​Gary and Janette ventured south to Timaru to watch the truck racing and slowly made their way back up the East coast of the South Island travelling in a Le Voyageur Heritage motorhome. 

Most of our brand-new European motorhomes are built on a Fiat base vehicle and the latest cab has been upgraded with many new features. 

​Check out the video below and refresh your knowledge on how to operate the basic systems. 

Over the last couple of years, I mentioned Lake Argyle and the Hydro Canal near Blenheim in various articles as a great location to park up for a night or two, fish for trout and enjoy the surroundings. 

Last weekend I finally managed to venture deep into the Branch River Valley and can only recommend the trip if you are in the area. The location is accessible with a 4wd or a mountain bike.

Tip: Check if the road is open to the public before embarking on your journey as there has been increased logging activity in the area and some parts can be closed off during the week. 

​http://nzwalksinfo.co.nz/tracks/2114-branch-river-track

Above: Greigs Hut marks the end of the road access and the start of the Branch River Hike. 

​A 30-45 min drive from the lake you will reach Greigs Hut. The well-maintained cabin marks the end of the road access and the start of the Branch River Hike. I parked the car, packed my backpack and fly-rod, and started walking for around 8km before I started fishing.

​The hiking trail was reasonably easy to walk and my anticipation of fishing the canyon like river parts of the upper branch was high and I made it to the planned starting point quick. 

River conditions were perfect, the trout started eating late morning and I managed to net a couple of beauties within a few hours of exploring. 

Note: Parts of the river are not easily accessible, and I would strongly suggest a cautious approach as well as taking the right equipment. ​

​Feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the trip. It's well worth the effort and can be planned as a day or multi-day trip. 

Located about 3 hours southeast of Auckland, the Bay of Plenty is another great weekend destination especially for those living in the upper part of the north island. 
​
I have visited the area a few times as my little sister lives in Mount Maunganui and have always enjoyed my trips. However, I am really looking forward to taking the motorhome to the bay for an extended trip and explore a little further.

Hike Tauranga’s iconic Mount Maunganui

​It wouldn’t be a trip to Tauranga without taking on the Mount Maunganui walk. An activity to add to your list of must-dos in Tauranga, it’s the Bay of Plenty’s most iconic landmark. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the top, and on a clear day, visitors can see the Coromandel peninsula in the North.

​https://www.newzealand.com/int/mount-maunganui/

Book a marine wildlife tour

Explore Tauranga’s big blue backyard with Bay Explorer or Dolphin Seafaris. The sun-kissed coastline of the Bay of Plenty is frequented by dolphins, whales and orcas, and plenty of other sea life. Learn from passionate locals about the unique aquatic world that lies just off the coast.

​https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/dolphin-seafaris-nz-ltd-1/

Paddle your way around Tauranga's coastline

Book a tour or hire your own kayak and explore the coastline and inner bays of the region. KG Kayaks, East Coast Paddler, and Waimarino all offer unforgettable paddling adventures – from evening glow worm tours and SUP lessons around Mount Maunganui, to coastal adventures in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

​https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/kg-kayaks-1/

Treat yourself to a scenic helicopter flight

​For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a scenic flight with the crew at Adventure Helicopters. Let them fly you over some of the most stunning areas of the Bay of Plenty, or for something really special, book one of their food and wine or fly and drive packages.

https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/bay-explorer-1/