Wandering boots tour Day 7 Treaty Boots

By the numbers

14.15kms

20,387 steps

Today I was going out to the Treaty grounds to see what was happening at the Waitangi events. I was hoping not to get the same reception as the day before with the rain as my stuff was still wet from the day before. I did get up earlier than my alarm and that was what I wanted as it would give me time to get out to the grounds and spend some time out there to see the events of the day. I knew what was happening, but I really wanted to see the Waka events. They had the roads blocked off to Waitangi for traffic and just before the bridge there was a Waka event going on that I stopped at to watch for a while. People were everywhere from tourists to Maori were all watching. I had come for the Ngātokimatawhaorua as I wanted to see it on the water instead of being under cover nearly every time I went. This was my first Waitangi Day on the Waitangi grounds.

I did watch the waka for some time and they did take the big Waka out for a run, which I was happy to see. It was impressive on the water even if they were being followed by the Coastguard. I did walk closer once they went back to the shore and there was a haka of sorts with the guys who had been on the boat and it was impressive. They went for at least 10 to 15 mins. I did notice some gangs that are native to New Zealand like the Head Hunters and the Mongrel Mob. I was able to walk across the bridge to Waitangi with no traffic other than people wandering around. It was pretty different to do when every other time the bridge is open to traffic. The fairground market stalls were not really that exciting though I had gotten there before it had become really busy. There was quite a bit there that was directed to help people like with networking and get employment. I was not familiar with any of these. Since my interest in the strange food waned as I did not want to buy $15 worth of scallops as it was only myself I wandered to the upper treaty grounds where I wanted to catch the next part of my list.

The next tick on my list was the Navy band and I was hoping it would be good. They were explaining why the Navy was at the grounds as they were allowed to have ceremonies there due to something due to sorting out the treaty grounds flag and an Act of parliament. They explained they were going to do a beat retreat, which was really the changing of the guard for when they needed to put on a watch at night. I thought it would be pretty cool and the top dog in the navy was there too watching the naval officers in formation. The band did play once everyone had marched off the grounds as it was the New Zealand band as in the 1960s or there abouts the British version had gone home. We clapped the New Zealand band as being old it was everyones band. The Maori culture group, who were used for visiting dignatories and other big wigs in politics came next and it was good to see something other than the Haka being displayed. They were singing and using the pois, which was great to see. Just as they finished the navy marched back in for the 21 gun salute. I thought at first it was these guys, but it was actually the ships that were in the bay that fired though it was impressive with the smoke.

I could have wandered off to get something to eat, but I was hearing reports of the protesters were coming to the Marae near the treaty house. I was wondering if I would get caught in it and I had seen earlier that they had closed the doors to the treaty house due to the wanderers. I asked an officer who called the protest by the right name of Hikoi. He explained you would not be trampled as people will let you know if you were in the way. Nothing like the British with their soccor matches at all. I felt better, but wasn’t really sure where they would come out, but I could hear them. Soon they came walking down the side of the treaty house singing and chanting. It was impressive to watch and I stayed next to the trees watching. I could not understand what anyone was saying as all they were doing was talking in Maori or Te Reo. I wandered off before they really broke up as I wanted to have a Hungi meal that had been on my mind. It was beautiful as it was really tender.

After lunch I decided to head back to Paihia though I wondered if I could get a ferry as I wanted to visit Russel too. The navy had one of their boats there so I decided it would be better to walk back. Stopping at the Te Tiriti O Waitangi Marae just across on the Paihia side of the bridge. I was thinking of wandering through the doors to the Ko Tenei Whare that someone was allowing people to enter. Pretty soon a lady came running up to kick people out telling them they could not be there as it was to do with their ancestors and to delete the photos that had been taken inside. I thought it as fair enough and some guy say next to me, who was no older than me and asked where I was from. I told him my usual answer and he asked what my breeding was and I told him I was Pakeha, but somewhere there was Maori blood, but I had not asked. He did say that I should ask and I did not say it had anything to do with direct lines as I knew there were some in branches. I thought that was the strangest of all questions I had ever been asked. I was getting ready to walk off anyway and he mentioned that I looked like I was in a hurry. I said I wanted to go to Russel if I had time.

Making it back into the township of Paihia I was lucky to get a boat into Russel as I thought I would have missed it. It was standing room only as no one wanted to get wet. Once we had crossed on the Happy Ferry I spent an hour wandering through Russell as there were several things I wanted to look at and one of them was the Church well the first church to be built as I had never taken a video especially showing off the musket holes. I only really stayed there for an hour and headed back on the next ferry that got me worried when it headed back to Waitangi. I realised t would visit Paihia too. The kids at Waitangi were not worried at all while they were on the dock jumping off into the water all around the ferry. The lady driving had to let them know that she was backing out.

Once we had the short cruise to Paihia, I was wandering to my room where I needed to throw my wet clothes in the dryer and happy that what I was wearing was very dry as it only spat a few times during the day. I wanted dry clothes as I will be heading to Warkworth tomorrow. I am still the only guy in my room with two ladies who seem interesting. One did a course in psychology, but has lived in Paihia for the last couple of months. I don’t want to go anywhere else as my feet do not want me to go anywhere else other than listen to the entertainment tonight. I do find it funny how people think the protest here will turn violent, but people seem happy that its not at all. I have a feeling if anyone tried something then the others would stand in and sort the troublemakers out. It has been well worth the trip out here just for Waitangi Day. The girl I was speaking to went to the Dawn service and said it was a little boring. Its why I didn’t go as I did not have a vehicle and wont wander around in the dark with a camera.

I have some videos, but the internet here does tend to be slow as a wet week at times so I might not get them on until I get onto the bus or into Warkworth. I think they are really good even though I got everyone from the back. We shall see.

Wandering boots tour Day 6 wet Waitangi boots

By the numbers

11.17kms

16,194 steps

2 wet boots

In Whangarei the weather was coming over as overcast and then rainy during the morning. I wasn’t sure if the weather report for Paihia would be correct or not, but we were going to see what happens. Before I left for the bus we got a visit from Brian another cousin, which was good though I was on the way out. On the way to the bus, Claude stopped at a shop in town so we could visit a lady that mum knew, an old family friend who I had not seen in a very long time. We had a quick chat before we had to go yet again, but I think I made her day. While Claude went to find a carpark I went for a look through Reyburn House as its an art gallery. There was a new book on the people of the Hokianga. The second part to the book I already have of ‘Memories of the Hokianga’. I didn’t buy this one as it as $70, but I did not really have the room. Being wet I did not want to get the book wet if my bags springs a leak.

The bus now arrives at the new information centre called The Hub at the town basin. I started to wait inside after Claude had dropped me off until I started worrying that the driver wont come in or that I would have missed seeing the bus. I became more worried once the arrival time passed and I had seen a big black bus with the silver fern go past. I asked the guys at the counter who said that the bus leaves from out the front and that it was late. I relaxed then as the niggles in the back of my head had been telling me that I had missed it. I think I would have been bouncing off the walls before too long, but it was way too warm to be waiting inside. The bus came and I was happy though well over half hour late. One of the places that we got to go through was Hikorangi and I wanted to just be dropped off there and look around. I was able to take some quick pics and upload them via the free wifi. The funny thing about the bus was that it may have free wifi, but nowhere to charge the phone. I know the Greyhound from Canberra to Sydney had a charging station. I think the bus either has to have one or the other. The weather became steadily worse the further north we went. The traffic was slow moving and that included the logging trucks going the other way. Once we got to Paihia I was happy to get off especially when the rain had stopped for a little while.

I thought I should cover up my bag in the wet gear after using the loo and while sorting out my bag the cleaners arrived. One even helped me find one of the shoulder straps as I was in the way. As I crossed the road my poor attempt at putting a wet weather coat over my main bag showed as it blew off. It was still attached, but just limply hanging doing nothing but swinging in the breeze. Luckily I was not staying very far at all as I was staying in a hostel that was different from where I was usually staying, but on the same street. I arrived and was able to check in, which was good as I apparently had the premium hostel room that included a towel. I thought this was cool even though I had to walk up two flights of stairs to get to the room. I found out of four beds, I was the only guy out of the three people in the room. I claimed my bed by putting stuff on it so that it was all good and I was going to wander towards Waitangi to see the Navy band play.

I had to stop for a bite to eat and then I was off. I was wrapped up in wet weather gear except for wet pants, but my shorts did end up being wet. The rain was incessant drizzle that would become annoying. I stopped at the stone church also known as St. Paul’s Anglican as it was open for the fist time I had ever been to Paihia so I wandered in. It was wonderful even though I took some pictures. I had my small waterproof camera on me as I didn’t want the bigger one to get wet. I will be back to take better pictures of the windows. I like the inside of the church in Russell as it looks better. After that I wandered into town thinking I would have heaps of time before the Navy band. I found when I looked at a timetable that I only really had half hour so I powered onto Waitangi in the constant drizzle that became harder at times. I did see the camp grounds were full of people, but no one was out and about as it was raining. There were quite a few cop cars driving around though, way more than I had seen when I came to NZ. There was no trouble that I could see at all. I wanted to see the band and soon came to the grounds that I realised had a gate now that was closed. A lady who was wandering around told me they had cancelled the band due to the wet weather and I could go check the museum out. Knowing it wasn’t going to open until Sunday I had a look and found it was $25 to enter though it wasn’t worth being there for just an hour or so. They informed me that tomorrow the grounds were free entry for all. Deciding I could pull a swifty by entering the grounds from other areas, I soon found the grounds had been fenced off all the way to the waters edge. Once before around 4 years ago I could enter the grounds from other was, but now that had been denied. I wandered off back to Paihia as it would start getting late if I waited around for longer and I could see they were setting things up for the next day. The police were all hiding in the carpark for the Waitangi bowls club. I nearly asked them if they were playing bowls. If they are there tomorrow I will ask. They looked wet and miserable with the weather too.

The slog back to Paihia meant that I could feel that my socks were now wet and the wind was trying to blow my brolly inside out. I could see the Cantabury not very far off, but I didn’t have access to my decent camera as it was being protected from the wet weather. Some of the puddles on the footpath were actually deep and I had to walk on the grass so I didn’t have leaky boots. Once around the corner in Paihia there was a beach where it claimed in 1833 the first recorded cricket match was played between kids. So many things happened in this area that I would not be surprised if there was a shrunken head somewhere that would be shown off. While thinking about getting something to eat before I headed back to the hostel, I went looking at the shops and found there is a second hand book sale on tomorrow since it is the first weekend of the month. Another book store had a book with pictures of the gum diggers so I will be back to have a look at that if it is open. Second hand book store that is. Paihia does have its own little free library too down by the waters edge. One tip is to make sure you have solid ground as the ground can become slippery especially if there is mosaic type stuff in wet weather. I eventually had something to eat before I went to seek a shower and dry clothes as it was still raining. As I write this it is now dark and wet. Those puddles will too be dark, wet and mysterious.

New Zealand Wandering Boots tour Day 5: Quarrying boots

By the numbers

Distance 13.29 kms

Steps 19,249

I actually got up pretty early this morning to go for a walk. I wanted to take a wander over to A.H. Reed park via Whangarei Falls first thing in the morning before it became too hot and I ended up going elsewhere with Claude as I knew we might be heading out towards the Quarry Gardens today. I knew he had something on mid morning and I would be back early enough when he had finished his chore to have a rest and be off again.

I had breakfast without my morning coffee *Shock, horror, gasp and all that* as I just wanted to go out walking. I had done this full on walk once before, but it was not in the middle of summer where I would be working up a sweat. Several times on the walk I was surprised when I looked up and people were walking towards me though some said hello as they went. I did see some spider webs that I had identified days earlier as a Nurseryweb spider. Internet is a great way of getting spider identities and these are natives. According to the website they do bite, but are not poisonous so you never know. I made it up to AH Reed Memorial Park and planned to walk down to one of the entrances via the road as I did not want to stumble downhill from the bush track. I had to wait for a truck to pass one of the barriers before I could go down further as I didn’t want to be that close to one of them even though the road was not that busy. One of the carpark entrances had me really interested as they have shoe cleaning stuff for the Kauri dieback disease including an actual boot scrubber though I never tested it. I didn’t touch the stuff since I was going back along the paths, but the cleaner is not at the Whangarei Falls entrance. I made it back to the house with plenty of time and there was at times the feel of rain that I thought I would get caught in.

After a little bit of a breather and what looked to be a distance of 8kms on my fitbit, I was off again with Claude taking me to the Quarry gardens that we had seen signs for, but had never visited. All I knew was that it was a quarry that had been rejuvenated to a garden a long time ago. Along the way I did see that there were several walking tracks up into the hills that could be interesting and Claude had mentioned that he had been on one of those walks when he was younger on several occasions. That was years before mobile phones. The walk through the grounds after our gold coin donation was really wonderful and Claude did keep up with me as we climbed past the arid garden with the cacti and some of the concrete ruins of the buildings. We did see the lake that had no birdlife floating around and one of the tunnels did show pictures of the quarry when it was working. We did stop for coffee where they used flowers instead of numbers and I was being silly with my daisy by putting it behind my ear. The lady who delivered our coffee needed the flower back to use again. It was a great idea.

The other part of the Quarry a short drive away was an arts centre, which also included walks to Pa sites along tracks, but we both had other things to look at. The arts centre was a little quiet, but I think mum would like to visit as some of the stuff looked like she would like in two of the shops including the green stone things. We didn’t really walk that far around though it was quiet. I had seen something outside the centre that had my interest and that was a cemetery. The cemetery was the Mission Ground cemetery and I don’t know when they had removed everyone, but the grounds were used between 1840 to 1940, but nothing to say what happened. There was a headstone on the far side, which were to the Rust family and a memorial to the people who are / were buried there. I don’t know anything about this as I had not been there before or heard of the cemetery.

After the cemetery we drove to get something to eat and headed over to the Whangarei Railway station. The building according to what I have read was a heritage listed building that was protected. The platform was fenced off and the building was used as a Mens Shed and a training centre. I walked to the other side and found the gate had been left open. As you do with an open gate, you wander on through with the camera and take pictures without being hindered by a fence in the picture. No one told me to leave and if they did I would act dumb saying I didn’t realise with an added stutter maybe or talk slowly. Think they would realise train enthusiast who is excited to be on an unused platform not that I am sure if I could pull that one off. Claude had mentioned the dam where the local water supply is held and I had said I never knew about that. Out to the country, a short trip from town to the Whau Valley Dam. It was like the other dams I have been to, but I did not actually walk to the spillway. I found a memorial where someone had died in 1968 during the building of the dam. I did wonder if mum rode her bike out that way when she was younger. On the way home we stopped outside a house in Bedlington Street where granny along with mum and her brother lived for a little while after the divorce. I could have the information wrong, but they did stay in the building there for a short amount of time.

Today was my last full day in Whangarei before heading to Paihia, where I will be spending Waitangi Day at the Waitangi treaty grounds. I wanted to experience this event for once so here I am. Apparently there will be protests at the event and the waka Ngatokimatawhaorua will be on the water with luck. Dont ask I do not even know how to pronounce the name and I have tried. I shall see what tomorrow brings as it will apparently be very wet over the weekend so the weather might keep me suspended for a little while. I know now that bringing denim shorts might have slightly been a bad idea.

New Zealand Wandering Boots tour Day 4 Resting boots, family boots

By the numbers

3.3kms

4,790 steps

1 Book – Mort by Terry Pratchett

Today not much really happened other than meeting up with another family member, Donna who is also sorting out the family tree came over to see us. I had not met her before, but I think I either impressed her with what I did have or surprised her to the point once she receives some of what I do have it will take her a while to get through the information. I don’t always share what I do have. I think we both realised that we had a little problem and that was there was a need for a little USB stick so we could transfer some information over to each other.

I did relax for most of the day by reading a book, which I did finish so that means I will read another pretty soon as my restive state dictates that I will do that. Hot cross buns were great to eat as well. I thought it was best to go for a short walk and found that my new pair of shorts really do need a belt as I had to keep pulling them up though they never went down around my ankles. Nothing will ever be as bad as running around Southern Cross Railway station with shoelaces undone and trousers falling down with a huge bag on my back all because I had walked towards the wrong train on the correct platform.

I took a round trip past the Whangarei Waterfalls, which was where my 3kms came into the picture. I didn’t think that my slow wander with shorts that had several things in their pockets was that bad. There were plenty of people around enjoying the park at the start of the falls. I had the thought that I could take an early morning walk tomorrow to AH Reed Park and go back from there. It wouldn’t take very long at all and I would then be refreshed for the rest of the day. I think in the afternoon we would be having a look at the Quarry gardens. I did have a thought about the immigration customs card as I had made a huge mistake with the address I was saying at with my grandparents. Would they actually check your email and phone number to see if they are real and look up the house number of the address you are staying at.

Once I got back and cleaned up, Donna had come back with a USB full of mysteries and I gave her mine in trade. Though a little guilty taking a brand new one at the same time. I think I have provided enough information so that she will keep occupied for some time. Some of the pictures I gave her I found she had given me too. I think that will be really funny. I should be doing more work like this and trading with family to see what I do happen to have that is useful.