Last day and it is pelting down with rain. We have been very lucky so far with the weather and it feels like a real ending in the rain. Down the east from Dargaville and over to Kaiwaka. We have been to Eutopia a couple of times before. In earlier days I would bypass as a place that looked a little weird. But now I am a convert. The space is out of the ordinary and yet the coffee and the food is great. I love that you can have your own little space to eat in or join the masses in the tented area.
Drippily (technical term) we made our way to Mangawhai to check out Bennett's cafe and chocolate place. I had a lovely conversation with a local woman Dee and the kids enjoyed a sorbet. Have to say I was a little miffed (polite term) as the Mr of the owners said that his wife would be more helpful to talk to regarding the book but was with the architect. So far not miffed, all good. We were happy to wait and he said that they would talk with us when she was finished. The miffed bit happened when after waiting for an hour and finally asking to talk to Mr again we found out they had left the building a while ago, but could we get Ethans Mum to confirm some Korean words on chocolate...I was not impressed and won't be returning.
We checked out the other cafes in Mangawhai and decided against doing them and decided for heading home. Unfortunatley we struck rush hour traffic and it was a long haul home with Ruby sleeping most of the way. This contributed to a 7 yr old still awake at 2.30am the next morning.
2 February 2011
1 February 2011
Bayleys Beach (Correct spelling this time)
Up again with cafes on our minds. Cafes and the terrifying thought of only one more night on the road. Part of me so longs to be at home and with my own free washing machine (yes sad I know), own bed and wireless. The other part of me fights the routine and facing into the huge year of work ahead. It is what it is...so enjoying the moment seems to be the smart option. If I can hold on to that all will be well.
Into Dargaville to check out the recommendations. I have to say cleanliness is a big plus in a cafe and one that was a wee bit lacking here. Couldn't do the cafes we saw as there wasn't enough good to outweigh the grub. Back to The Office it was and we had good food and coffee in a interesting building and faith was restored. By now Ethan and Ruby had completely had their fill of cafes, the looks of pain had been growing over the last few days with every cafe visited. So a final fling for the water babies back at the now favourite Bayleys Beach and up to Kai Iwi lakes to check it out. I remember it being more tree filled then our current experience and beleive the council is fending off many a complaint about their cutting skills. Its like one of those haircuts where you walk out crying. No matter who you get mad at its going to take a long time to grow back.
Loved cleaning off the salt in the lake and the safety factor was a plus for Ruby too. Back to the Bayleys Beach Campground for the final night out on the Search.
Into Dargaville to check out the recommendations. I have to say cleanliness is a big plus in a cafe and one that was a wee bit lacking here. Couldn't do the cafes we saw as there wasn't enough good to outweigh the grub. Back to The Office it was and we had good food and coffee in a interesting building and faith was restored. By now Ethan and Ruby had completely had their fill of cafes, the looks of pain had been growing over the last few days with every cafe visited. So a final fling for the water babies back at the now favourite Bayleys Beach and up to Kai Iwi lakes to check it out. I remember it being more tree filled then our current experience and beleive the council is fending off many a complaint about their cutting skills. Its like one of those haircuts where you walk out crying. No matter who you get mad at its going to take a long time to grow back.
Loved cleaning off the salt in the lake and the safety factor was a plus for Ruby too. Back to the Bayleys Beach Campground for the final night out on the Search.
Kerikeri - Helena Bay - Whangarei - Baleys Beach
Big day in store today. We left early and headed out to investigate the recommendations from the More FM listeners of the north. First stop Helena Bay cafe and Gallery. The view is to die for the service and coffee great. The dogs enormous and yet ruglike in demeanor make up a varied experience. I saw copperwork from friends I had long lost touch with in the gallery and Matthew bartered photos for a present for me. Yay!! This place has been well thought out and worth a trip off the main drag for a visit.
On into Whangarei. I didn't have high hopes based on previous visits to family in the area. We had a fabulous coffee at fresh and decided to keep going on to our next recomendation The Office which is not far out of Whangarei on the way to Dargaville. The kids were thrilled that they were about to close as they were hot and had done their dash. We knew tho that we would be returning.
Through Dargaville with the intention of maybe camping at Kai Iwi lakes for the night. We pulled into Bayleys Beach to check out the Funky Fish cafe that we had heard so much about and popped into the camping ground to see what we could get. It turns out I had been in contact with them earlier and we ended up staying very happily in their three bedroom unit/house. Just what was required after spending alot of time room sharing. Trish and Richard were the perfect hosts and our last two nights away looked promising. We popped into the cafe and arranged with Beth to go back later for a chat and dinner.
Yet again the beach was calling and we all walked down and cooled down at the end of the day.
Back to the Funky Fish and we had some great food and chatted to Beth and her partner Hiramai getting the low down on how the place came to be. Again well worth a visit with local art and music being a big part of the cafe.
On into Whangarei. I didn't have high hopes based on previous visits to family in the area. We had a fabulous coffee at fresh and decided to keep going on to our next recomendation The Office which is not far out of Whangarei on the way to Dargaville. The kids were thrilled that they were about to close as they were hot and had done their dash. We knew tho that we would be returning.
Through Dargaville with the intention of maybe camping at Kai Iwi lakes for the night. We pulled into Bayleys Beach to check out the Funky Fish cafe that we had heard so much about and popped into the camping ground to see what we could get. It turns out I had been in contact with them earlier and we ended up staying very happily in their three bedroom unit/house. Just what was required after spending alot of time room sharing. Trish and Richard were the perfect hosts and our last two nights away looked promising. We popped into the cafe and arranged with Beth to go back later for a chat and dinner.
Yet again the beach was calling and we all walked down and cooled down at the end of the day.
Back to the Funky Fish and we had some great food and chatted to Beth and her partner Hiramai getting the low down on how the place came to be. Again well worth a visit with local art and music being a big part of the cafe.
William joins the team in Kerikeri
William has been in contact with us for a number of months now. At 92 he is a very interesting and involved man. William loves going to the cafes in Kerikeri, Posh Nosh being one of his favourites, but his mobility scooter only goes so far. We had teed up that we would meet when we were in the area and so combined a number of activities into one.
Back to Food at Wharepuke to do the food shot, catch up with the local paper and take William that little bit out of town that he finds hard to access on the scooter. It was like old home week with Rachel knowing both William and Kerry from the paper. I had a connection with Rachel too and it felt a little bit like visiting friends, something we have missed by being on the move so much. We had more of Colins fantastic food and the Pork Belly craving was attended to in style!
Speaking with William sparked an interest we never expected as his life has been so varied and interesting. Lovely man.
After delivering William back home we went to the Kerikeri Court Motel to gather up our gear and Ruby's new friend Samantha and head to Matauri Bay to continue the boogy bording mission. Fun was had by all and we arrived back at the Motel for collapsing comfort at the end of another day.
Back to Food at Wharepuke to do the food shot, catch up with the local paper and take William that little bit out of town that he finds hard to access on the scooter. It was like old home week with Rachel knowing both William and Kerry from the paper. I had a connection with Rachel too and it felt a little bit like visiting friends, something we have missed by being on the move so much. We had more of Colins fantastic food and the Pork Belly craving was attended to in style!
Speaking with William sparked an interest we never expected as his life has been so varied and interesting. Lovely man.
After delivering William back home we went to the Kerikeri Court Motel to gather up our gear and Ruby's new friend Samantha and head to Matauri Bay to continue the boogy bording mission. Fun was had by all and we arrived back at the Motel for collapsing comfort at the end of another day.
25 January 2011
Rawene - Kohukohu - Mitimiti
So after a late start doing the mundane washing and prep work we got on the road about 11.30. The kids had been promised a surf beach to perfect their bodyboarding and we knew we had two cafes to look at. The road from Kerikeri to Rawene is a long and winding one and with my delusions of being Mika Hakanin (sp) the passengers were all feeling a little queasy on arrival. The last time I had been to Rawene Ruby was a toddler, Mika a little boy and I was blonde. My how things change. I have a photo of us with my good friend Trudi sitting in the Boat Shed cafe all those years ago.
Post nostalgia trip with the current crew we met the owners and had a rushed conversation and drink. They were very busy and we were aimming for the next ferry over to Kohukohu. We managed to get the story and the photos and Matthew was driving the car on to the ferry as I ran out the door to catch up having finalised the cafe. Great iconic spot. The food is simple but good, the coffee has always been a focus and the location is pretty special.
Wayne from Auckland had highly recommended our next stop. The Waterline Cafe in Kohukohu. We arrived hungry and a little growly from our rushed moments earlier. This place is again in a fantastic location and has alot of character. The cafe is the current project for Maryellen and the food and coffee was again fantastic. A highlight was Harley (sp). He is twelve and has the voice of an angel. Matthew had growled his way out to the car for something and returned with a serene disposition asking if we would all come outside for a moment. Grudgingly we did to find Harley waiting to sing to us. He busks around the North and lives in Kohukohu. Goosebumps!!! He sung an old hymn and then an Irish song he composed, wonderful. Not a grump in sight from any of us.
After doing our work at the cafe we were in need of a swim. Last time in the area I had boogy boarded down the sand dunes on this side of the harbour. We had gone there by boat. I asked if it was possible to get there by car and a local said yes about half an hour. I wonder how long she was laughing for as we departed. After about 1 1/2 hours traipsing through a logging area we gave up. Another local laughed at our attempt and suggested a four wheel drive may be more appropriate. Matthew had a ball being lost and we were all thrilled when we arrived at Mitimiti beach. Only ones on the beach and Ethan was introduced to boogy boarding and loved it. Being Rubys second attempt whe was the official pro and we all had a ball.
Long trip home arriving around 8.30pm. Another day done. We are home on friday...excited and dreading it...Night.
Post nostalgia trip with the current crew we met the owners and had a rushed conversation and drink. They were very busy and we were aimming for the next ferry over to Kohukohu. We managed to get the story and the photos and Matthew was driving the car on to the ferry as I ran out the door to catch up having finalised the cafe. Great iconic spot. The food is simple but good, the coffee has always been a focus and the location is pretty special.
Wayne from Auckland had highly recommended our next stop. The Waterline Cafe in Kohukohu. We arrived hungry and a little growly from our rushed moments earlier. This place is again in a fantastic location and has alot of character. The cafe is the current project for Maryellen and the food and coffee was again fantastic. A highlight was Harley (sp). He is twelve and has the voice of an angel. Matthew had growled his way out to the car for something and returned with a serene disposition asking if we would all come outside for a moment. Grudgingly we did to find Harley waiting to sing to us. He busks around the North and lives in Kohukohu. Goosebumps!!! He sung an old hymn and then an Irish song he composed, wonderful. Not a grump in sight from any of us.
After doing our work at the cafe we were in need of a swim. Last time in the area I had boogy boarded down the sand dunes on this side of the harbour. We had gone there by boat. I asked if it was possible to get there by car and a local said yes about half an hour. I wonder how long she was laughing for as we departed. After about 1 1/2 hours traipsing through a logging area we gave up. Another local laughed at our attempt and suggested a four wheel drive may be more appropriate. Matthew had a ball being lost and we were all thrilled when we arrived at Mitimiti beach. Only ones on the beach and Ethan was introduced to boogy boarding and loved it. Being Rubys second attempt whe was the official pro and we all had a ball.
Long trip home arriving around 8.30pm. Another day done. We are home on friday...excited and dreading it...Night.
23 January 2011
Kerikeri and Opua
There was a powercut overnight and much rain to listen to too. We awoke and started to make plans. Breakfast was plan number one that was thwarted by another power cut. Not to worry a walk around town later and the power was back on and we had an idea of the cafe scene.
We drove to Paihia with the intention of finding a great cafe. Not to be. For a town that has so many tourists the cafe scene is dismal. Not one to be found. We did stop at Hururu falls where Ruby slid in the mud like a lady and handled the muddy bum with grace. The volume of water was huge and we spared a thought for the campers who were obviously underwater down river.
After some great advice from the lingere shop we went to the cafe at the Marina in Opua. A nice discovery with very good coffee and a mean homemade pie. Back through Moerewa and Kawakawa stopping in the best known cafes for a look. Nothing that was enough to make us stop for any length of time.
So glad we kept on going because one of the gems of the trip was not far away. Food at Wharepuke is on the left as you head down to the Stone Store for an historical moment. This place is owned by Rachel and Colin and you MUST go there should you be in the area. In fact you should go to the area just to be at this cafe. The surroundings are beautiful, but the food, Ahh the food is to die for. Colin is a perfectionist with a long and often rockstar connected history with food. This food is a step above most we have come across. If you haven't noticed I am very very impressed. A great end to the day.
We drove to Paihia with the intention of finding a great cafe. Not to be. For a town that has so many tourists the cafe scene is dismal. Not one to be found. We did stop at Hururu falls where Ruby slid in the mud like a lady and handled the muddy bum with grace. The volume of water was huge and we spared a thought for the campers who were obviously underwater down river.
After some great advice from the lingere shop we went to the cafe at the Marina in Opua. A nice discovery with very good coffee and a mean homemade pie. Back through Moerewa and Kawakawa stopping in the best known cafes for a look. Nothing that was enough to make us stop for any length of time.
So glad we kept on going because one of the gems of the trip was not far away. Food at Wharepuke is on the left as you head down to the Stone Store for an historical moment. This place is owned by Rachel and Colin and you MUST go there should you be in the area. In fact you should go to the area just to be at this cafe. The surroundings are beautiful, but the food, Ahh the food is to die for. Colin is a perfectionist with a long and often rockstar connected history with food. This food is a step above most we have come across. If you haven't noticed I am very very impressed. A great end to the day.
Thames - Kerikeri
We had our continental breakfast at Grafton Cottages and then into town to drop Mika with his dad. Bah humbug!
Matthew, Ruby and I made fast time to Auckland and Ethan joined back up with us. He has had a fabulous time with his Mum in the States and it was lovely to have him back too.
We had plans to go to Dargaville but struggled with accomodation on a weekend. Eventually we rang our Kerikeri accomodation saviours at the Kerikeri Court Motel and they were happy to let us check in a day early. Yay!!!
No cafes today just a very long drive to the winterless, dry north...yeah right! We had fun being together and were relieved and revived when we landed at our place to stay for the next four nights. Fantastic layout for 4 and right in the middle of town without being noisy. And yes it has a pool. Kids and parents happy campers.
Matthew, Ruby and I made fast time to Auckland and Ethan joined back up with us. He has had a fabulous time with his Mum in the States and it was lovely to have him back too.
We had plans to go to Dargaville but struggled with accomodation on a weekend. Eventually we rang our Kerikeri accomodation saviours at the Kerikeri Court Motel and they were happy to let us check in a day early. Yay!!!
No cafes today just a very long drive to the winterless, dry north...yeah right! We had fun being together and were relieved and revived when we landed at our place to stay for the next four nights. Fantastic layout for 4 and right in the middle of town without being noisy. And yes it has a pool. Kids and parents happy campers.
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