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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Wednesday, 8 January 2020

No Prawns for us today!

For two nights we stayed at Sulpher Bay car park in Rotorua because all the 'designated' car parks for motorhomes were full. T'was the Wiki Camp app that led us to it. The first night was okay but I'm sure the wind changed direction last night wafting the 'rotten egg' smell right through the Motor home. I did blame Ian but he swore blind it wasn't him! We had planned to go to Paradise Valley animal park, the reason for another night stay but decided to give it a miss and head off towards Taupo and all because of Marilyn (Waka Huia) suggesting going to Orakei Korako Geo-Thermal Park.



Thank you, Marilyn, it was a fabulous place to walk around and so glad you suggested it.









 With the afternoon to spare, I wanted to go back to Huka Prawn Park. We spent several hours there 3 years ago catching prawns on a stick and line and thoroughly enjoyed it. Not far from Taupo we drove in, walked to the counter only to be told the Prawns were not biting at the moment because of lack of numbers. Yep, a restock was necessary but as yet had not been done. We could have paid a reduced price but could see no reason to sit with a stick hoping for something to take the bait. Next door was the Huka Falls Jetboat, a thrill trip to the Huka Falls with 360 deg spins. So in we went to enquire about availability.  $139 per person for 30 minutes and then having to pay a further $39 if we wanted photos seemed extortionate especially as tomorrow we have already booked for the Riverjet adventure tour, also incorporating 360 deg spins and only $125 per person for 50 minutes. We can take our own camera (something the Huka Jetboat team would not allow) so it's quite a saving. With the afternoon free, we went back to a site visited the last time in Taupo, Wairakei Thermal Valley campsite.  More of a smallholding really, with free-range chickens, sheep, Llamas, Guinee fowl and Peacocks. It could be a bit noisy tonight as the Cockrell has been crowing his head off, the Guinee Fowl are cackling at each other and that Peacock, screeching for all it's worth!














We also had the photos taken by Georgia sent to us by email from the Canopy Tour team.









And seen at Orakei Korako





4 comments:

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

So glad you enjoyed Orakei Korako - it is great, isn't it? Did you know that you can stay there in the camper overnight too - Del and Al (Derwent 6) stayed there on their trip and were the only ones there, but when David and I visited the place was jam-packed with motorhomes!

The Huka River Cruise is also worth doing - wonderful for photography opportunities, and a clamber/walk down to Aratiatia Dam is pretty spectacular too.


There is a Dept of Conservation freedom camping place at 5 Mile Bay I think - not far from the turn off to the airport. Probably very busy but worth a try.

We have friends down at Pukawa (southern end of Lake Taupo) - let me know if you'd like to meet some NZers on their home patch and I'll send you their details.

Also, I know it may not be on your plans, but you could consider driving down the Forgotten World Highway to Stratford and then heading back up to meet us at Tongaporutu ...

Remember, flexibility and spontaneity are the keys to a fabulous holiday ...

Big hugs, Mxx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Bloody Hell Marilyn... Just looked up The Forgotten Highway to see it is one of the most dangerous roads in New Zealand! What do you want to do to us women!!! Kill us!! and you thought we were nuts!! But you know Ian...he is totally up for a challenge so we may well go ahead and do it. Just checking first if it's not one of the forbidden roads in our hire agreement. See you (hopefully) on the 13th. xx

Tom and Jan said...

Ian seems in his element surround by all those young chicks :-)

We drove the Forgotten World Highway by night (an error in my navigation) back in 1976. A very interesting experience!

Tom

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hi Tom, Seems we are good to go as this is not one of the restricted roads on the hire agreement, so watch this space.

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