This past weekend saw us take a family road trip 3 and some hours southwards to a small town in the Wairarapa called Carterton.
Why? you ask. Carterton is the home of 'Paua World' a paua processing factory and shop and I thought it would be a great idea to do something different and show the boys some more of this beautiful country with some paua shopping thrown in for good measure!
Saturday morning we jumped into my brother-in-law's recently purchased bus and off we went on our weekend adventure, returning Sunday afternoon having seen beautiful countryside, visited playgrounds, free pools (go Carterton District Council!), Paua World, discovered Waipawa Country Traders - such cool finds, stayed at a brilliant camping ground, visited the annual Otane Country Fair, tried a skatepark under a bridge, found the pie masters (how many awards can one small Waipukurau bakery have won? Stacks - try their Pork & Kumara says hubby - the best!).
Here are just a few of our pics...
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| Oh look - my tools and just a few components 'slipped' into my bag! |
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| The borrowed bus |
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| Enjoying pancakes for breakfast |
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| Rural countryside |
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| Can you guess the attraction for the boys at Otane Country Fair?! |
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| Some beautifully presented stalls were a joy to view and buy from |
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| Paua World, Carterton |
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| Only country in the world you'll see this road sign! |
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| The famous Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka |
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| 'Mr Bo Jandals' from Pukekohe makes THE best leather jandals and sandals. AND HE WAS AT OTANE!!! These are a pair I bought for my mum (who already owns some Mr Bo Jandals and I knew would love another pair). Mine are being made specially for me in divine purple :) |
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| Beeeaaauuuttiful Paua |
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| Eketahuna - why a giant kiwi? It's kinda freaky! |
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| $40 pick and mix bag of beautiful tumbled, polished paua |
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| paua lovelies!! |
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| All paua shopped out! |
This wonderful mini-break also provided me with lots of fresh inspiration and ideas - funny how different surroundings and scenery can to this to you :)
What's been your favourite break away this summer? Do share.
What a gorgeous post Mel! Love all the photos, you look like you had a marvellous time! You photograph so well! :D Can't wait to see what you create with all that beautiful paua! xx
ReplyDeletewhat a neat weekend you had, loving the big bus. Paua heaven for you for sure. Lovely pics Mel.
ReplyDeleteHi Mel, Living in the CHB area, I just visit Country traders all the time, such treasures,and I love the tasty pies. cheers Marie
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful weekend. I have never heard of "Mr Bo" and I live in Pukekohe!!!
ReplyDeleteYou think so Louise? That's an amazing compliment coming from you. Still on the hunt for a new camera - determined not to rush into it :)
ReplyDeleteOh it was Mel - paua heaven indeed!
Marie - I wondered if the Country Traders was a favourite of yours. I purchased a craft trolley and was amazed at the mix of new and old and the stylish layout of the shop.
He is rather elusive Bobbie. Doesn't have an on-line presence at all, and when I spotted him Daniel said I moved at the speed of light to get to his stall! Mark (Mr Bo) says he frequents summer markets like the Martinborough fair, Otane etc and has a break from the shoe glue for the rest of the year. By golly he's a talented shoemaker - my mother's 4 year old ones look brand new!
Lovely post Mel! It looks like you had a wonderful time, I love the bus! Must try and track down the elusive Mr Bo, those sandals look soooo comfy!
ReplyDeleteI once bought a pair of Mr Bo Jandals and wore them out over a few years but haven't been able to contact him to get another pair and after extensive searching in and around Pukekohe. Can you post his contact details on here if you have them please? or email me woodpigeonlodge@actrix.co.nz They are the best jandals i have ever owned!!
ReplyDeleteI've emailed you with the details Anonymous, but as this is the 2nd request I've received, I'll add them here in case anyone else is keen to track down Mr Bo Jandals :) ...his business card says.... Mark Taylor, 46D Prospect Terracew, Pukekohe 2120, ph 238 7679.
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