Looking at the skies we decide to skip the coastal option of the “Kauri-Coast” (been there some years ago) and tack north-east into the hills, hopefully finding some cover in the forests should the incoming blackbellies decide to dump their loads.
The wind's picking up again and the Tiddlers are howling in 2. gear on some of the steep climbs.
And we’re on for a 2hr. gravel bonanza that’s trying hard to get the mighty CT’s undone.
Faced with the same choice again? Not a split-second’s thought:
DO IT AGAIN! AWESOME!!
Mataraua Rd.
This is magnificent country!
Wharepunga Rd.
Can’t miss New Zealand oldest pub, eh?
“Serving beer since 1826” has got a ring to it....enough, to go and have a look, hopefully even stay the night?
Some delicious, sealed twisties up the Horeke Saddle then gravel past the “Wairere Boulders” sign (we’ll leave that for the morning) down to the water’s edge of Hokianga Harbour....not having ANY idea what we’ll be in for.
Right at the Waihou River mouth is one incredible piece of NZ history.
Horeke, Hokianga Harbour...and the current publican-come-master-historian-and-magic-story-teller.
http://horeketavern.co.nz/
First things first though...
“G’day!...I’m after a pint (of Dark, it’s on tap, yeah?), a bed and some tucker, in that order...”
“No worries....I think we can arrange that. Had 27 riders here the other week, they slept on the dining room floor.... Where’re you from....?”
How easy was that?
Had to knock back the offer of parking the posties on the carpet in the reception area...
“ they don’t leak, do they?...they’ll be fine then, don't worry”....
The carpet just looked too clean and new to park a bike on. Actually, too clean to not take the boots off.
The timber deck outside the “Waterview-Room” is fine, though...
Whow...just whoww
Across the bay....own pier and all...I wonder...??? I'll ask the publican!
How the hell have they managed to keep this thing hidden for so long?
The core of the building is the original ~200 year old tavern, a 140 y/o open fireplace as part of some renovations along the line....
.. ..the Douglas fir panelling from a tree felled onsite (pics and documentation on hand).
This is one unbelievable place to even just look at....then add the history.....then add the publican/ historian/ local businessman who himself should be put under “National Treasure” protection... and it’s just about too much.
Don’t believe it?
There are documents, photos and paintings to go along with all of it on every shelf and rack.
A true Jewel of the Northland!! DON’T MISS IT ... if you’re ever anywhere close!
Oh...the signature lamb shanks are pretty darn good, too!
Being the only overnighters, we're getting a 2 hr. "maximum-concentrate" NZ and Maori/ Northland etc history lesson of gigantic proportions....and all told in a way that'll make me remember all of it forever.
This guy should be bottled....together with his place.