Easter Rally 2013: Day 4

We left Wanganui this morning for a run out to Marton via country backroads and visited the Mungoven Gardens. After a short walk around the gardens it was time to move on for lunch at Cooks Restaurant in Martin, along with a friendly Auckland vs Wanganui pool tournament.

The trees provided some shade at Mungoven Gardens

Cooks Restaurant car park

From Marton we drove to Turikina to view a private collection of cars and memorabilia, then out to Turikina Beach for some art galleries.

The day was rounded out with dinner at the Grand Hotel.

Easter Rally 2013: Day 3

Durie Hill tower

This morning started at the Wanganui market by the riverside. Karen and I got some coffee and wandered around town, then finished up by the river watching the kids jumping into the water off the road bridge.

We then drove up Durie Hill where some of us decided to climb to the top of the tower for a better look over town.

After lunch, we drove to Ed's Auto Barn and examined the treasures contained within. We the proceeded to tail-end ring-in Woz's pear orchard where we were encouraged to take as many pears as possible as well as checking out Woz's projects. Then it was back to Frank's place (a local resident near Pat) to view a local Ford Y.

Dinner at Pat and Sandra's rounded out a warm day.

Wanganui from Durie Hill

Parked at Woz's

Easter Rally 2013: Day 2

A misty start to the day at National Park Village gave the cars just a little more oomph on the run to Raetihi, where we met up with Warren and Bev from Napier, and organisers Pat and Sandra from Wanganui (along with their tail-end Charlie ring-ins, Woz and Richard).

First stop: Raetihi

We progressed from there away from the State Highway and down to the Wanganui River Rd. Some twisty and windy travelling later we pulled in to Jeruselum to view the century old church and convent. A little further on we checked out the historic Kawana flour mill, followed by a stop in Matahiwi for morning tea.

At Jeruselum Church

From here, we drove on over the final hill, joined the main highway and finished up at Pat and Sandra's place for lunch. A relaxing afternoon and dinner followed before turning in for the night.

Last hill of the day ...

... with this view of the Whanganui River

Easter Rally 2013: Day 1

Rally start: 7am BP Service Centre, Southern Motorway, Auckland

An early start from Auckland had us travelling to Morrinsville to pick up more members, and then on to Te Awamutu.

Gearbox removal in progress

Chris required a gearbox change due to losing 2nd gear. Fortunately Steve, a local member had a spare (and a workshop) and so a replacement was quickly slotted in to enable him to get back on the road.

Further misdemeanours, in the form of a petrol shortage (no names to protect the guilty) resulted in another short stop, but we progressed on through Te Kuiti and Taumaranui, to end the day at National Park Village.

Gavin arriving at National Park Village, with Mt Ruapehu in the background.

Relaxing at the end of the day.