By 15.00 hours (local) on Tuesday 31 August 2010, I had successfully negotiated customs and immigration and was standing outside the Air Terminal waiting to be collected by staff from the Camper Van depot where I had booked my van for the next 3 weeks travelling around New Zealand. I was feeling a trifle jet lagged since, despite a 2 night stopover in Hong Kong I was now operating in a time zone some 11 hours ahead of the UK.
However, collection of the van was no problem and I had what I thought were fairly clear directions to the camper van site where I had booked to spend the first night on NZ soil. However, I was obviously more tired than I thought and finding the site prove to be a bit of a problem, despite stopping to confirm directions. However, I eventually turned around and headed back to where instinct told me I should be and I finally arrived at about 17.30.
Spent a short time getting suitcases unpacked and things arranged into some semblance of order within the van and then set off to get a bite to eat and a couple of beers.
The camper site staff had recommended an Irish bar/restaurant about 500 metres away, by the name of O'Ryans, See below:
Johnny is the chap on the left, above. Apparently his parents are 'Kiwis' but he was born in India because they were teaching out there. All of his family are apparently quite religious and Johnny's father keeps telling him that he will "burn in hell". I suppose that he will have to join the queue.
Following a pint of Kilkenny's I bade Johnny "good night" and strolled back to the camper, for a much needed kip, thus ended Day 1 in New Zealand.
Day 2 (01 Sept 2010)
Rose at 07.00 and after showering and getting dressed, I went out in search of breakfast, having not yet acquired any provisions. Right next door to the Holiday Park was an establishment which offered an 'all you can eat' breakfast for the princely sum of $12.90 (about £6). Needless to say, I indulged and departed a short time later feeling quite bloated. Set me up for the day, so to speak.
The following photos are of the entrance to the Holiday Park and my Camper Van on site.
My van is the one on the left.
Anyway, once everything was stowed away safely, I set off, heading in a northerly direction with no fixed destination in mind but thinking that, unless something stopped me, I might get as far as the "Bay of Islands." The Route 1 (Northern Motorway) took me through Auckland with the bridge over the harbour being quite impressive although apparently beset with problems (See Auckland Harbour Bridge).
Having cleared Auckland and having been impressed with much of the scenery along the way (I need someone with me to take photographs as I travel along, however, I will always have the memories.) the place name of Puhoi took my fancy so I turned off for a look-see. The following photos are the result:
Pub and Hotel Sign:
View from the Memorial Park.
Could this be the smallest public library in the world???
Puhoi is just north of Waiwera in the Mahurangi Regional Park and the towns people are apparently campaigning for improved motorway access. Strange really, in the UK it would definitely be the reverse.
After this brief stop-off I continued north on Route 1 to Whangerei, where I attempted to do a bit of shopping but was unable to get what I wanted (story of my life) so, moved on.
I had obviously been making very good progress as I suddenly found myself in Paihia where the Beachside Holiday Park is situated so booked in for 2 nights. Very reasonable rates plus FREE Internet access. Located the food mall a couple of Kms up the road so, stocked up on basic provisions and then got myself settled on the site to spend the evening, emailing, blogging and holding Skype sessions with brother David in the UK and sister Valerie, in Australia.
Finally turned in at 23.00 after what seemed to be a very full day 2. However, I still haven't got the cheap trainers, or similar that I need, having forgotten to pack some.
See you again soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave your Comments/Thoughts/Suggestions here.