[jubjub]

Its only 1.5 hrs from our end of Auckland, yet we had not been in 2.5 yrs! We finally made it and took our pics at the world famous in New Zealand big bottle

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1216/1488046196_76d10a1e00.jpg

Had a wander up and down the main street, of course had a bottle of L&P which locally comes in glass bottles!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1060/1487303685_8213ddf1c3.jpg

Decided we were peckish, and took a chance on finding somewhere a little further down SH2.

We found Karangahake Gorge (pretty bit of scenery!)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1245/1488083754_260ee596bc.jpg

We then spotted a winery, hubby decided to buy a bottle anyway, so popped in, came back 2 mins later to report that there was a lovely cafe with a courtyard that would let us take both the dog and the toddler in! It was lovely, nice wine and very nice food (slightly posh nosh, but not that pricey considering think it was about $17 for the priceiest main course) http://www.ohinemuri.co.nz/

Left home at about 9ish, back home for 3, done a bit of sightseeing, nice lunch, and missed rush hour completely.

[aberdian]

Nice pics, brings back memories :) We were there about 15yrs ago, memorable for my wife (then girlfriend) having the worst headache she's ever had......

[Cardy]

Hi I was talking to a kiwi guy the other day who organoses the highland games there would you believe complete with massed pipe bands:yes

[jubjub]

Hi I was talking to a kiwi guy the other day who organoses the highland games there would you believe complete with massed pipe bands:yes

I would beleive it, there are loads of pipe bands here, there is a multi-cultural gala in Howick every year, there are several that play and perform in the opening ceremony.

[Tia Maria]

Great photos Sal!

Did you have to hold onto the 2 of them very hard to stop them running away? :laugh

Cheers

Tia

[Timbo]

Paeroa now calls itself the antiques capital of NZ, so I guess the L& P fame is wearing a bit thin.
The place really comes alive early to mid Feb when it hosts the famous Battle of the streets motorbike races.
www.battleofthestreets.co.nz

If you give it a go, take earplugs.
I was down there last Feb for the races, and got chatting to guy who turned out to be originally from the next village along from my home in uk.
The Ohinemuri cafe sounds nice Sal, thanks for the link. We may even go this Sunday if the weather holds.

[M&J]

I have driven through this way a lot with work and keep meaning to stop. Now have a good reason to take a walk along the gorge now I know a good place to eat.

Thanks will be trying it out soon

Jo :nice1