Month: March 2021

Last year we stopped in Taihape, and played the Rangitira golf course. This time we decided to do the same, but this time play the Taihape golf course. Our accommodation once again was at Llanerchymedd, a B&B on the hill above Taihape. Spacious and comfortable, with excellent hosts.

The golf course runs sheep, but was in good condition, with some challenging holes, including the long drop par 3 12th. An enjoyable outing, well worth the stopover.

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After almost four weeks away, and many thousands of kilometres driven, it was time to head home to Hamilton. A marvellous trip .. not a bad country is New Zealand!

After a smooth sailing across the Strait, we had one night in Wellington before crossing the Remutaka Hill to the Wairarapa.

We stayed at the Copthorne at Oriental Bay .. an old favourite .. and had dinner that night with Pharmacy friends Noel and Di Waterson. We dined at Fratelli’s in Blair Street. Excellent food and company.

This was to be our third visit to Martinborough in as many years, and staying once again at Pinot Villas. This is very comfortable and centrally located. Golf was on the agenda, as was wine tasting, dinner at Union Square bistro and catching up with relations in Masterton.

Dinner that night was at the Union Square Bistro. Sue had the steak and myself the pasta. Top quality!

The next morning called in to nearby Greytown for a coffee, and a wander around the town. It was time for some exercise again, so we drove to the Mt Holdsworth area, at the base of the Tararuas, and about 15kms from Masterton. There is a camping area, and a number of DOC walks, of varying distances and difficulty. We did the loop walk, which took about an hour.

We then returned to Martinborough for lunch at Poppies. This was the platter with a glass of wine. A popular destination. It was then on to the nearby Luna Winery for tasting and purchasing!

Later in the afternoon, we drove up to Masterton to visit Uncle Rick and Aunt Marion at their home in the Lansdowne Lifestyle Village.

Dinner that evening was at CBK in Perry Street. There were a number of old framed photos on the wall, including one of Rick from his butchering days, circa 1970! It was nice to catch up with the cousins and some of their children, many of whom we hadn’t seen for years.

Time to head home, but not before a stopover in Taihape.

After a thoroughly enjoyable time in Golden Bay, it was back over the Takaka Hill and on to Mapua, near Motueka and Nelson.

Our accommodation was at a delightful 2 bedroom cottage near Mapua wharf, we we had in fact stayed previously. It is called Ferntree Cottage, and we would recommend.

Our friends Cameron and Maria Rodgers live in nearby Tasman Village, so we will enjoy catching with them. They have a spacious section with wonderful gardens, and a cottage on the property, which they rent out. Tasman Cottage is an excellent option for this area.

We decided to play the Greenacres Golf Course, which is actually on Best Island, near Rabbit Island. Being a Sunday, it was very busy, so we only completed 12 holes. However, from what we played, very pleasant.

Nelson and surrounds have many Art and Craft galleries and shops, and we bought a very nice Glassart Vase from Flamedaisy. We then visited the Suter Art Gallery, which has on display Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere, Toss Woollaston and Rita Angus works. We also purchased stainless steel Arum Lillies and a Kiwi made from forks and spoons from Forest Fusion at Mapua Wharf.

Dinner that night with Cameron and Maria, and the next morning a drive to Picton, and the ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington.

This was to be our first visit to the Golden Bay Area. We had been many times to Motueka, Mapua and Nelson, but had not ventured over the Takaka Hill.

Talking of the hill, it is steep and windy, and takes quite some time to drive. There are washed out road repairs going on, necessitating a lengthy stop/go system.

However, we soon arrived in Takaka, and had lunch at The Wholemeal Cafe. Very popular and very nice. We then checked in to our accommodation at the Golden Bay Motel. Fine for our needs.

We had the afternoon to explore the local area, and stretch our legs. Nearby attractions are the expansive Pohara Beach, Labyrinth Rocks and the Grove Scenic Reserve. All well worth an explore.

Dinner that evening was intriguing named “Dangerous Kitchen”. Excellent food. Thus far on the tour, not one poor meal or dining experience.

The next day dawned fine and warm, as we had plenty to pack into the day. Collingwood, Farewell Spit, Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach were all to be explored. We decided against an Eco Tour of the spit, and just did a 4km walk, incorporating both sides.