Vintage Trains and A Flightless Birds

We were greeted by more sunny skies as we made our way down to the enticing breakfast menu at the Auckland Crowne Plaza. So far, we have been blessed by the weather especially seeing as the North Island experienced heavy rain and stormy weather just a week ago.

After waddling out of the restaurant and attending to the minor details, we checked out to find Dave waiting to take us further south to Rotorua. Our first port of call is the Glenbrook Vintage Railway at Waiuku, about 45 minutes from Auckland. Speaking of Auckland, we could’t really form any worthwhile opinion of the city as all we saw was the hotel and the city streets as we drove in and out of the CBD.

When we arrived at the railway at Waiuku, the railway crew were

waiting and after a pitstop, away we went on the 7.5kms of track. The 20 of us were the only passengers so with 2 carriages and an open tray, there was plenty of room to spread out. We arrived at the workshops and viewed about half a dozen engines either being serviced or restored. It is entirely manned by volunteers and our host, Robert told us that many spend most of their time there. A few from our group had a ride in the locomotive but we left that to those who really wanted to. Getting covered in ashes, soot and smoke was a by product of being upfront. We returned to the station and enjoyed morning tea with some cakes and scones.

Off we set again, bound for Matamata where we arrived at lunchtime. There were numerous choices of eateries with the majority opting for a sanger or a dog’s eye. I picked one of the bakeries and of course it was too hot inside for Mr Grumpy but there we were. Joan and Ron went with Pies with Joan really looking forward to the last pepper steak pie available while Ron picked the steak and mushroom. Ron must have been ravenous because as Joan was paying, Ron tucked in. Yep, he started on the pepper steak. Now I am always reluctant to throw petrol on a fire but I couldn’t help myself on this occasion. But to be fair, Ron would have done exactly the same given the opportunity.

Our next activity for the day is our final stop and we pull into the Rainbow Springs Wildlife Reserve in Rotorua about 3.15pm. A Kiwi Encounter Experience awaits us. We wander round viewing fish, reptiles (but no snakes), birds and the Moa bird until our appointment with the Kiwi. The poor old Kiwi has been nearing extinction and this reserve has a breeding, nurturing and release program. So we learn all about the Kiwi from go to whoa. They are nocturnal and we were destined not to see a live Kiwi. However, because we are on a “special’ group tour, we are offered the chance to see an adult, under treatment because of injury, being weighed. The staff woke him up and showed the little fella to the group before weighing him. He weighed in ok. Somehow they knew his age and he was 36 years old. So we did something that not many do and that is view a Kiwi at close range. Now I do not know if that happens often but when someone tells us we are special or favoured, it makes me a bit doubtful. Maybe I am a little cynical. But whatever, we all really did enjoy Rainbow Springs.

On the way into Rainbow Springs, they took the obligatory photo to try and flog to the punters on exit. As we were leaving, Lesley and Joan were checking out the souvenir shop and Ron was getting a little agitated. He worries about missing the coach but also keepng the others waiting if we are late. Anyway, Ron walked over to where they were displaying the photos taken earlier. There were 2 in 2 different folders, one with a Kiwi superimposed into the hands and one with 2 small lizards or some reptiles resting on the wrists. One cost $35 and if both were purchased, the cost was $60. Now isnt that a fair dinkum bargain? Ron went up, grabbed both, bought them and departed.

To buy the photos, there was a separate counter. One of the others from our tour saw me with 1 photo and told me that if you only buy 1, they offer you the 2nd one for $10. So I got sucked in and bought both after the deal was offered, total $45. I waited for the girls and immediately copped a small spray for buying the overpriced photos . I had a bit of a chuckle as I knew Ron had bought both for full price before he had done the runner. When he disclosed the transaction, I wasn’t game to further ignite the flames that resulted. However, I did file it away for later use. By the way, Joan, Lesley and I caught the coach with time to spare.

Our rooms at the Regent Hotel are ground floor facing the pool and about 20 metres from the bar and restaurant. Perfect! After the quiet one or two, we are seated for another very nice meal. Can’t remember what we had but there were no complaints. Ron and I sampled the Steinlager Pure and again, no complaints. We had a few more just to make sure it was ok and it was. I believe the Sav Blancs were fine too. The crowd dispersed relatively early and after one more cleanser, we did the same. Although I personally wouldn’t have picked the attractions we went to, I actually enjoyed them.

Now we are looking forward to as good a day on day 6.