Week 13

February 15, 2017 Sunday 12th February. After a very acceptable, cooked breakfast we left Waters Edge. It had rained overnight and yesterday's hot sunny weather had given way to grey skies. Quite a good thing really as we had a long drive ahead of us so we were pleasantly cool. We were driving up to the northernmost accessible point of New Zealand at Cape Reinga. It's 110kms from Kataia and the road was quiet, little traffic about. The drive was quite boring after yesterday's spectacular scenery and as we neared the cape it became quite desolate. A few farmsteads scattered around and a lot of beef cattle in the fields. When we arrived there were quite a few cars in the park and a tour bus had just arrived. It was very windy so we needed another layer before walking down Cape Reinga Cape Reinga Story! . As we got in the lee of the hill the wind lessened and the views were stunning with the Tasman sea to the left and the Pacific Ocean to the right. Nigel gave up about half way down and sat down whilst I was determined to carry on to the bitter end! It's quite breathtaking and one can see the turbulence of the two seas where they meet. At one point I was the only person standing there. It's quite a drag back up so once I'd got back to Nigel we sat for a while and enjoyed the views before returning to the car. We had intended visiting there on our last trip but when we got to Kaitaia then it was raining heavily so we had given it a miss. This time I was determined to get there! Difficult to say whether or not the drive is worth it but I am so glad that we went. There are no places to eat on the way so as soon as we neared Kaitaia we stopped at a takeaway and had fish and chips Then we turned onto SH10 and went on to Manghanui, on Doubtless Bay, where we had stayed on our last trip Cape Reinga Cape Reinga . After the cheerlessness of Kaitai and the remote drive to the cape it seemed that we were back in the familiar NZ! We had a welcome coffee and walked along the side of the bay before continuing our drive. We drove to Kerikeri where we were to stay, with Phil and Helen, for 2 nights ,where they are renting a property called The Carriage House. What a place! It is owned by Adrian and Sylvia, both in their eighties. It was originally a kiwi orchard but the land is now divided into paddocks where they keep 14 heavy horses. Several shires some of which are grey. I had never known that there was a strain of grey shires and Adrian told me that he had sold his grey stallion,which is the only one in NZ, to keep the strain going. There are also some coloured gipsy cobs. All the horses are in work and Adrian and Debbie, who helps care for them, go out three times a week with some of the older ones. The younger ones are schooled in the paddocks in readiness for going out, in harness, on the roads Cape Reinga Cape Reinga Story! . The house that Phil and Helen are renting is above the building which houses the carriages and a couple of cars. Opposite is another two story building, more carriages on the ground floor and the first story, accessed on another level houses more cars. Adrian and Sylvia live in a house that they bought in Auckland and transported, in five sections by road, overnight to be reassembled on site! When we arrived Helen told us that we had been asked to accompany Adrian and Debbie on their drive around town next morning! What a wonderful surprise this was. Good to see them again although it had,only been three days since they left our place. The accommodation was very comfortable and the view of the horses in the paddocks was perfect. Monday 13th February We had to be at the stables by 9.15. We were introduced to Debbie and the two shires that were going to be our transport, Prince, bay 18.2hh and a grey whose name has slipped my mind Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean . There were 2 grooms there preparing the horses as well as another two horses one of whom was a Clydesdale and the other a grey shire. We also met Tim who it seems works for Adrian and is a jack of all trades caring for the horses, garden and properties. When the horses had been harnessed Helen and I were asked to lead them down to where the carriages were stored. I lead Prince who was well behaved, very much aware that I was wearing flip flops and his hooves were enormous! The chosen carriage was pushed out and the horses backed into the shafts. The four of us climbed into the carriage which had comfortable seating. The horses were quite excited at the prospect of some exercise and were raring to go. Debbie and Adrian were up front and off we went. What an experience to drive all round the town, we were out for an hour and a half. The permanent residents are obviously used to seeing the horses but the holidaymakers were rather surprised to see us Cape Reinga Cape Reinga . We went past a couple of schools and the children all waved. I did feel that I should have practised my Royal wave! What an amazing experience this was. In the afternoon Adrian gave us a tour of his carriages and cars. He's quite a raconteur and very interesting to listen to. Originally from Hampshire he was in the Royal Navy for a spell, then business interests in Australia and finally settling in New Zealand. In the carriage house under Phil and Helens quarters were three or four light carriages all beautifully restored. There was also a beautifully restored gypsy caravan. He gave us a history of each of these but far too much to remember to write down. Also two "everyday" cars, a Daimler Jaguar registration BIG GG and a red Mitsubishi Starlion circa 1982, registration OOO. Downstairs in the opposite carriage house were three wagonettes one of which had been our transport earlier in the day. Once again all beautifully restored. Also a New Zealand settlers wagon complete with original licence dated 1898 Cape Reinga Cape Reinga . We then walked upstairs to the first story and saw three vintage cars which took our breath away. A red 1926 Vauxhall was next to a white Rolls Royce named the Silver Lady from 1907 and she in turn was next to a blue Rolls Royce from 1911. He told us that he bought the white one for £50 when he was in the navy. A large sum then and he had to borrow £15 from his father. All three cars needed considerable restoration and have been restored to the highest standards by original methods. The engines and the bodywork are scrupulously clean. These cars are regularly used on rallies within New Zealand and more amazingly are shipped overseas when they travel. The blue Rolls went all round Ireland last year! It was a privilege to see these vehicles and to have Adrian tell us their history. A real labour of love! In the evening we went out for a meal at the Pear Tree restaurant which is beautifully situated by the inlet and next to the stone house Cape Reinga Cape Reinga . The stone house is famous for being the oldest stone house in NZ. We had a very good meal sitting overlooking the inlet. A perfect penultimate day with Phil and Helen. Tuesday 14th February. A showery day. After breakfast and packing we went to see the Rainbow Falls in between showers. Pretty falls and a nice walk. After lunch it was time to say goodbye again. We have so enjoyed our little holiday with them. Who would have thought, when we first met in France that one day we would share time here!? We did a shop and filled up with petrol before leaving Keri. An easy drive home, about 2 hours. Good to,see Rob again. A quiet and relaxing evening. Wednesday 15th February . Must have been tired slept like a log from 10pm to 6am then back to sleep again till 8.30! Unpacked and did some washing. Cards in the village 1-4pm. Thankfully can still remember how to play Cape Reinga Cape Reinga . Bryan was my partner, thought he seemed a bit fierce but he mellowed and at one point, when I won our game, he gave me a high five! Rain was forecast and it finally arrived at about 5pm. Proper, heavy rain which continued all night. Just what we all need for the water tanks and grazing Thursday. 16th February . Rain until early evening. Had plenty of supplies so no need to go out. Friday 17th February. Showery and very humid. Library pm. Went down to the beach after tea. Saturday 18th February . Went into market late am. It looked like rain and was still very humid but sun came out. Very hot. Rob cooked prawn laksa and we sat out on the deck, chatting, until dusk.