21Apr07 Sullivans - Mahurangi

Next stop after Scandretts was another DOC park, Sullivans Bay. This view is to the Northern end.And to the South.With a view of a very small part the motorhome camping ground looking back from the beach. The area for tents is further to the Northern end.The island just barely showing in the right of the pic from our parking spot is Motuora.A better view to Motuora after stepping out onto the beach. We used to spend a lot of time on Motuora and around its coast diving.Some of the locals looking for a free lunch under mothers watchful eye.And later having their swimming lessons.As usual I'm always looking for the fishing options.And yes we did dine on fish that evening - true. Where to next one wonders....?

17Mar07 Scandretts - Mahurangi

Scandretts (beach) is a new DOC park on the Mahurangi not far past Snells Beach. There are no facilities so no self containment no overnight staying.The beach is quite big and on the far side there were a number of small buildings that I understand DOC are planning to make available for rent during holiday periods.The parking for motorhomes is on a grassy knoll above the beach and the original farm house.The views from the parking area are certainly quite extensive from the Takatu Peninsular (in the pic) round to Kawau and other islands in the Mahurangi.

A walk of some 30 minutes from the motorhome carpark down to the beach then around the rocks brings you to a very popular fishing spot. It was quite amazing, people were coming and going all day from all directions.In the distance is Kawau Island....

... and the Rabbit, great for scallops.Next stop another DOC park and a very busy one at that - Sullivans.

24Feb07 Sandspit and Matakana

Sandspit, North of Auckland, not far out from Warkworth, is the ferry wharf for Kawau Island. I'm getting ahead of myself however, first Matakana and the markets.The markets are really quite extensive with a huge range of local food and produce items plus a really good knife sharpener both in price and quality. Another letterbox Matakana style.The Sandspit camping ground has to be one of the better ones around if only by it's location.From the camping ground it's only a short walk to the wharf to idle some time, maybe some fishing or simply to watch the Kawau ferry traffic coming and going.What makes this camp ground somewhat different are the replicas of old shops and businesses of times gone by. Below are two of those on display.Even an old two man army hut.From our parking spot so close to the water...... it's time to leave this great camping ground for other destinations in the Mahurangi area.Scandretts and Sullivans are next in the travel plans.

26/29Jan07 Mangawhai Weekend

With friends Mike, Lynne and Harry (little poodle) we set up for the weekend at the Riverside Camp at Mangawhai, North of Auckland.
Harry is a much seasoned traveller and I'm sure enjoys the time away as much as we all do.
A quick trip to the camp store to get a newspaper and to explore the 'lay of the land' or should I say camp.As you can see we're very busy much of the time - yeah right!And Mike is there to make sure we get 'IT' all done on time.We were parked right next to the water, the Mangawhai estuary that provided safe and fun swimming for all......plus some flounder that night for breakfast.Talking about flounder it is now time to prepare the floundering gear as the night was nearly upon us and the tide will soon be favourable.During this visit we learnt that this camping ground, like so many others, had just been sold to a developer so who knows how much longer it can be enjoyed by the many who have permanent sites and those casuals like ourselves.

9/10Dec06 South Head, Tapora & Port Albert

This weekend away was to be quite low key being just outside Auckland visiting those places in the title. First was a quick break for a cuppa and to share 'bread' with the locals.

A later stop was at the Macadameia Nut farm and cafe in a lovely setting part way up South Head.

From South Head and after spending the night at Shelly Beach we headed for Tapora and Port Albert. The road to Tapora for the last 12km was somewhat rough but it was worth the shaking to have a look.

At Tapora there is a home grown garden that is quite extensive featuring many strange and interesting plots.

The entrance to the garden was marked with a signpost indicating what lay in the other direction should you choose to go there.
Someone at Tapora obviously has a sense of humour with this 'Tree of Saved Soles'.

During our journeys past and those to come we have been snapping different, unusual and interesting letterboxes. Someone had certainly taken some time over this one at Tapora. A keen diver maybe?

Before heading home we planned a stop at Port Ablert. Public facilities and good parking made this stop one to record for the future.

Why is it called Port Albert? Reading the memorial stone and other information at the stop provided all the answers to the question including information about the pioneer families and some of the hardships they endured. Having some synergy with the Kaipara we found it interesting.

As always we had a great weekend exploring our immediate neighbourhood.

10Nov06 Awhitu - Big Bay

The Awhitu Peninsular is the southern head of the Manakau Heads, Manakau Harbour, Auckland. At the end of the peninsular there a three main bays, Big Bay Orua Bay and Wattle Bay. The two pics below show a google-eyes view of Awhitu.This was our first trip and we decided to try Big Bay first. The beach wasn't really anything to write home about and I forgot to get a pic anyway, maybe next time. A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Manakau Heads Lighthouse.From the Lighthouse there is a great view to be had of the entrance to the Manakau Harbour, Heads and Bar..The following are some interesting pics taken at Big Bay. A no rubbish sign.Rocks in the tree roots.A weekend away enjoyed time to head back to the big smoke.......!

07Jan2007 Coromandel

After staying the night at the Shelly Beach Camping Ground it was off to the town of Coromandel for breakfast and a good coffee followed by a wander around.An interesting view out to the road from the cafe. A restful spot to watch the world go by.After breakfast and coffee at a really nice cafe it was off to do a bit of window shopping followed by a short drive to the water to consider a spot of fishing.The coastline through this area is really very attractive with many sandy and rocky bays.
Well it's time to head home as these few days away have come to an end and we say farewell to Coromandel.The way home took us through Matatoke where you can buy some real nice cheeses. Couldn't help it, needed to take a pic of this letterbox.
See you on the next post - Awhitu.