Home of L and P

Posted by MrsFogg
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On the way to Waitomo we stopped off at the famous Paeroa, original home of a famous drink invented and brewed here. We just had to try it.

Paeroa itself looks to have died some time ago (ok so it is Sunday and nothing is open) but any fresh paint and polish seems to have long since faded. However there does seem to be plenty of motability scooters zipping up the high street (complete with flags swinging from the back of them)

So, just in case you were wondering. L&P consists of water, fizz and lemon. Oh and it is now brewed by Coco Cola probably miles away too. Tastes ok though.

Moving on….

[Posted from Mrs Foggs super cool iphone]

Bowl of Coffee for Breakfast

Posted by MrFogg
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After checking out from Stallag Pauanui (not a fun night (least of all when cars come in at gone midnight and your bedroom window is carpark level so you have blazing headlights and then they pap their horns for good measure), we headed out to Waitomo today stopping at the Matatoki Farm Cheese shop on the Paeroa Highway, where everything is cheese or milk derivatives.

My breakfast consisted of a 6inch bowl of coffee (jumping all day long) and a triple chic brownie, the Mrs had a more sedate tea and muffin.

So we have two nights in the Woodlyn Park stopping in a hobbit house whilst we visit the Waitomo Caves and then on to Hobbiton (the actual Lord of the Rings film set).

Cheese from here.

[Posted from my super cool iPhone]

Welcome to Hell

Posted by MrsFogg
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Oh my!!! What should have been a quiet relaxing evening at the Pauanui Pines Motel is in fact hell on earth.

This is the delightful view from our goldfish bowl room, strategically located next to all mod cons- the guest laundry (listen to the gurgle of water flushing out) and the tennis courts (joy).

Did I mention I hate children??? Loud little shits that swing off tennis court gates, trample flower beds and spend endless hours shouting for mummy or daddy and then screaming in some high pitched language that pierces ear drums and vibrates across tennis courts. Oh yes, sorry but I hate kids.

Apparently one of the little darlings has just pooped on the tennis court (says dad) but apparently that’s better than it pooping in the corner of the motel room (also according to dad who yelled this across the tennis courts that we are fortunate to be stuck behind).

So what do you do when stranded in hell? Snarl, pour the wine, growl at brats (it actually makes them run away, believe me).

How the hell did I manage to book this place?? Mr Fogg is not going to let me forget this one. Oh dear.

This delightful shed of a motel cost us $217 for the night – the most expensive yet. So, happy me wandered up to pay this morning and (politely) advised the friendly owner that this was my idea of hell. He was very apologetic (can’t get the right type guests you know) and then (unasked) rang the bill up at only $160 (NZD) instead of full price. Nice man, all nearly forgiven….but no plans to come back anytime soon.

Hobbit hotel here we come..

[Posted from my super cool iPhone]

The Forrest of Galadriel

Posted by MrFogg
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On our hike down to Cathederal Cove you go through Galadriel’s Forrest, we looked out for Elves but saw nothing apart from Dwarves, sorry people of small stature (sorry).

Beautiful scenery, shame about Pauanui though, it resembles more of an industrial estate than a luxury getaway. Thank goodness it’s only one night.

Tomorrow it’s Waitomo and the Hobbit Hotel (have a look for Woodlyn Park on the netty thing and we is in of the hobbit homes). Maybe no Internet for a few days (thank goodness say you), but we’ll be back Mr Baggins.

[Posted from my super cool iPhone]