Phil and Glenda Giddy with coffee at Paris for the Weekend Cafe.
    We staying at the iconic Blue Tavern tonight.
    Stunning drive, back to cloudless skies. Temperature is starting to drop though. Bring on the snow please. ❄️ 🙏
    Stopped for another forest walk!!! in Darfield and oh yes a pie. 🥧
    Onto the Rakaia gorge and now parked up in pub carpark right in town. Topp country here.
    Night night 🌙    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 18 Geraldine

    11 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Day 18
    Geraldine
    We had brunch at The Topp Cafe owned by Lynda Topp who just happened to be there and is running for council in Ashburton District.
    Great eggs benny.
    Onto Geraldine where we went along the river walk and into the Barkers Cafe of course. Bought some goodies and now settled into Peskies POP just outside where the rental campervan crashed and burst into flames about a month ago. So sad. Three international tourists in their 20's apparently.
    Snow on the mountains at Mt Hutt and Mt Somers driving through so we fitting closer.
    Night night 🌙    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 19 Tekapo

    12 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Day 19
    Lake Tekapo
    Fab day driving through Fairlie to a coffee stop at Burkes Pass then onto Tekap o where even don't the ablutions is not a chore in paradise.
    All settled in here now for a couple days.
    Doggies are happy here with a great dog park right next door and ...... bunnies!!!!
    Night night 🌙
    Great days but could be 0 degrees overnight.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 21

    14 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Day 21
    Lake Pukaki freedom camping spot right on the lake.
    Drove through a huge squall watched it come over and hit.
    Then in about an hour it cleared. We are parked up with Denise Crimp and tonight new friends Gail Towler and Murray.
    The men even got to cook dinner on the BBQ for all us women for Mother's Day. Thanks guys, we appreciated it. 🙏 ❤️
    Not so cold tonight and I even got to feed a feral stray cat some leftover steak poor little thing. Quite tiny and very hungry.
    Night night. 🌙    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 22

    15 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Day 22
    We decided to stay at this magical spot at Lake Pukaki shores where we had fantastic views to Aoraki Mt Cook for our last night with the divine Denise Crimp . 😀
    Couldn't think of a better stop to enjoy our last night together, along with crazy new friends Gail Towler and Murray and little Millie. (They really are a tad crazy cos they went SWIMMING!!)
    All 3 dogs have enjoyed bunny chasing together and lots of tidbits.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 23

    16 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    Day 23
    There might be 2 monsters in here if the name is anything to go by. 👻
    Very pretty, deserted freedom camping stop at Lake Ruataniwha.
    A brief stop at Salmon farm at Pukaki so we have salmon for dinner. 😋
    The fog lifted in Twizel as we stopped by for supplies and a cheese roll on our way.
    Just ahead of us, is one of eight hydro dams in this area.
    We will be lonely tonight after saying goodbye to Denise Crimp and new crazy friends Gail Towler and Murray.
    Night night 🌙 😴
    Will get outside again tonight to see the brilliant milky way.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero
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    Day 24

    17 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Day 24
    Met up with the Towler's Gail and Murray for a fun morning. Side trip to the amazing Clay Cliffs. Def worth a visit, then lunch at The Wrinkly Rams.
    Said our goodbyes then onward to Cromwell and parked up for a few days with the lovely Wendy Rear who cooked us a delicious home cooked roast chicken 🍗 with all the trimmings. 😋 🙏
    Raining now, but it couldn't last forever.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 25 and 26

    18 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Day 25 and 26
    Have had 2 great days in Cromwell staying with the amazing Wendy Rear who just so happens to be in between visitors! How lucky are we?
    Parked up on her front lawn 200 meters from the cycle trail and walk around the lake too.
    Dinner out last night with Kaye Kennedy who is also down here at her other pad!!
    We crashed her dinner at The Bannockburn Hotel with her girlfriends. 😋 lovely catch up.
    Ride out this am with Wendy to Carrick Winery 22kms in all. We're just learning, but loving it. Slowly getting confidence. Such stunning scenery even this late in autumn 🍂 😍
    Fine this am for our ride, bit drizzly pm for a bit.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 27

    20 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda

    Day 27
    Dragged ourselves away from Wendy Rear great holiday home, if anyone wants to stay. Such a great position, close to everything. Sleeps 7 under Bachcare called Alpha's Nest.
    Had a brilliant dinner last night at Stoker Room with Wendy and Jared and Trudy.
    Delish 😋
    Off for our second 20k bike ride in 2 days today, this time past Lowburn to Pisa Moorings.
    Now parked up at the Clyde Dam freedom camping spot for the night 🌙
    Gary happy chappy, watching Cronulla.    Leer más

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  • Tina and GarySouth Island Autumn 2023Viajero

    Day 28

    21 de mayo de 2023, Nueva Zelanda

    Day 28
    Waipiata Tavern on the rail trail.
    Our happy place.
    Drive through rural NZ to get here. Beautiful country.
    We are parked up at the Domain behind the pub.
    One day we will come back to do the Otago Rail Trail.
    Gary Boulton not looking happy in photo, just been told they have sold out of the 12 hour slow cooked beef cheeks. 😉
    A great night with the locals
    Couldn't even finish my pie, doggy bag. They are half a kilo.    Leer más

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