16 INTERCLUB • VOLUME 29, ISSUE 2 - 2023 REACHING CLUBS SINCE 1995 CLUB LIFE: PALMERSTON NORTH COSMOPOLITAN CLUB Annual holiday for Palmerston North Cossie Club e-books, print & signed copies available at www.therabbithunter.co.nz THE RABBIT HUNTER A Realistic Historical Fiction Series of New Zealanders in WWII An Anzac story based on true events of Greece 1941 “Shocking, tragic, maddening and uplifting - all at once.” “This book is a tour de force! It really is a triumph....” “A must-read. Five out of five stars.” Experience Art come to life at the 3D Trick Art Gallery Rotorua! 171 Fairy Springs Rd, Rotorua P: 07 349 0920 info@3dtrickart.co.nz www.3dtrickart.co.nz TRICK ART GALLERY 3D Are you ready to step into a world where reality and imagination blend seamlessly. Discover the mesmerizing 3D Trick Art Gallery in the heart of Rotorua, where art transcends its traditional boundaries and invites you to become a part of it. Our gallery is a haven for both art enthusiasts and adventure seekers, with over 50 larger-than-life paintings, you’ll find yourself immersed in a realm where paintings come alive and jump off the walls, from awe-inspiring landscapes to mind-bending optical illusions, each piece of artwork is meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable visual experience. Come and join us at the 3D Trick Art Gallery Rotorua, where our art merges with reality and your wildest imaginations come true, unleash your inner artist and let your imagination run wild. Let the magic begin. Palmerston North Cossie visited Wingspan, The National Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua, Rotorua Duck Tours and 3D Trick Art Gallery among other destinations. February 22nd, 2023, saw 22 seniors depart on a 9 day bus holiday to Hamilton and Rotorua. We were delighted to be away again as Covid had interrupted our annual holiday for a few years, with us having to return from Hamilton in 2021 after Covid level changed. In returning to Hamilton we intended to complete what we were not able to complete then. We had an uneventful trip up to Hamilton, stopping for lunch at Taumarunui. Dinner was at the Hamilton Cosmopolitan Club. The Ventura Inn and Suites at Hamilton was our base and day trips were done from there. This was excellent accommodation, very central, included an excellent breakfast and the staff were very friendly and went out of their way to help us. The rst day was a trip out to Raglan. Because the road to Raglan had been washed out in Cyclone Hale, we had to take the detour road from Ngaruawahia, which was poorly signposted, but we eventually found it. The drive out was pleasant through bush area and Waikato countryside. We familiarised ourselves with Raglan, before having lunch in town, as there were numerous interesting cafes. We found that there was no parking for buses around the town, so we had to park away from the central area – you would think that as a tourist town, there would be bus parking. In the afternoon we went on a very pleasant Raglan Harbour cruise on the Whaingaroa Wahinemoe. Barlow was the captain and he kept us well entertained with his humour and stories about the history of the area. The weather was calm and the cruise was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Dinner that night was at the Raglan Club before returning to Hamilton. The next day was a day trip to Rotorua. We visited Wingspan, The National bird of Prey Centre.Wingspan is recognized as NZ’s leading conservation, research and education organization for birds of prey. Although the weather was not the best, we saw a ying demonstration which included education about Wingspan’s activities. We then moved inside where we met up close, falcons that they were training as they could not be released back to the wild because of injury. The favourite bird of prey though was an owl, who just looked so cuddly. That afternoon, after lunch and shopping in town, the group went on a “Duck tour” of Tarawera and lakes. Rotorua Duck Tours was the rst and is still the only company in NZ to provide the unique opportunity to explore a different part of NZ in an authentic amphibious WW2 landing craft. This was a unique experience and was enjoyed by all. It was a very“different” experience driving off the boat ramp directly into the lake. Matt, our driver/ captain had a great sense of humour, keeping us well entertained with the history and stories of the area. An experience worth doing. Dinner that night was at the Rotorua Citizens Club. Saturday morning saw us visit the Hamilton Classic museum. The collection encompasses over 100 classic cars, an extensive collection of petrol memorabilia, enamel signs, pumps, tins, and oil bottles and vintage toys. It is one of the best classic museums that I have visited, with all the cars highly polished and well presented. The jukebox diner, a style 1950’s diner, started us recalling our teenage years and the diners and coffee and milk bars and dance halls visited. No trouble with the memory there. Saturday afternoon was free and we visited Hamilton Workingman’s club for dinner that night. Sunday was a free day and was the drivers day off. Many lunched with family and others explored the Hamilton shops. Dinner that night was a shared meal at the Ventura Inn, with the Adjunct proving chicken, salad and rolls. One of our members had a birthday, so a cake was cut was we wished him well with a song. It was a most enjoyable social evening and we would like to thank the staff of Ventura Inn for allowing us to use the breakfast area for our gathering. Monday was the day many had been waiting for as it was our day at Hobbiton. When we had to come home early in 2021, we had to miss Hobbiton, so many had been looking forward to this for 2 years. We were not disappointed, although many found it tiring but well worth the effort. Two golf carts were available which four of our less mobile members used. A memorable day and many photos were taken. We returned to Hamilton via Morrinsville, where Cathy from the Information centre came on board and took us on a guided bus tour of the 60 Ceramic Cows of Morrinsville. Her stories made it really interesting and you would not know the history or see all the cows if you were just driving through. They were throughout the town in all sorts of hidden places. Most enjoyable. Back to Hamilton and dinner at the Casino. Tuesday saw us back to Rotorua and Waimangu Valley. All were a bit tired from the day at Hobbiton, so we just did the boat trip on Lake Rotomahana. Much thermal activity was observed and once again the captain kept us well entertained with history and stories. We then went to the3D Trick Art Gallery, the only 3D Art Gallery in New Zealand. This immersive exhibit of “trick art” is part of the Rotorua Heritage Farm Experience. What fun we had and many creative photos were taken. Well worth a visit and something completely different. Dinner was at the Rotorua Citizens club again that night. It took a little longer – like about 1 ½ hrs – to return to Hamilton as the Rotorua / Hamilton Road was closed due an accident so had to return via Tauranga/ Pyes Pa and then over the Kaimais to Hamilton. A few bladders were tested on that ride and all passed – just. The last day we went to the Velodrome at Cambridge at which we had a very informative guided tour. Many facts were learnt, among them being nding out that the cost of a competitive track bike is $60,000. None of us took up the offer to ride around the track- the spirit was willing but the body was not! This was followed by lunch in Cambridge before heading back to Hamilton. Dinner was at the Hamilton Workingmen's Club. Thursday saw us heading back to Palmerston North, via Highway 1, the Huka Falls and Taupo, where we stopped for lunch. We were amazed at the damage that the Cyclone had done to the Pine forest south of Turangi – big trees just broken in half like matchsticks. A very sobering note on which to end a very enjoyable holiday. Anne Russell - Trip Organiser
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=