Google maps link www.google.com/maps/place/Karekare+Beach/@-36.9879115,174.4730589,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6d0d6fad1b96085f:0x2d18bccec905530a!8m2!3d-36.9879126!4d174.4730616?hl=en
Hi David. I was the one who saw you parked up next to the marina in Tairua. I was going to have a chat after I'd run my errands, but you'd left when I got back. Anyway, I was going to tell you to make sure you went to the top of Mount Paku for the view, so I'm pleased you already knew to do that. It's great, isn't it? I actually live in the fifth house to the right of where your van was parked at Paku's carpark, assuming that white vehicle shown is yours! The house is on the opposite side of the road to the carpark. Anyway, it was good to see you in my little part of the world, even if it was from afar!
I have been told New Zealand had some beautiful scenery but I had no idea HOW beautiful. I really must go some day. Thanks for the incredible views. I envy you for having taken that trip.
8:20 Geodetic Marker. Land surveyors use them to calculate positions, altitudes etc. You usually see them on the side of the road looking through binoculars on tripods. They can start at a point, look for a geodetic marker (there are thousands from big ones on hilltops to small pegs on the roadside) and by looking at the angles, calculate where a property boundary starts and stops and is more accurate than GPS.
Better known to most Kiwi's as a "Trig" relating to the trigonometry used to calculate positions therefrom. There are a fair few Trig Roads dotted about NZ
I made the mistake of taking that gravel road across the Coromandel on my 2nd trip to NZ, worse still it had just had a few hundred truck loads of gravel dumped on it! It was not fun. Do come back, you really need to visit the South Island to see some of the best scenery, plus some whale watching, penguin spotting and some accessible glaciers, to mention just a few highlights. I came in 1998 on a 'once in a lifetime trip' liked it so much I emigrated here - my first experience of NZ was a lap of the South Island by Campervan - I highly recommend it to anyone.
Wow. That scenery was really wonderful. Mr CTC takes a vacation not far from water. All the way to NZ for the ‘porpoise’ of seeing a dolphin? Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Another lovely advert for our wonderful backyard. Thank you David. We have taken our 8m (26ft) motorhome through that gravel road (track) from Coroglen to Tapu. It is a beauty isn’t it. The poor tourist coming the other way had to back up for a bit to let us past.
Stunning beaches! You're right. It is calling out to be painted and I may have to grab a couple of screen shots, with your permission, to paint in acrylic. Seascapes is one of my favorite subjects to paint.
So many great memories! Our day at Cathedral Cove was warm, sunny and at a lower tide, and we all went swimming in the glorious surf. Still sorry we were running a couple of weeks ahead of you. We’ll have to plan better next time.
It's funny you know, being a Kiwi and growing up with this backdrop, I do take this scenery for granted. Then I rave about all the wonderful countryside in England when I'm there. I now live in Canada, which is equally as spectacular as both NZ and the UK. I do count myself as lucky to have regular access (except right now) to all three.
Hi there , yes we love living here. These roads are so familiar. It looks like Karekare Beach. thank you for showing your pics. Glad you got home. Those days just before lockdown were crazy.
Much needed escapism. Though not totally appreciated at the time no doubt! I did like the nod to the Douglas Adams title ref. Just hope that were are quite at The end of the Universe just yet! Thank you 👍
Such a shame your trip was cut short. We had a fabulous four weeks in NZ in November you really will have to go back. Have a blog on our trip if your interested.... Keep safe til roads and canals open again ☕
I found this vlog site courtesy of the RV Geeks. So, now I have this channel, your narrow boat channel, the RV Geeks, and Traveling K to enjoy. Brilliant
Kia ora David. The beach you don't know looks to be Piha and or Karekare west of Auckland. The last 2 places shown are Paku-the place you climbed up in Tairua and Pauanui Beach. Noho ora mai rā. (Best wishes.)
Thank you, David, that was just so enjoyable. I have often wanted to go over the pond to our Southern cousins and their beautiful land. At least I wouldn't have to travel from one side of the globe to the other as you did. What a great journey you had. Driving down that corrugated road, oh my goodness they are such fun aren't they LOL. A surprise around every corner. That boat cruise around the Bay of Islands was so beautiful. So many islands all in the one place, each one rugged and lovely in their own way. That visit with our dolphin brethren would have been an eye-opener for you as it was your first up close and personal with them, they are really such fun and they seem to get great enjoyment from playing around in the ocean. Such a carefree way of life they lead. David, you had a great holiday at a very different destination that most of your countrymen would think an impossibly long way away and so leave it off their possible tourist plans. You did it and now you have a lifetime's worth of memories and experiences to keep you company as you lockdown yourself in your marina. I hope this finds you Safe and Well.
The twisty road (short cut across the Coromandel) is the 309 Road. Infamous as being a slow short cut, that isn’t. Hope you come back soon, as the North Island is overcrowded, and not as photogenic, or as much fun as the South Island. Glad you enjoyed your brief holiday.
Glad you got to see some good bits before you had to flee. The RV Geeks stuck around for the duration (They had much more elaborate mobile accommodations).
Alas this is the last van vlog for who knows how long, since I have no more travel videos with any van, and can't even get to my own van due to lockdown. I couldn't go anywhere in it even if I could get to it!
It is such a spectacular place. It is so unfortunate that circumstances cut it short you but you did get to make it home. I hope you get to return someday. You did another entertaining production. thanks for sharing!
Wow! Thanks for letting us see these views, A lot of the views would make great desktop pictures!! Stay Safe and hope you can get back to cruising soon, We are back to almost normal here in Tennessee!
Absolutly stunning David, thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. The scenes look marvellous on film, they must have been even better to the naked eye. One thing I will take away from these travel vlogs is the fact that tarmac comes in a flat finish! Something I've not seen in old Blighty :)
So this was your 1st dolpin. David, is this your way of telling me, that there are no dolphins on the cut? Thanks for breaking it to me so gently. That could have become a real disappointment. Oh, and something I forgot to comment over there on CTC: Glad, you made it back! :-)
I was in NZ many moons ago and the scenery is stunning. Wish there was a way to add some pictures here to show you a little more of the North Island. Your video work is wonderful and really gives great perspectives.
Ahhhhhh thank you Sir, memories of home! I grew up in Coromandel (you should have stopped in town for a look) and just think I took those views for granted growing up there. The Thames coast road is one of my favorites, 32 minutes from Thames to Coro township
Wonderful four pack of videos. Except, the fact that we never had you speak to the camera (in shot). It left the video (to me) feeling a bit detachedl, visually. But fascinating, just the same. Thank you. ☮
So sorry your trip was cut short last year. When you come back we would love to have you stay with us on our South lsland sheep farm. Even have a bloody good shower. Did I mention Roast lamb nz style . Cold meat sandwiches for lunch or cheese if you'd prefer. 😏
Great video David. That's why I love my dash cam, you can always later re-enjoy the scenery you can't really appreciate when driving. Seams you might have taken a long road for a short cut at one point.
Some great video there David, and I'm a bit like you in that I can never remember where I was when taking pictures. That's where Google Photos helps me out. I always try to make sure I take at least one photo on my phone which has GPS enabled. This adds a GPS location to the photo. They automatically get uploaded to Google Photos when I'm next on WiFi and it means I can always see where I've been.
Went to New Zealand once, and Auckland to Bay of Islands only, so this is perfect! That dirt road reminds me of the road to Hana on Maui. Like me you seem to be a chap comfortable in his own company exploring the world in a van 😊
With Professor HubNut having just left for Australia at that time, you came very close to crossing paths and inadvertently exceeding the limit New Zealand imposes on how many UA-cam vloggers are allowed in the country at a time. Anyone who has seen Whicker island will understand the hazards.
At 7.06 you're on Karekare Beach, West Auckland! And I have made paintings of it, as many West Auckland Artists have.
Google maps link www.google.com/maps/place/Karekare+Beach/@-36.9879115,174.4730589,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x6d0d6fad1b96085f:0x2d18bccec905530a!8m2!3d-36.9879126!4d174.4730616?hl=en
Good job
The beach in question is Karekare beach mate, my local, beautiful and wild, cheers
David,
I suspect that beach was someplace in New Zealand.
Hope that helps...
😂😂
Karekare beach, -36.990065, 174.472585
Ahhh, the old days when we could wander around outside, unafraid of dying or being chased away.
Love the Hitch-hikers guide reference.
You have to go back and see the South Island. That is truly spectacular .
Hi David. I was the one who saw you parked up next to the marina in Tairua. I was going to have a chat after I'd run my errands, but you'd left when I got back. Anyway, I was going to tell you to make sure you went to the top of Mount Paku for the view, so I'm pleased you already knew to do that. It's great, isn't it? I actually live in the fifth house to the right of where your van was parked at Paku's carpark, assuming that white vehicle shown is yours! The house is on the opposite side of the road to the carpark. Anyway, it was good to see you in my little part of the world, even if it was from afar!
It was a superb view and I quite enjoyed the clamber up there too!
I do hope you get a chance to visit again one day. That mystery beach looked like my favourite type, wild and empty.
I have been told New Zealand had some beautiful scenery but I had no idea HOW beautiful. I really must go some day. Thanks for the incredible views. I envy you for having taken that trip.
Breathtaking beautiful footage of New Zealand. The soothing narrative by David... I am well and truly relaxed. Ahhh...
8:20 Geodetic Marker.
Land surveyors use them to calculate positions, altitudes etc. You usually see them on the side of the road looking through binoculars on tripods. They can start at a point, look for a geodetic marker (there are thousands from big ones on hilltops to small pegs on the roadside) and by looking at the angles, calculate where a property boundary starts and stops and is more accurate than GPS.
Better known to most Kiwi's as a "Trig" relating to the trigonometry used to calculate positions therefrom.
There are a fair few Trig Roads dotted about NZ
What a lovely time you had up until the end! So glad you saw Karen!
I made the mistake of taking that gravel road across the Coromandel on my 2nd trip to NZ, worse still it had just had a few hundred truck loads of gravel dumped on it! It was not fun. Do come back, you really need to visit the South Island to see some of the best scenery, plus some whale watching, penguin spotting and some accessible glaciers, to mention just a few highlights. I came in 1998 on a 'once in a lifetime trip' liked it so much I emigrated here - my first experience of NZ was a lap of the South Island by Campervan - I highly recommend it to anyone.
One day!
And just a small part of NZ. Its breath taking landscapes. I start to believe that NZ is a paradise on earth. Thank for sharing.
Wow. That scenery was really wonderful. Mr CTC takes a vacation not far from water. All the way to NZ for the ‘porpoise’ of seeing a dolphin? Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Thank you David for the beautiful tour of New Zealand. The video was fine on my screen, but the voice over was great. Take care and stay well.
Another lovely advert for our wonderful backyard. Thank you David. We have taken our 8m (26ft) motorhome through that gravel road (track) from Coroglen to Tapu. It is a beauty isn’t it. The poor tourist coming the other way had to back up for a bit to let us past.
Haha "a beauty" is one way of phrasing it...
Thanks David. I would love to go to New Zealand for a couple of years just to paint. Breathtaking scenery abounds. I love seascapes.👍
Do it!
You wont regret it.
Stunning beaches! You're right. It is calling out to be painted and I may have to grab a couple of screen shots, with your permission, to paint in acrylic. Seascapes is one of my favorite subjects to paint.
Go for it!
So many great memories! Our day at Cathedral Cove was warm, sunny and at a lower tide, and we all went swimming in the glorious surf. Still sorry we were running a couple of weeks ahead of you. We’ll have to plan better next time.
It's funny you know, being a Kiwi and growing up with this backdrop, I do take this scenery for granted. Then I rave about all the wonderful countryside in England when I'm there. I now live in Canada, which is equally as spectacular as both NZ and the UK. I do count myself as lucky to have regular access (except right now) to all three.
What a stunningly beautiful part of the world! (And that comes from someone that lives in the Lake District)
Also a beautiful part of the world. Hi from New Zealand
Thank you David for another enjoyable vlog. Stunning scenery. Stay safe x
simply beautiful! Enjoyed the commentary. You are one lucky guy to work out your flight home. Stay well!
Great beaches. In a land of great beaches. Also you have feet. Very brave of you to unleash that view on an unsuspecting world.
Great video.
We love the vlog. Glad you made it home safe.😊🐨💖
I live in New Zealand and this reminds me of how much I haven’t seen of New Zealand
Hi there , yes we love living here. These roads are so familiar. It looks like Karekare Beach. thank you for showing your pics. Glad you got home. Those days just before lockdown were crazy.
Much needed escapism. Though not totally appreciated at the time no doubt! I did like the nod to the Douglas Adams title ref. Just hope that were are quite at The end of the Universe just yet! Thank you 👍
Such a shame your trip was cut short. We had a fabulous four weeks in NZ in November you really will have to go back. Have a blog on our trip if your interested.... Keep safe til roads and canals open again ☕
Perhaps you could convince the CRT to put a few dolphins in the canals for the benefit of your fellow narrowboaters! Sve them a trip to NZ.
Oh thank you for this. I will not likely to get closer than this video and I loved it!
Seeing the dolphins were wonderful, thank you. NZ seems like a beautiful place to visit.
Loved the Hitchikers Guide reference in your title. Really good clear videos of the scenery. Thanks.
Thanks for the nice tour.
That's a spectacular little country they have there.
Cheers
That was very nice . Lucky you !
I found this vlog site courtesy of the RV Geeks. So, now I have this channel, your narrow boat channel, the RV Geeks, and Traveling K to enjoy. Brilliant
Welcome along!
Wow...really lucked out on the timing of that trip. Two weeks later and it wouldn't have happened! What a spectacular country.
Well yes and no; I had to cut the trip short by a week and spent the prior five days scrabbling to sort a flight home, it was not fun.
Kia ora David.
The beach you don't know looks to be Piha and or Karekare west of Auckland.
The last 2 places shown are Paku-the place you climbed up in Tairua and Pauanui Beach.
Noho ora mai rā. (Best wishes.)
Thank you! The last two I knew (should have made that clearer), it was just that beach. And both names you mention definitely ring a bell so cheers!!
Definitely looks like Karekare beach, west of Auckland, it's that unique rock. Been there a few times.
Did you have on that prerequisite knotted handkerchief that Englishmen wear when paddling in the sea. 😀
Pleased to say I did not
So long and thanks for all the fish.
Thank you, David, that was just so enjoyable. I have often wanted to go over the pond to our Southern cousins and their beautiful land. At least I wouldn't have to travel from one side of the globe to the other as you did. What a great journey you had. Driving down that corrugated road, oh my goodness they are such fun aren't they LOL. A surprise around every corner.
That boat cruise around the Bay of Islands was so beautiful. So many islands all in the one place, each one rugged and lovely in their own way. That visit with our dolphin brethren would have been an eye-opener for you as it was your first up close and personal with them, they are really such fun and they seem to get great enjoyment from playing around in the ocean. Such a carefree way of life they lead. David, you had a great holiday at a very different destination that most of your countrymen would think an impossibly long way away and so leave it off their possible tourist plans. You did it and now you have a lifetime's worth of memories and experiences to keep you company as you lockdown yourself in your marina.
I hope this finds you Safe and Well.
Excellent video David, New Zealand is a stunning place.
Glad you got to see some of our popular spots. Hope you can come back one day. Be well.
The twisty road (short cut across the Coromandel) is the 309 Road. Infamous as being a slow short cut, that isn’t. Hope you come back soon, as the North Island is overcrowded, and not as photogenic, or as much fun as the South Island. Glad you enjoyed your brief holiday.
Hitchhikers guide reference in the title, wonderful.
I was surprised I had to scroll through the comments this far to see someone had gotten the reference
Love the douglas Adams Quote. My birthday is on national towel day. Lovely video again.
Beautiful! I'm glad you got to get that trip in before whatever travel changes we're facing happen.
Such a shame you had to cut your trip short. NZ is beautiful, and you captured much of it in your excellent filming. Such lovely beaches!
The "hole in a rock" is exactly what is says on the tin! Also, great scenery!
That's some remarkably pretty landscapes - NZ is stunning.
I'd like to pop by sometime.
It certainly is
Another superb video - thank you David. So very pleased you got home safely despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Zealand is on my bucket list but not sure if travel will ever get back to the way it used to be to get me there. Great video David.
Glad you got to see some good bits before you had to flee. The RV Geeks stuck around for the duration (They had much more elaborate mobile accommodations).
Yeah, I saw! They did eventually manage to get a flight
Thank you SO much for this wonderful trip around NZ! I eagerly await your next vlog in this beautiful country.
Stunning footage, David. Excellent video, thank you for sharing your adventure as always!
As always thank you for taking us along with you. Hopefully you’ll be able to make it back there again soon (in less tumultuous times).
David, it is sooo good to have you back, more plz🙏👍🇦🇺
Alas this is the last van vlog for who knows how long, since I have no more travel videos with any van, and can't even get to my own van due to lockdown. I couldn't go anywhere in it even if I could get to it!
Anything will do.
I do so hope you come back one day and come see us in the South Island!
I hope so too
You've got to do the South Island, it's amazing and I live in the North Island, Wellington.
It is such a spectacular place. It is so unfortunate that circumstances cut it short you but you did get to make it home. I hope you get to return someday. You did another entertaining production. thanks for sharing!
I was have no issues taking my eyes off the road to look at the scenery.
Beautiful. Guess you'll go back and complete the trip properly one day.
Black Rock Sands, Portmadog. Completely different hemisphere .. .. ..
New Zealand is beautiful! Than you for showing a little bit of it.
Wow, close call on getting a flight home!
Wow, You are in NZ now! :D I live here and came to the channel for your barging series. I hope you enjoyed it :)
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you very much.
Aloha...from Kilauea Volcano.. thanks David..that was awesome
Wow! Thanks for letting us see these views, A lot of the views would make great desktop pictures!! Stay Safe and hope you can get back to cruising soon, We are back to almost normal here in Tennessee!
Absolutly stunning David, thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. The scenes look marvellous on film, they must have been even better to the naked eye. One thing I will take away from these travel vlogs is the fact that tarmac comes in a flat finish! Something I've not seen in old Blighty :)
Great video David, love your dry humor.
So this was your 1st dolpin.
David, is this your way of telling me, that there are no dolphins on the cut? Thanks for breaking it to me so gently. That could have become a real disappointment.
Oh, and something I forgot to comment over there on CTC: Glad, you made it back!
:-)
yup, no dolphins in the canals, yet :-( just wait till the waters rise 15ft or so. maybe next year :-))
Great video as always David! So glad you made it home okay.
I was in NZ many moons ago and the scenery is stunning. Wish there was a way to add some pictures here to show you a little more of the North Island. Your video work is wonderful and really gives great perspectives.
Dolphins or Porpoises 🐬 Rolled up trousers, no shot of the Knotted handkerchief (Brits at the seaside)?
They said dolphins but my inability to tell the difference is another reason David Attenborough has nothing to fear.
Ahhhhhh thank you Sir, memories of home! I grew up in Coromandel (you should have stopped in town for a look) and just think I took those views for granted growing up there.
The Thames coast road is one of my favorites, 32 minutes from Thames to Coro township
wow beautiful. I would love to travel here.
New Zealand is a beautiful country Very enjoyable Thanks for sharing
Wonderful four pack of videos.
Except, the fact that we never had you speak to the camera (in shot).
It left the video (to me) feeling a bit detachedl, visually.
But fascinating, just the same.
Thank you.
☮
I was shooting on an old phone that had a broken selfie camera so I couldn't film myself.
Unbelievable, quite grand. Your finest work yet.
Great vlog very impressive Country, thanks for sharing. Glad you got back safe and well.
Great shots and commentary, thanks for taking us along!
Cheers!
Thank you. I hope you do get back to NZ in future!
So sorry your trip was cut short last year. When you come back we would love to have you stay with us on our South lsland sheep farm. Even have a bloody good shower. Did I mention Roast lamb nz style . Cold meat sandwiches for lunch or cheese if you'd prefer. 😏
Cheers. Is it heresy to state I don’t like lamb?! 😂
@@Vandemonium I knew it! 😂
Well, so much for that NZ trip, which I am watching once again. I wonder when we can expect to see another Vandemonium Vlog.
Great video David. That's why I love my dash cam, you can always later re-enjoy the scenery you can't really appreciate when driving. Seams you might have taken a long road for a short cut at one point.
Some great video there David, and I'm a bit like you in that I can never remember where I was when taking pictures. That's where Google Photos helps me out. I always try to make sure I take at least one photo on my phone which has GPS enabled. This adds a GPS location to the photo. They automatically get uploaded to Google Photos when I'm next on WiFi and it means I can always see where I've been.
My favourite kind of scenery. Thanks as always for sharing your trip .
Enjoyed it very much
Very enjoyable and interesting vlog......stay safe.....thanks for sharing
Short but sweet!
Thx for showing us!
:-D
Beautiful video. Wonderful camera and editing work as always. Thank you for a bright spot in the day.
Thank you for the Douglas Adam's quote.....I'm now watching the BBC version on Prime Video......32 minutes at a time.
Went to New Zealand once, and Auckland to Bay of Islands only, so this is perfect! That dirt road reminds me of the road to Hana on Maui. Like me you seem to be a chap comfortable in his own company exploring the world in a van 😊
Fabulous, NZ is a stunning place, next time you'll need to go to the south island as well :-)
I love love love Orca whales! Too bad you didn’t see any of them while out on the water! They are really common there!
That would have been fantastic!
With Professor HubNut having just left for Australia at that time, you came very close to crossing paths and inadvertently exceeding the limit New Zealand imposes on how many UA-cam vloggers are allowed in the country at a time. Anyone who has seen Whicker island will understand the hazards.
Some lovely scenery! Hope you're doing well 😁.
What a beautiful place! Thanks for the video!