Our May club run took us west to New Plymouth for a memorable two-day trip filled with good company, scenic roads, local history and plenty of enjoyable stops along the way. From the dramatic coast near Urenui to the peaceful beauty of Tūpare and the winding adventure of the Forgotten World Highway, it was a weekend that had something for everyone.
A few of the cars under the mountain. A stunning day to be exploring Taranaki!
Sunday, 17 May
We met at Ronnie's Café in Otorohanga at around 9.00 am for coffee and a catch-up before setting off together. From there we travelled to the meeting point for the convoy through the Awakino Gorge, where roadworks and slip repairs were still under way. Even with the delays, the drive was part of the adventure and a good start to the weekend.
Lunch was at Mud Bay Café in Urenui, a popular coastal stop just north of New Plymouth. It was an ideal place to relax, enjoy a meal and take in a little of the laid-back Taranaki atmosphere before continuing on.
By afternoon we arrived in New Plymouth and checked in at the Devon Hotel for our two-night stay. After settling in, we enjoyed dinner together at the hotel and looked forward to a full day of exploring on Monday.
Some of the line-up waiting on the convoy
Monday, 18 May
Our first stop on Monday was Inglewood, where we visited the Fun Ho! Toy Museum and Factory. The museum celebrates a much-loved piece of New Zealand manufacturing history, with displays of the cast-metal toys that were originally produced from the 1930s and later made in aluminium. Seeing the collection - and learning how these iconic Kiwi toys were made - was a real highlight.
We also visited Tūpare, one of Taranaki's best-known heritage gardens. Set on a hillside above the Waiwhakaiho River, Tūpare is known for its beautifully landscaped grounds, winding paths and the distinctive Chapman-Taylor homestead. It was easy to see why this peaceful and beautifully maintained property is such a special place for both locals and visitors.
That evening we went to Juliana's Restaurant for dinner, where everyone enjoyed a very nice meal and more good conversation. After a full day, it was back for a well-earned rest before the next stage of the trip.
A nightcap and an early night rounded off another excellent day.
A trip down memory lane at the Fun Ho! Toy Museum.
Tuesday, 19 May
We left the Devon Hotel at 9.00 am and headed out along some very enjoyable back roads toward Te Popo, in the Stratford district, to visit private gardens. It was an interesting stop and another chance to appreciate the variety of landscapes and gardens the region has to offer.
From there we made our way to the Whangamōmona Hotel for lunch, arriving at about 12.30 pm. The hotel is at the heart of the self-declared Republic of Whangamōmona, a small settlement that became famous for declaring its independence in protest at boundary changes. It is a place full of character and local history, and it made a memorable lunch stop.
Driving the Forgotten World Highway was a real highlight of the trip. Known as New Zealand's oldest heritage trail, the route winds through remote hill country, saddles, native bush and farming valleys, with narrow and sometimes challenging sections that make it a rewarding drive. It certainly lived up to its reputation as one of the country's great scenic road journeys.
The Whangamōmona Hotel itself was full of personality and history, and lunch there was enjoyed by all. As always, the good company made the day even better.
After lunch it was time to say our goodbyes and continue along the rest of the Forgotten World Highway for the journey home. It was a wonderful weekend away, with great driving, interesting places to visit and plenty of laughs along the way.
Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make it such an enjoyable club run.
What members had to say
"What a weekend! We are still energised, but slowly coming back down to earth after such a special time together."
— Kate and Roger
"Thank you to everyone who attended the Taranaki weekend run. We enjoyed it immensely - the camaraderie, the fun and the travel all combined to make it a fantastic time away. This is what our club is all about: enjoying the cars, the driving and the company."
— Ann and Greg