Although this blog is generally about overseas travel, particularly cruising, just to keep things ticking over, we can add bits of other travel and we have just returned from a short break away, doing part of the Hauraki Rail Trail on hired bicycles. Back at the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, we headed for the South Island to cycle the Otago Rail Trail. Four days and 140kms across Central Otago.
Of the dozen of us that did that trip, ten of us managed to tackle part of the much closer Hauraki Trail, starting in Paeroa – where the famed L & P soft drink originated. Four of us hired our bikes and the other six already had their own.
We met at the Ngatea turn off an hour south of home for coffee and sustenance then headed through the mist to Paeroa. Neither Paula nor I had been on a bike since the beginning of 2008 and these were supposed to be ‘comfort bikes’, meaning a softer saddle and just 14 gears. Comfort is a relative term of course. Sitting in your favourite armchair is comfortable. Chafing your inner thighs on a saddle obviously designed for people with a totally different anatomy from myself is not comfortable – especially when still suffering from a damaged coccyx!
Anyway, we set off OK for the 14kms to Waikino Railway Station. Not a difficult ride at all, though Paula was beginning to flag by the time we reached the station. It was pretty warm for the last day of summer. In fact, it was pretty warm, full stop. The trail goes through a spectacular gorge parallel to the main road. At the station, the other 8 opted to cycle to Waihi whist we opted to amble back to Paeroa. Paula was finding it much harder on the legs than her dancing lessons so was glad to get off – though she did manage to fall off a total of four times! She kept catching her knee on the drinks bottle carrier which was sited far too low down on the frame, so ended the day, not only with tired legs, but a badly bruised knee.
Having returned the bikes ($45 a day hire) we staggered into the adjoining café and enjoyed a beautiful passion fruit covered Kapiti ice cream. For the older Brits – just like a Mivvi! By the time we’d had that plus a drink and shared a spanakopita, then a very short walk up the main street, the others were back.
A pub stop then before heading past Waihi Beach to Bowentown Holiday Park, just a few yards from the end of the peninsula and Anzac Bay, not to be confused with Anzac Cove.
First impressions were, “Oh no, a caravan park!” but we had one two bedroomed chalet and two one bedroomed studio chalets between us. We had a one bedroomed chalet.
Now as many of you will know, over the last few years we have stayed at a variety of hotels and motels at a vast range of prices. Much to our surprise, this static trailer, was better appointed than many hotel rooms.
Nicely decorated. A full sized bed. TV placed where it should be – high. Gas stove plus microwave; cafetiere and two sachets of fresh coffee (take note hotels…), very efficient fridge; can of fly spray (which we needed, but normal for the location and the heat); a nice little verandah etc. The only down side could have been if the neighbours were noisy as the units were definitely not double glazed or sound proofed, but as the neighbours retired about 10:30pm anyway, no problem.
We headed to the RSA for a meal, but as they also had a wedding on, the catering options were minimal. The roast was nice enough though.
We celebrated Dave’s 65th back at the camp with a glass of bubbly and more than a few laughs…
Day 2
We walked a bit and enjoyed the spectacular views before driving back to Waihi Beach for a bite. Later on, some went in the water and at night, we ‘phoned through our fish and chip order and ate back at the ranch.
How is it that I can spend three months on a cruise ship and put on about 2 kilos, but just one weekend away, with exercise, I put on 2.2kg?
