Category: Golf, Travel,Nature

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.

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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.

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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.

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An excellent coastal course, in great condition and featuring stunning scenery. Wind is a constant, so a good test of golf.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Instead of the usual family Christmas celebrations, 2019 saw Blair and Sue driving to Auckland Airport. With a group of friends, they were off to Melbourne to watch New Zealand play Australia in cricket. It was the second test of a three test series, and New Zealand’s first Boxing Day Melbourne test for over thirty years!

As well as Blair and Sue, the group consisted of Graeme and Tracy Olorenshaw, Neil Dench and Annabelle Johnson, Simon and Liz Dench, Tony and Michaela Giles and their sons Lachie and Hamish.

Our sons Scott and Andrew were also going, but independently with a group of their friends. Scott met up with us Christmas Day, before heading off with his group the next day.

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Boxing Day, and the group were ready for the short walk from the Citadines on Bourke to the MCG and the big test. There was to be an expected crowd of 80,000, with almost 20,000 of those Kiwi supporters.

Kane won the toss, and asked Australia to bat. The number of NZ supporters was evident early, as Boult took a wicket in the first over.
However, from then on it was all Australia.

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At stumps, Australia were in a strong position, with the NZ bowlers, apart from Wagner, disappointing.

The group discussed the days proceedings that evening in their hotel over drinks and nibbles, before dining in nearby Chinatown.

Day 2, after a hearty breakfast at “The Mess Hall” on Bourke St, the group once again headed to the MCG, in the hope the Black Caps bowlers could pick up early wickets. However, this was not to be, with the Aussies amassing a large first innings total, and the Caps losing wickets before stumps.

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Dinner for the “Gang” that evening was at “ Naked for Satan”, in trendy Fitzroy. With a rooftop bar, and delicious small plate dining, we were happiness filled ( and so was Mumble with the Colman).

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Day 3, and after a hearty breakfast, this time at “Self Preservation” on Bourke St,the group were hopeful of a strong batting display by NZ. However, this was not to be, and they were bundled out cheaply. Australia could have enforced the follow on, but chose to bat. At stumps, they were in a commanding position. A number of the group departed early in response to this poor effort from the Black Caps. However, Messers Olorenshaw and Finlayson stayed until the end, and were impressed by the strong, vocal Kiwi support.

This was our final scheduled day at the cricket, with a private wine tour and lunch booked for the Mornington Peninsula the next day.

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Dinner that evening was at an upmarket Italian restaurant called “Becca”. This was very close to our hotel, and a great time was had by all, with our waitress in particular proving to be very entertaining!

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Day 4, and after cracking brekkie at Self Preservation, we departed for the Mornington Peninsula. Before our first winery visit at Point Leo Estate, we stopped at Arthur’s Seat to admire the views.

As well as most impressive wine tasting area, Point Leo Estate had an extensive sculpture park. The wines were okay, but in the opinion of the many experts in our group, nothing to write home about.

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The next stop for wine tasting was Port Philip. A very nice setting, with the wines once again, just okay. Onwards to Mont Rouge, more wine, and lunch. A nice outdoor setting, with an extensive variety of food. A final tasting for the day was at the Red Hill Estate. As there were many wines tasted throughout the day, the van journey back to Melbourne was a quiet affair. Overall an excellent day in a very pleasant area of Australia.

We arrived back to our rooms in time to watch the cricket on TV, and see Tom Blundell bring up his hundred. One of the few high points in a very disappointing effort from the Black Caps.

Dinner that night was in a local Thai restaurant, “Fomo”. Wonderful food, and a time to reflect on our stay in Melbourne. Sure, the cricket team underperformed, but Melbourne was great, the MCG great and most importantly, the company was great. We will be back!

The second test of a 2 match series between New Zealand and England, at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.

The first test between the 2 sides was played at the Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui. A first ever test at this venue, and NZ’s ninth test venue. The result was a win for NZ’s “Black Caps.”

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In this test,NZ batted first, scoring 375, with a hundred to Tom Latham. England replied with 476, with a marvellous double hundred, to skipper Joe Root, and a century to Burns.

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With a pitch providing nothing for the bowlers, NZ just had to bat for a draw in the second innings. After losing the openers early, and rain forecast for the afternoon, Williamson and Taylor dug in. Just after lunch, and just before the rain, they both brought up their hundreds.

Match drawn. Series won.

A brief, four day stay in Christchurch was dual purpose. Firstly, a catch up with son Scott and partner Eva, and to see the great Lloyd Cole live in concert.

Cole had commercial success in the ‘80’s with his band the “Commotions”, and has released a number of solo albums over the years. He has just released a new album, and the set features songs from the album, plus many from the past.

The concert is in two parts, with a solo Cole and acoustic guitar for 45 minutes, then a 20 minute break. After the break, he is joined by former “Commotion”, Neil Clark, also on acoustic guitar. Cole is in fine form, with his dead pan and slightly sarcastic banter, most amusing.

The concert is in the recently refurbished Town Hall, in the intimate James Hay theatre. About a thousand fans were treated to great comfort, plus tremendous sound and acoustics.

A walk through Hagley Park, and an explore of the central city followed the next morning. Since our last visit, the Riverside Market is now up and running. On the corner of Cashel and Litchfield Streets, it takes up the area of the old start up Container Mall. With a mixture of food stalls, cafes and bars, it is a huge hit with the punters. This, combined with more shopping and the Oxford Terrace bars and restaurants, the city was vibrant. Great to see!

Lunch with Scott and Eva at the always excellent “Little Poms”, and a catch up with their news and plans.

For dinner that evening we headed back to the Riverside Market, and upstairs to the “Castro”. A Spanish themed bar and restaurant, the food was great, and reasonably priced.

For our final full day in Christchurch, Sue and I decided a decent walk was required. Having read the “Sign of the Takahe” has recently reopened, we decided to visit for lunch.

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After a very nice lunch, we walked up to Victoria Park. From here, there are a number of walking track options around and over the Port Hills. We chose a track which took us to a car park, just short of the transmitter tower on Sugar Loaf. We then followed a track which lead us to the Sign of the Kiwi, and a well earned ice-cream.

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Our return to the Sign of the Takahe was down the Harry Ell track, a walk of about 40 minutes.

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Our return to the city was via Governors Bay, Lyttelton and over the recently reopened road over the hill to Sumner.

Our evening dining for our final night was the Pegasus Arms on Oxford Terrace. We were joined by Scott and Eva, and were impressed by the food and atmosphere.

A most enjoyable stay in Christchurch, finished with breakfast at the always excellent Cafe 1851 on Armagh Street.

After flying in to Queenstown Airport, we loaded up the Rav rental with our ski gear, and drove to Wanaka.

After a slow start to the ski season, there is now plenty of snow and a settled forecast. Looking forward to catching up with old school friend Cameron Rodgers, and his wife Maria Schulcz. We have purchased season passes to Cardrona ski field.

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It was a pleasant surprise to catch up with old Pharmacy friends Steve Walker and Julie Earwaker, plus Noel and Di Waterson.

In need of a skiing rest, Sue and I decided on our “day off” to climb up a hill adjacent to Wanaka township called Mt Iron.It provides great views over the town, lake, mountains and the Cardrona valley.

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After several very successful days skiing at Cardrona we decided upon two things. Firstly, an apres-ski drink at the iconic Cardrona Hotel, and secondly, a visit to the Snow Farm for a crack at cross country skiing.

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After a lesson with instructor Herb, we got the hang of it. Quite different to down hill skiing, and quite tiring. Definitely keen to do it again, and the boots are soft and comfortable!

After a few days of continual skiing, the legs once again needed a rest. We decided to head to Bannockburn, just beyond Cromwell, and lunch at Mt Difficulty winery. This proved to be superb, with great food, wine tasting and purchasing.

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We had 12 days in Wanaka, 8 of which we skied. The weather and snow were both excellent. We have been visiting Wanaka and skiing the area for many years now, and have never been disappointed. Wanaka township has grown and is continuing to grow, but in our opinions, is far nicer than Queenstown. There are plenty of dining options, with The Cow, Speights Ale House and Amigos some of our favourites. We have had a great time holidaying with Cameron and Maria. Great company, on and off the piste!

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With Wanaka done and dusted for another year, it was time to pack up the Rav and drive to Christchurch. It is one of the great scenic drives .. the Lindis Pass, Omarama, Tekapo, Fairlie, Geraldine, Rakaia Gorge, Darfield and Christchurch. It will be nice to meet up with Scott and Eva, and catch up with their news over food and drink.

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And eat well we did. Although Christchurch is still very much in the recovery and rebuild phase, there are plenty of central city dining options.

Saturday night we visited the Permit Room. This is an Indian restaurant on the corner of Colombo and Armagh streets. It is in one of the surviving heritage buildings, wedged between the new Convention Centre. The food and ambiance were great. The next night was casual dining at the Dux Central, and our final night was Little High food court. It was Monday night, but it was packed! Eight different dining options at very reasonable prices. The latter two were in the “Salt” district of Christchurch. This is an area between St Asaph, Tuam and Litchfield Streets. A number of the older buildings survived the earthquakes, and have been transformed into hospitality areas.

As always, we enjoyed our stay in Christchurch, and look forward to returning in November to see Lloyd Cole in concert.

After selling our business in September 2016, it was finally time for the holiday we had promised our sons and their girlfriends. The chosen destination .. Fiji.

The first three days were at the Westin Hotel on Denerau, near Nadi. Son Andrew and girlfriend Olivia were unable to join us for those days, due to exam commitments. Therefore it was left to Sue, Blair, Scott and Eva to enjoy the pleasures of Denerau.

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The Westin is a nicely set out hotel, hugging the Denerau shoreline. It is not really a swim beach, but there are a number of swimming pools to cool down.

Dining at the hotel was quite expensive, so the first night we found a restaurant at Port Denerau. This is quite a large development with a number of shops and restaurants. We did dine at the hotel the next night, as there was a local performance to watch.

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The next day, Scott and Eva did a day boat trip, and Blair and Sue tackled the Denerau Golf Course. With hire clubs strapped on to their golf cart, and plenty of golf balls, they were away. However, at the halfway stage, a replenishment of golf balls was required. Their is a stream meandering it’s way around the course, often directly in front of the ladies tee block. Say no more. Aside from the watery challenges, the course was in good condition, and sparsely populated. A cold drink in the 19th didn’t touch the sides!

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After 3 enjoyable and relaxing days on Denerau, it was time to catch the boat to Paradise Cove. The resort is in the Yasawa Island Group, and we will be joined by Andrew and Olivia. They have now both completed their studies at Otago University.

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We now have 5 days of rest and relaxation at this very impressive resort. The staff and facilities are excellent, and the food sensational. The meals are pre paid, with breakfast and lunch menus, and 5 course dinners. Dinner is accompanied by live music and continuous Kava!

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The surrounding waters are very clear and warm, so snorkeling is a popular option. Each day there are a number of organised activities, including snorkeling in a channel area popular with Manta Rays.

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Sadly, the 5 days race by, and it’s time to head home. Paradise Cove Resort has been wonderful, and we would have no hesitation in returning.Our final treat was a helicopter ride from the resort back to Nadi Airport. At 20 minutes and with incredible views, this was way better than the boat!

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A trip to the South Island is not complete without visiting Christchurch, particularly as eldest son Scott and his girlfriend Eva live there!

It has been several months since our last visit, and the central city is slowly but surely coming back to life. The absence of orange cones on the roads was pleasing.

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Dinner the first evening with Scott and Eva was at Trenches restaurant, in the RSA. This is next door to our accommodation on Armagh Street. The club was rebuilt after the earthquakes, and is modern and reasonably priced.

The next day we visited the Tannery Boutique shopping centre, in the unlikely location of Woolston. If in Christchurch, well worth a visit. The day was pleasant, so after some shopping at Ballantynes in the city, a walk through Hagley Park was ideal. Before returning to our room, we had a wander through the Art Gallery. Once again, well worth a visit.

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Dined that evening at the Market Place restaurant in the Crowne Plaza hotel. Very good, but noticed the prices are starting to creep up.

Feeling energetic, the next day the four of us walked the Rapaki Track in the Port Hills. It starts at Rapaki Road in Hillsborough, and takes you to the Summit Road. There are spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch and the plains. A round trip is about an hour and a half.

We were hungry after all that exercise, and had lunch at Little Poms on Fitzgerald Avenue. A busy spot with excellent food! After some down time back at our digs, we decided to try the phenomenon that is the Lime Scooter. Great fun!

Dinner for our final night in Christchurch was Valentinos. A busy Italian restaurant in St Asaph Street, it was a fitting finale to our South Island sojourn.

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With the glorious summer weather extending into March, it was time to reacquaint ourselves with Whangamata.

We are fortunate to co-own a house in this Coromandel township, and a visit was overdue.

Less than two hours from Hamilton, at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, Whangamata is a great place to holiday or visit. A wonderful beach, harbour, golf courses, shops, cafes and restaurants, there is something for everyone.

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A classic “ road trip”, beginning at Ohope Beach. Wonderful long beach,with a challenging golf course at the eastern end. It is a classic links course, with lots of thick rough, undulations and dog legs. Fortunately not too windy, but a very good test of golf!

We then drove through Opotiki, and followed the coastal road to our destination, Hicks Bay. We stopped for lunch at the picturesque Waihau Bay.

It was then back on the road and onwards to our accommodation at the Hicks Bay motel. The motel unit was “rustic”, but adequate. The motel had a restaurant attached, which was fortunate as there were not many dining options in the area.

A visit out to the East Cape lighthouse was compulsory, via Te Aroroa and a gravel road. The views were worth it.

Down to Tokomaru Bay, and golf at a deserted nearby Te Puia Springs golf course.For a country course, it was in excellent condition and very scenic.An overnight stay in the picturesque and tranquil Anaura Bay. Our accommodation here was superb. Great views over the bay, and an extensive breakfast the next morning.

Down to Tolaga Bay and the old wharf and Cooks Cove walk. Both well worth it. Interesting to think this was where Cook and party first set foot on New Zealand.

Two nights in Gisborne, staying near the river and town central, at the Senator Motor Inn. We played at the Poverty Bay golf club in Gisborne. This is a highly rated course, and it didn’t disappoint. After golf, it was lunchtime, so we headed to the Matawhero winery. A platter and local wine hit the spot. The afternoon was spent at the centrally located Waikanae Beach.

It appeared to be busy in Gisborne whilst we were there. A couple of restaurant attempts were unsuccessful as they were full. However, the first night we dined at the “Works” and the second at “Ussco”. Both very good and happy to recommend.

Onto Napier via Wairoa for lunch. Staying with old friend and pharmacy colleague Mayor Peter Robertson, his partner Deb and son Hammond. Wonderful hosts in sunny Hawkes Bay. Pete took us to his golf course, Maraenui for 9 holes. Good fun.

Next stop Martinborough, via Masterton and lunch with my Uncle And Aunt, Rick and Marion. Then on to our destination Martinborough a quaint little town, full of cafes, restaurants, women’s boutiques and wine shops. Formerly a small rural village, the grape has transformed it!

Golf was at the Martinborough golf club. An excellent course, and fairly deserted. Also top of the list when in Martinborough is wine tasting. With twenty something wineries, this is very easy! Purchases were made!

Cousin Wendy lives in nearby Greytown, so drove over to visit her and her classic old wooden bungalow. Over coffee and cheese scones, she proudly showed us her home, which she has renovated to a very high standard. With no previous experience, she has done an amazing job!

That afternoon, we headed out to Cape Palliser. Very scenic, with the lighthouse and a fur seal colony to explore. Then it was back to the Putangirua Pinnacles scenic reserve. We chose the walk which followed the dry stream bed. A gradual climb to begin, and then steeper at the end. A couple of hours return walk. Well worth it. It was then on to the Lake Ferry Hotel, for a well deserved cold beer!

There are plenty of dining options in Martinborough. We dined at the bistro in the Peppers Martinborough Hotel one evening. Excellent!

Big fans of Martinborough and the Wairarapa. We will be back!

Home via Masterton and another rellie catch-up. Overnight stay at the Hilton, Taupo. We were upgraded to a one bedroom apartment. Dined that evening in the Hilton restaurant. A great finish to a most enjoyable road trip!