February saw Sue and Blair loading the car, and driving to an area previously unexplored by the couple.
The destination was Taumarunui, just over two hours south of Hamilton. Courtesy of “Forgotten World Adventures”, they did the 5 tunnel rail journey. This is a 3.5 hour self driven rail cart journey through hill country and native bush, to the historical village of Matiere.
After dining that evening at the local RSA, and a restful nights sleep at the Forgotten World motel, we were off the next morning to New Plymouth. Our route was to be State Highway 43, or the Forgotten World Highway. This 150km stretch of road from Taumarunui to Stratford is very windy. It also includes 12kms of unsealed road. About halfway to Stratford is the “Republic of Whangamomona”, so called due to residents objecting to a council boundary change. A nice place to stop for a coffee and a muffin, a wander and explore.
It was now on to New Plymouth via Stratford. The former is a city in Taranaki, with a population of around 80,000. It is a coastal city with an excellent walk and cycle way along the coast, art galleries, parks and gardens and Mt Taranaki looming large to the south. It also has excellent cafes, restaurants and golf courses. We decided to play the Ngamotu course of the New Plymouth Golf Club.
An excellent coastal course, in great condition and featuring stunning scenery. Wind is a constant, so a good test of golf.
The Port and Paritutu Rock 
Bowl of Brooklands 
Pukekura Park cricket ground
Te Rewarewa Bridge 
Govett Brewster art gallery 
Pukekura Park
After two very enjoyable days, we drove the Surf Highway around the Taranaki coast, and south to the small town of Hawera. We played the local golf course, and stayed at a very nice B&B. The next stage of the road trip, was to Palmerston North, via a coffee stop in Whanganui. The plan was to play the Hokowhitu golf course of the Manawatu golf club. It was unavailable however due to a tournament, so we played at the Palmerston North golf club instead. As a many NZ golf courses in summer, including Hawera, the fairways were firm and brown, with plenty of run. Both were nice courses. After a meal at a Vietnamese restaurant and a comfortable night at “Destiny on Fitzherbert”, it was a two hour drive south to the nations Capital.
Our arrival in Wellington was via the Paekakariki Hill Road and the Hutt Valley.
Paekakariki Hill Rd summit 
The view from our hotel in Oriental Bay 
From the top of Mt Victoria
Our stay in Wellington was dual purpose. Firstly, that evening we had tickets to a concert in the Opera House .. Mi-Sex opening for the Stranglers! Two blasts from the past!
We arrived around midday, to a glorious Wellington summers day. Had lunch at the Maranui Surf Club cafe in Lyall Bay, then checked in to our Copthorne Oriental Bay Hotel. As we are at the base of Mt Victoria, a walk to the summit and back was obligatory. Great views, and lots of people sunning themselves at the Oriental Bay beach (although not many swimming!)
After an excellent dinner at nearby “Lola Stays” (great for breakfast also), it was concert time.
Rock n roll! 
Opera House 
Oriental Bay
A great show, with both bands in fine form and playing all the old favourites.
The next day was a short walk into the central city, and suit shopping for Blair. With two weddings to go to in the next few months, he decided to splash out. Mission accomplished at Rembrandts.
Dinner that night was at Coenes in the Port Nicholson Yacht Club. Excellent food. The next day it was off to the Wairarapa, specifically Martinborough. Blair’s mother was a Masterton girl, so he has many relatives there. Called in and saw cousin Wendy at her home in Greytown, then on to Martinborough for food, wine and golf. Staying at the Pinot Villas, which is very close to the market square in Martinborough. Lunch, a glass of wine and some purchases at Colombo winery, then off to dinner in Masterton with a number of relatives.
Lunch, Colombo Winery 
Pinot Villa 
Colombo
The next morning, golf at the Martinborough golf course. A hot day, firm brown fairways, nice greens, friendly locals. Most enjoyable!
After lunch it was a short walk to Palliser Estate winery for tasting and purchasing. Recommended! Dinner that night was at the Union Square Bistro in the Martinborough Hotel. A busy place with great food.
For our final day in Martinborough, we decided to walk to the lookout of the Patangirua Pinnacles, have lunch at nearby Lake Ferry, then wine tasting and purchasing at the Luna Winery. A busy day, finished off nicely with dinner at Cool Change Bar and Eatery.
Palliser Bay 
The Tararua Ranges 
Lake Ferry 
Luna Winery, Martinborough
With the car loaded with “essential” purchases, it was time to drive north, with the Rangitira golf course our destination. This is on State Highway 1, just north of Hunterville. We had driven past it many times, always saying we must play it. The course is set out over three levels,starting roadside then descending to river level. At the conclusion of the 18th hole, you climb on to a cable car, which returns you to the upper level, the clubhouse and car park. An excellent course, with a nice cold beer to finish.
Our final night on this most enjoyable trip was in a very spacious and comfortable B&B in Taihape, called “Llanerchymedd”. Situated in the hills above Taihape, self contained and very quiet.
So another area of previously unexplored New Zealand crossed off, the revisiting of some old favourites and confirmation we are blessed with quality and quantity of golf courses.
