Napier to Tauranga
A trip on New Zealand’s Intercity bus service is always an interesting experience.
I decided to visit an old friend in Tauranga and found myself once again travelling from Napier up to Taupo, which always brings back memories of my Dad’s ‘mystery tours’ on a Sunday.
Back in the 60’s of course the trip to Taupo took about six hours and the road was often unsealed, windy and, depending on the time of year, sometimes icy and treacherous.
Apart from that, the family car was hot and filled with squabbling kids, pinching, teasing and annoying each other in the back seat!
These things always come to mind when I do this trip but of course the two hours it now takes to get to Taupo are fortunately completed on a smooth new road. How different it is today!
Intercity stops at Mohaka for a driver exchange and I have to say the drivers on this particular trip were happy, friendly souls who tried valiantly to deliver cheerful reports to passengers over a speaker system that crackled and refused to co-operate.
We didn’t stop for long in Taupo as the bus was running a little behind schedule, so continued the drive to Rotorua and on to Tauranga with a brief ten minute stop-over. Note: They now have deluxe loos in Taupo where you pay a 50 cent fee for ‘added comfort’!!
In recent years on my trips back to New Zealand I have come to appreciate the ever-changing scenery of the countryside. It is such a beautiful country with its contrasting greenery and majestic volcanic hills and mountains. There is always so much to look at and think about when on public transport and for a change, it is good to leave the driving to somebody else.
https://www.newzealand.com/int/tauranga/Coming back to Tauranga I was struck by what I find is a rather depressing entry to this beautiful part of the country. The bus goes through the fairly blank and barren industrial area to Mount Manganui which is a complete contrast with its bustling port and cruise-ships and trendy shops and cafes.
However, we eventually reached the centre of Tauranga city where all seemed to be ‘alive and well’. Enjoyed walking around the new area built with shipping containers. There were lots of interesting little cafes and shops in this complex and my friend and I enjoyed some delicious dumplings for lunch.
The old Post Office has been renovated into an opulent and beautiful restaurant and outside cafe area with great coffee and a breakfast/lunch menu. It’s well worth checking out at https://www.clarencetauranga.co.nz/page/bistro/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term={keywords}&gclid=Cj0KCQjwg73kBRDVARIsAF-kEH_pwOr537vho9ugw_K5VN_9Rk1DWsYdY6Wi9Aepi_rniuoukmt9iMAaAkewEALw_wcB
I only spent a few days in Tauranga and the weather was rather overcast with rain, but it was a great break away although my poor friend had an attack of gout which meant we couldn’t really walk too far. However I did learn how to play Rummikub – similar in some ways to Scrabble.
2 Comments
Hi my good friend. I thought I would check your blog to see what you have been doing. WOW!! You’ve been everywhere man, as the song says. So excited to read from the new year’s eve in Perth. Well my girl your living the dream!! just love it. I will give you a ring soon 💓 Linda
Thanks Linda. I would love to hear from you. Let’s talk soon!