12 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 28, ISSUE 1 - 2022 REACHING CLUBS SINCE 1995 Top notch: plenty of fun - and great food - was had along the way. T R A V E L : O A M A R U / D U N E D I N At 8.30am on Friday the 29th October 2021 a Pacific Tourways bus wound its way through the small Nor th Canterbury town of Oxford picking up 28 members of the Oxford W.M.C. Travel Section as they headed off on a three night, four day trip south. Day 1 took in Geraldine for morning tea, Tekapo for lunch then a stop at Mt Cook (where low cloud meant we were unable to see the Mountain in all its glory) but there is so much to see and learn at the Information Centre. A trip around the now sizeable town of Twizel then on to our hotel the Heritage Gateway at Omarama. Once everyone had settled into their rooms we gathered for pre-dinner drinks and chat before having a BBQ buffet in the Dining Room. Lots of chat and some cards after dinner. Day 2 saw us breakfast at the Wrinkly Rams along the road as the Hotel Dining Room was not doing breakfast. There was a full menu available so a good breakfast was had. The service was excellent and a bit of shopping for those inclined. We then headed down the beautiful Waitaki Valley. Turning off at Otematata we travelled via Benmore and Aviemore Dams before back onto Highway 83 to Kurow and on to Oamaru. After a shor t stop in the Whitestone area of Oamaru for folk to get a bite of lunch we headed south to Totara Estate where we had booked a tour. NO STRESS TRAVEL SOLUTIONS • Leading Passenger Transport operator • Wide range of modern vehicles including large luxury coaches & minibuses • 19-64 seat options • Contact us for an obligation free quote for your next Club outing (Covid-19 protocols followed to keep you safe) 0274 109 198 | newzealand@scenicnz.co.nz | scenicnz.co.nz Interclub ad 80mm x 126.5mm (ROP) April 2022 0800 220 110 www.shoprider.co.nz Shoprider TE 779XLS Mag style wheels, comfortable adjustable seating, suspension, and yes - they can go fast • Over 25 years in New Zealand • 5 different Model Scooters • Member AA Mobility Care • Nationwide Dealers with Shoprider keep moving Oxford travellers take in Southern sights We were greeted by the staff wearing period dress and enjoyed ‘billy tea’ and wonderful cream scones while some of the history of Totara was explained. It is from here the first shipment of frozen meat left for England. We then toured the restored old buildings and had more of the history explained before heading down the road to Maheno where Clark’s Mill, still par t of the Estate, is located. We had a very informative talk and tour of the mill, most interesting and well wor th the visit. We were then on our way again arriving in Dunedin about 5pm where we were booked into the Leviathon, a very central hotel so everyone went to different places for dinner. Day 3 was set aside for a tour of Dunedin. Our first stop was Baldwin Street, recognised as the steepest street in the world, where seven of our group decided looking was not enough and so walked it. We then visited the Botanical Gardens and for those who had never had the experience we drove down Castle Street before heading for Por t Chalmers and Aramoana. We had hoped to lunch at Careys Bay Hotel but unfor tunately first time ‘tour directors’ had not booked, essential at this beautifully restored Hotel, so it was off to St Clair beach where we had several excellent cafes to choose from. From 3pm we had free time to do as we wished. That evening 14 of the group went on ‘The underbelly crime walk’ of Dunedin. Our host Richard told many interesting stories as we walked around the central area. It took about 1hr 30min and was really interesting and would recommend it as something a bit different to do. Day 4 we headed home, travelling the old road over Mt Cargill to Waitati. Morning tea stop was at Moeraki Boulders. We then travelled on to Oamaru where we went up to the lookout above the town before a quick stop to buy some lunch then on to Riverstone to be shown around the Castle by Dot herself. An amazing experience. Inspirational lady. Our next stop was Rakaia for an icecream/ coffee and our group photo. Time passed quickly this last afternoon as we had some quizzes to help pass the time and keep everyone awake. We were back in Oxford by 6pm. All dropped off from where we had been picked up, close to home. Great trip with a lovely group. Three cheers to Mike our wonderful driver. All aboard: the Oxford W.M.C. travel section ready to go.
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