Coromandel April 2006
On Saturday 8th April 2006, predicted showers did not dampen the enthusiasm for 13 drivers and special friends. 10 Z3’s met at Drury Service Centre. All set to depart when it was realized a member was missing. A very enthusiastic member as well. Tracked him down sitting waiting at THE WRONG SERVICE CENTER. Such enthusiasm. However.. The sun did come out then.After gathering this rogue member we proceeded south on the motorway, all 11 of us.
Ken was leader with me at the back acting as sweeper. Turned off at Bombay and traversed the back country roads to drive through the car park of a wonderful looking place called Hotel Du Vin. Very impressed with their grounds. I had been concerned when the road we drove down had a large NO EXIT sign up and wondered if I had been the only person to notice it. Place was well worth the detour though. Could be a possible for a get together for a Sunday lunch one day.I must admit we did get some inquiring looks as 11 tiny cars drove in then turned and drove out of their car park.On the go again and we joined to the main road at Highway 2.Some good speeds along the way towards Kopu where we headed north to meet up with Colin, Margret, Judy and Chris who had come from further south. Colin did call me asking how far away we were as they were already there and starting on coffee.
We all enjoyed a light lunch a the garden center café just north of Thames. Gave us a chance to add our name tags, most of which were already lost before going back to the cars. Now we were 13. Rain started as well left and followed us in patches along the coast towards Coromandel Town. Wonderful Z roads, curves and bends perfectly designed for these lovely cars. Scenery excellent, shags resting on the rocks, full tide and rough water. Full sun again by this time.
As we were approaching the town we passed the baby Citroen cars parked on the roadside. Turned out they were staying at the same motel as most of us which led to some friendly ribbing about the cars.On arrival in Coromandel everyone dispersed to their units. We had arranged to meet at the DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY at 3pm. By then we were 14 as Ine had joined us after finishing work at lunchtime.
Ken was leader with me at the back acting as sweeper. Turned off at Bombay and traversed the back country roads to drive through the car park of a wonderful looking place called Hotel Du Vin. Very impressed with their grounds. I had been concerned when the road we drove down had a large NO EXIT sign up and wondered if I had been the only person to notice it. Place was well worth the detour though. Could be a possible for a get together for a Sunday lunch one day.I must admit we did get some inquiring looks as 11 tiny cars drove in then turned and drove out of their car park.On the go again and we joined to the main road at Highway 2.Some good speeds along the way towards Kopu where we headed north to meet up with Colin, Margret, Judy and Chris who had come from further south. Colin did call me asking how far away we were as they were already there and starting on coffee.
We all enjoyed a light lunch a the garden center café just north of Thames. Gave us a chance to add our name tags, most of which were already lost before going back to the cars. Now we were 13. Rain started as well left and followed us in patches along the coast towards Coromandel Town. Wonderful Z roads, curves and bends perfectly designed for these lovely cars. Scenery excellent, shags resting on the rocks, full tide and rough water. Full sun again by this time.
As we were approaching the town we passed the baby Citroen cars parked on the roadside. Turned out they were staying at the same motel as most of us which led to some friendly ribbing about the cars.On arrival in Coromandel everyone dispersed to their units. We had arranged to meet at the DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY at 3pm. By then we were 14 as Ine had joined us after finishing work at lunchtime.
"New Zealands only narrow guage working mountain railway". The 1 hour return trip took us through replanted native kauri forest and includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and several large viaducts as it climbed up to the mountain top terminus.Later people drifted back to their rooms for either a rest before dinner that night or came to my room to help enjoy the chips, dip and a magnum of champagne there.
At 7pm 25 of us met at a bar/cafe "peppertree" for a pre-dinner drink. Then at 7.30pm we QUIETLY (yeah sure) moved across the road to "Success" for our evening meal. Just 2 huge tables of quiet, well behaved out of towners.
Next morning we set out after a leisurely breakfast and drove over the hill to the east coast. Lunch at Whitianga. We then took a ride out to Cooks Beach and on round to Hahei. The clouds were gathering so time to head on home after a stunning weekend out in the little cars.
At 7pm 25 of us met at a bar/cafe "peppertree" for a pre-dinner drink. Then at 7.30pm we QUIETLY (yeah sure) moved across the road to "Success" for our evening meal. Just 2 huge tables of quiet, well behaved out of towners.
Next morning we set out after a leisurely breakfast and drove over the hill to the east coast. Lunch at Whitianga. We then took a ride out to Cooks Beach and on round to Hahei. The clouds were gathering so time to head on home after a stunning weekend out in the little cars.