Dick and Marj's visit

Dick and Marj are visiting the Bay of Islands for a week, on Saturday morning our first visit is to the Kerikeri Saturday Market. From here we are off for a ride on the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway. She is rebuilt and supported by local volunteers.

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 The railway runs right down the main street of town.

 A Kawakawa attraction is the Hundertwasser designed pubic toilets....so very novel!

 Who has the right of way on the Main Street?

 After our train ride we are driving over to Opua and have to stop as she is on her next trip out of town.

On the Road Again!

All is repaired and it is time to head back to the Bay of Islands. At a wonderful lakeside campground we rendezvous with Brian and Sue for Brian's birthday.


Our Nissan X Trail with Goldie our caravan.

Brian's Birthday Breakfast

A full breakfast on the BBQ to celebrate a special occasion.

Touring in Taupo

With the 2 caravans setup in the RV Holiday Park we keep our selves busy with tours around town and a trip south to visit an excellent Army Museum.

Bungee jumping on the Waiko River.

Huka Falls

Geothermal Plant producing significant amounts of power from underground fissures of steam and boiling water.  

Second day out when we take a side trip to Matamata (Hobbiton) for a tour around town and a visit to their new 'I' site featuring Hobbiton from the Lord of the Rings.

On a hot sunny day just north of Taupo about half way to our destination problems arise.....Sue and Brian's SUV has serious overheating problems. After adding transmission oil we creep into town and set up camp in a park by the lake. The following morning their SUV is towed away to the car doctor and we move both of our caravans into a very pleasant and well run RV Campground.

With most of N.Z. on holidays in January it will be more than week before we are back on the road. A new radiator and rebuilt transmission have been installed in this time.

Leaving to head south with our caravans.

Early in January and we are set to head off with Sue and Brian to the Air Show in Masterton just north of Wellington. All is set and ready to go.