This is where we'll update you on how our trip is going.
05 Jun, 2007 - Queens Birthday Ride by Emil
Here we are once again taking time out and hitting the road again This weekend usually sees us planning a trip further a field than this but as all of us have been tied to work commitments for longer periods than usual we seem to not have found the time.
The last trip we did together was a 3 day stint down to Coromandal back in the month of February which was fun staying with friends in their holiday home just off the beach
The break away was very much appreciated the company entertaining and we all had the fortune to taste those succulent Whitianga scallops
The Queens Birthday ride although broken into three sections made it a more leisurely one
First of all the two of us Brenda and Emil set off on Saturday before lunch-time to journey up through Dargaville and onto Kai Iwi Lakes where Noel and Ruby reside in this delightful setting. They own and run this 4 star lodge called WAI HOU OMA Lodge
The large crystal clear lake is just a short walk from their lodges and used for such sports as water skiing sailing and trout fishing and of coarse swimming also you are not far away from some of northlands famous native bush reserves including Tane mahuta the Gaint Kauri
It may seem to be a out of the way place well off the beaten track so to speak – but worth a drive of around three hours from Auckland but I believe that only adds to the uniqueness of the area
If you are looking for a peaceful relaxing and quiet weekend then this the place to be !! They have it all: Spa - Ski boat - toys to play with and even a theatre to watch those dvds that you have never had the time to see. Besides all off this Ruby is a fantastic cook and we have been treated to some really superb scrumptious meals followed by great conservation and a few bottles of wine, if you decide to stay for a weekend you will not regret your decision!
The weather over the weekend was reported to be showers with heavy rain at times which seemed to be on the button but undeterred all of us made the decision to head to Coopers Beach have lunch with Noels parents then turn around and head back to Kai iwi Lakes
The ride took us up through the Waipoua Forest with kauris and native bush right up to the road edge One can not hurry through here it is just so peaceful as the saying goes take time to smell the roses
Next stop was Opononi where we stop for a light breackfast and coffee at the local watering hole pleasant service and reasonably priced
This hotel over looks the wharf and beach where the NZ famous dolphin OPO used to frollick and play way back in the 1950s
A quiet little back water holiday spot with a laid back atmosphere
Relish in the serene beauty of the place
The road north- east from here to Kaikohe is one to enjoy but as we noticed the early morning had left large areas of wet roads shaded by hills and banks and with the odd rain shower passing through on had to be aware of the slippery surface just in case we got caught out
Some of the country side and surrounding farm land is as nice as any in New Zealand and one thing that struck me was the absence of wandering stock a nice surprise for that is one of my major concerns when out riding I do not wish to hit a beast weighing 600 kgs besides we are animal lovers they may not fear so well either
On up to Coopers good roads for biking and have to keep reminding ourselves of our speed you are so absorbed in what is around you and what is in front of you sometime it is quite difficult to remain around that 100ks Lucky I have cruise control
Coopers Beach was drench in sun when we arrived and turned out to be a very pleasant day after saying our hellos sitting down and enjoying a traditional kiwi bacon an egg pie followed by pikelets an cream one would be apt to take a Sunday nap
After a couple of hours we started off on our return journey retracing our path which we had set out earlier in the day arriving back just as the sun was setting behind the sand dunes of Opononi
Through the forest again Darkness !! more of a pitch black would be a better term The forest really did shut a out any light that may have been available but that’s riding take the good with the bad Good lights on our bike make the difference and those on the Goldwing are exceptional
Overall around trip of 440ks a nice ride for a Sunday made better with friends
The next morning we said our good-byes and set off for the short ride home hitting rain only for the first time for the weekend as we neared the Brynderwyns a range of hills between Whangarei and Wellsford
