We retreated from The Retreat with a song in our heart. The owner was a singer and serenaded us as we were departing. He had a tiny (but perfectly-formed) ukulele and a singing voice that could be described as “not too bad”. He was a bit of a railway nut and then sand us some railway songs he is in the process of recording for a local railway conservation society in order to raise some cash in order to continue their work. Celia said she was a part-time poetess and he asked her if she would write a poem he could have that he would set to music. Celia agreed most readily and last night she exchanged three hours sleep in the middle of the night to do that very thing. She has now emailed her efforts to said chap. Amazing how these things pan out.
So, after a pleasant start to the day we drove through Paihia and over the bridge to nearby Waitangi. Now, I don’t want to bore anybody but the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are now regarded as the Birthplace of the Nation. ‘Twas not always so. This was the place where, in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, the founding document of New Zealand as a nation. The agreement was between the British Crown and about 540 Maori rangatira (chiefs). An impressive bit of diplomacy. The place is now a major visitor attraction with an impressive visitor centre and the Treaty House itself, which began life in 1833 as British Resident James Busby's house. In 1932 Governor-General Lord Bledisloe gifted it to the nation. There is also a Maori Meeting House built in the extensive grounds and some wakas (war canoes) parked up. There is also one of the largest wakas housed in the now usual waka house. Also a large flag pole and fabulous views across the Bay of Islands.
We then drove on further north to KeriKeri with its rich history. There are vineyards, art galleries, cafes and craft shops. Quite a pretty place. We drove down to the Stone Store Basin, named after the first stone structure built in the country. Our first port of call, however, was at the recently refurbished Pear Tree Restaurant. This is named after the oldest pear tree in NZ (no kidding). Lovely time sitting out on the veranda having a drink and a lovely meal, looking out over the basin.
We finally dragged ourselves away and had a look at the Stone House itself. This was an old trading post that has been preserved and is now a tourist attraction, complete with a 200 year old woman serving behind the counter. OK, she was dressed as a 200 year old woman. But wouldn’t it have been great if she really was 200 years old. I told her she was looking really well for her age and she was pleased.
Next door is the Mission House, also known as the Kemp House, after a missionary family that occupied it. This is New Zealand’s oldest standing European building, dating from 1822. After this we started the journey home. Pretty much the same trip as before. This time we stopped off in Warkworth and used the new toll road into Auckland. It has been a round trip of 630km and was most entertaining and quite delightful. That has been our last trip for New Zealand. I’m writing this on Friday 19th March and it has been a very quiet day and nice and relaxing. Celia and Val have gone out for the day. Shopping and looking around. Hugh and I have had lunch and now sat at the table. Been watching John Clark on Youtube. Started with “The Front Fell Off”. If you don’t know it, just type that into Google and sit back for an highly entertaining couple of minutes. We then watched a load of associated clips.
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