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Top Down Reports
Below are run reports submitted to Top Down Magazine
2nd TOUR OF THE NORTHERN SUBURBS - 18 MAY 2008 1000 on Sunday 18 May and 3 cars left Waikanae to travel to Pauatahunui for the start of the Tour of the Northern Suburbs run organised by Sandra and Tony. 5 more cars joined us at Paraparaumu and 25 cars eventually gathered at Pauatahunui for the start of the run. After getting our instructions and question sheets we were away on Stage 1. Stage 1 took us from Pauatahunui through Whitby and Papakowhai before finishing up at the radio masts at Titahi Bay. Enough to say we did not all arrive in the same order that we left the start. Once everyone had arrived we were off on Stage 2 through Porirua, Linden, Greenacres to Glenside, passing through new suburbs while also getting a history lesson from our instruction sheets. From Glenside Stage 3 took us through Churton Park, Johnsonville and on to Tamworth Cres in Newlands for the mandatory group photo at the most amazing lookout point. This is the second time we have stopped off here and for those who were there for the second time the view was just as spectacular. On the day it was Wellington at its best again. Our venue for lunch was Jay’s Café in Johnsonville. The excellent food and service made for a great time of socialising at the end of the run. Our thanks to the staff there for making us feel so welcome. The Club was pleased to welcome Michelle, Ian and Janine who were on their first run with us; Lee and Robyn and also Maggie, all of whom were on their second run but had missed out on a welcome last month. A special welcome also to Luiz (I hope I have the spelling correct) from Brazil who is staying in NZ with club member Graeme. Thanks to Sandra and Tony for the work they put into the 2nd Tour of the Northern Suburbs. Dennis WANGANUI CLASSIC CAR SHOW 16 MARCH 2008 0800 on Sunday 16 March and 10 cars left Waikanae on a fine morning for the Classic Car Show in Wanganui. Cars joined our convoy on the way north and with those already in Wanganui we had 18 MX5’s lined up. A great representation of cars and people, not only from Kapiti Coast MX5 Club but also from Wanganui, Taupo, Hastings, Foxton, Waipukurau and Wellington. This was the second time the Club has been represented at the show wit the cars again attracting plenty of attention. Several ideas were put forward as to how we could better promote ourselves at these sort of events. Good publicity all round. There was an amazing range of classic cars at the show, from a Rolls Royce to a Ferrari, Mustangs, Holden’s, an E type Jaguar and a wide selection of Triumph and MG sports cars. This was the second time the Club has been invited to the show and, although the MX5 is not yet a classic, the organizers are keen to have us there because of the popularity of the make. The picnic atmosphere gave us a great opportunity to relax and mix with other MX5 owners from around the lower half of the North Island and to promote the MX5 Club. The Air Force Day at Ohakea and the possibility of traffic congestion on State Highway 1 courtesy of Transit meant that we got on the road home fairly soon after lunch. A good day out with plenty of new MX5 contacts made. Dennis KAPITI COAST MX5 CLUB WHEOGO DOWNS DEER FARM RUN 18 NOVEMBER 2007 On Sunday 18 November 13 cars left Waikanae, 1 joined at Te Horo and another at Te Horo, making a total of 15 for the Wheogo Downs Deer Farm run. The weather was fantastic for a topless MX5 run up the Kapiti Coast, through Horowhenua and around the Manawatu. We left SH1 at Otaki and travelled along Waitohu Valley Road, rejoining SH1 at Manukau. Then north again until we turned off on to Koputuroa Road and made our way to Foxton via SH57, and Shannon, for morning tea at the Mission Belle Café. Our hostess Elizabeth and her staff plied us with sandwiches, savouries, jam and cream scones, tea and coffee in a beautiful outdoors setting, complete with an outside bath. Many of us had never been to the Café before but the word was that it was worth a return visit at some time. From the Café we headed off to Foxton Beach with a tour of the village, because plenty of us could not find the Surf Club building, by the beach right? Anyway the tour over we headed out to find Wylie Road which took us to the next beach up the Horowhenua coast, Himitangi Beach. We stopped at the traffic island to either draw or describe the tiled mosaic centre piece before we were on the road again via Tangimoana Beach, and Clydesdale, rejoining SH1 just before Bulls and at the northern end of the Ohakea Air Force base runway. Fantastic MX5 roads, great weather and hoods down meant that everyone was having a ball; some of us were lucky (and slow?) enough to see Mt Taranaki in the distance at one stage. But wait, there’s more. Leaving Bulls we travelled there was more straight deserted sealed roads to run past Santoft Forest before crossing SH3 this time and heading across Williamsons Line and Makirikiri Road, fantastic view of Mt Ruapehu on the way, and through Crofton to rejoin SH1. A short trip south on SH1 before a left turn into Kakariki Road had us heading towards Halcombe. A tour of the village chasing clues then it was over the railway line and on to the Mount Stewart – Halcombe Road which took us to our destination, the Wheogo Downs Deer farm. A walk around the beautiful gardens of the homestead, a chance to meet Dougie, the hand reared family pet and a BBQ lunch of venison burgers, courtesy of the late George, finished off a great run in excellent conditions. Toast Martinborough took a few of our numbers away but we still had a great turnout for a great day out. Our thanks go to Cathy and Ken for their hospitality and for allowing us to share in their piece of paradise and to Mike and Ceinie for the work they put in and for organising the weather. Dennis
KAPITI COAST MX5 CLUB
BACK TO THE BEGINNING 16 SEPTEMBER 2007 On Sunday 16 September 15 cars left Waikanae for the Back to the Beginning run to Foxton and back to follow the route of the first run by the original Kapiti Coast MX5 Club on 17 March 2002. Our immediate past coordinator Lawrie was the only one of that original group left and organized the run, together with lunch at Manakau Hotel on the way back. At Foxton we visited the Film and Sound museum and were treated to a selection of original movies, including cartoons and the national Film Unit Pictorial Parade featuring the opening of the Wellington airport. If you are in to DC3s, De Havilland Herons, C130s, Canberra bombers, Vampires, Sunderland Flying Boats (it scrapped the runway on a fly past) or Vulcan bombers (one hit the embankment at the end of the runway wjile trying to land and had to fly to Ohakea for an emergency landing) then this was the film for you. All good stuff. At Manakau Hotel 26 of us gathered for a lunch of roast beef, potato base and salads followed by pavlova and coffee before heading home The weather was kind so with the exception of two hardtops the rest were set up for top down motoring. Our thanks to MX5 Club supporter Ross Campbell at MX5 Mart in Hamilton for donating the raffle prize for this run. Thanks to Lawrie for organising the run. Dennis FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY 21 / 22 JULY 2007 On Saturday 21 July 17 cars left Waikanae at 0830 and headed north at the start of the Forgotten World Highway run to Taumarunui via Stratford and Whangamomona. The first stop was Virginia Lake in Wanganui for a quick comfort stop and to let the stragglers catch up before carrying on to Hawera for a coffee and, for those who were fit enough (and keen enough), a quick 250 step climb to the top of the town water tower and 250 steps back down again. Gordon and Trish Tucker from Waikato Club joined us at Hawera and we left at midday for the next check point which was Stratford. The weather had bee kind to us this far but our arrival I Stratford was shrouded in mist. Lesley and Jock Sutherland from New Plymouth joined us here, the start of the Forgotten World Highway and after a car count we were on the way to Whangamomona. The mist lifted a couple of kilometres out of Stratford and the weather stayed fine for our run on to the Whangamomona Pub and lunch The pub proved very popular and we were well looked after by Penny and her team. It was suggested we look at a return visit at some stage for a “murder mystery” overnighter which the pub stages regularly. Overnight rate is $95 dbb and the venue comes highly recommended. The locals, including the president of the Republic of Whangamomona (a dog) were on hand to add atmosphere to the lunch stop and to see us on our way. B the time we reached the Moki Tunnel in the Tangarakau Gorge the rain had started so for those who stopped at what is known as “Hobbits Hole” for photographs it was time to put the hoods up before we continued on through the Gorge, with some cars stopping to talk to a mob of friendly pigs on the way. A stop for some at the top of the Tahora Saddle to take in the spectacular views then it was on to the Central Park Motor Inn in Taumarunui for drinks, dinner, drinks (yes again), Karaoke or the rugby test. Helen and Dave and Paul and Pat from Taumarunui joined us for the evening and traveled with us the next day to Raetihi. Sunday dawned without rain but really cold. At 0930 we headed off to Raetihi for morning coffee after which we traveled down the Paraparas to Wanganui and lunch at the Rutland Hotel before every one made their way home. Thanks to Mike and Jan for their work in organising the run ,accommodation etc and to those Club members who supported it. . SUNDAY 22 JULY 2007
THE LAKE FERRY RUN THAT WASN’T The Southerly caused a change of plans. Those who were not on the Club’s “Forgotten Highway” weekend planned to enjoy the delicious fish and chips at the Lake Ferry Hotel on the Wairarapa coast but snow and ice on the Rimutakas called for a Wellington based run.We welcomed new MX5 venturers Brent and Jacqui who have owned their MX5 for a week and Callum whose brother is a MX5 club member in the South Island and recommended joining the local club as its loads of fun.The southerly squalls didn’t distract from a quickly organised MX5 tailored route. We met up at the carpark on the Hutt side of the Hayward’s and headed for the Blue Mountains Rd and Whitemans Valley Rd. Meeting SH2 we travelled back along the River Rd and headed for the Belmont Hills. Interestingly, some who have lived in Wellington for many years were introduced to new parts of the Hutt Valley.A photo shoot made us aware that the 7 degree temperature was real and we headed for “sunny’ Pauatahunui for lunch at the Lighthouse theatre.As expected, the conversation was about MX5s. Hopefully, our new participants will join the ever expanding Club membership. Tony and Sandra. I think for the first time in its history the Club was able to sustain two runs at the same time. Thanks to Tony and Sandra for arranging this event. KAPITI COAST MX5 CLUB CLOSE TO HOME KAPITI COAST TOUR 27 MAY2007 On Sunday 27 May 28 cars gathered at Big Save car park in Paraparaumu on another bright and sunny Kapiti Coast morning for the start of the Close to Home Kapiti Coast Tour. This was a record number of cars for a Club run. At the start crews were issued with instructions which required them to identify road and advertising signs from photographs as well as follow instructions to get around at the same time collecting or scavenging the required listed items. While identifying the signs and following the instructions did not seem to cause many problems, the same could not be said for gathering the items on the “scavenger list” with many crews thinking the easiest yellow flower to get was on the gorse bushes near the starting line. “Ouch” was the cry more than once as prickles made their presence felt. And pine cones? Well these were also available close to the starting line for observant MX5ers but it was pleasing to see initiative being used instead as one car driver was sent up a tree to gather pine cones while another driver stood underneath the tree to catch them (yes both the cones and the up-tree driver if necessary). At the end of the run we had 7 winners so a quick question and answer quiz was run and Pauline walked away with the bubbly. A great day finished with lunch and social time together at The Winemaker’s Daughter café in Te Horo. KAPITI COAST MX5 CLUB GENTLE ANNIE RUN TO NAPIER 10 – 11 FEBRUARY 2007 On Saturday 10 February 22 cars gathered in the car park at Waikanae for the start of the Gentle Annie Run to Napier. At 0940, only 10 minutes late we headed off to our first stop, the Ashhurst Domain. On the way another car joined us at Levin and Sharon and Keith were waiting for us at Ashhurst. We left Ashhurst after a coffee and comfort stop and headed out through Cheltenham and Kimbolton on fantastic MX5 roads before rejoining State Highway 1 at Mangaweka. A left turn here and 5 km south was Flat Hills Restaurant, our lunch stop. Leaving the restaurant right on time at 1.30 pm it was off to Taihape and a fuel stop for many before joining the Taihape – Napier Road for the Gentle Annie. Unfortunately the rain which had threatened for most of the day caught up with us at Taihape so tops were raised before setting off. The rain came and went as we climbed but the dust didn’t stay down, at least not until after our stop at the Cameron Camp site at Kuripapango. The rain was now quite heavy and from here on until we reached the seal again the roads were now muddy and also badly corrugated. Several cars from the Hawke’s Bay Club met us on our arrival at Omahu and led us in to Kennedy Park Motor Camp. A large crowd, including the Hawke’s Bay Club members, joined for drinks and a BBQ in the evening, the weather staying mostly dry if not overly warm. On Sunday morning 12 cars from Hawke’s Bay Club rejoined us at Kennedy Park and at 10 am 35 MX5s left the motor camp for a run around Napier and Hastings. First stop was Bluff Hill, overlooking the Port of Napier. Always a popular place it was even more so when the convoy arrived and the cars were grouped for a team photo. From Napier we traveled to Clive then through the Tuki Tuki Valley to Te Mata Peak. Spectacular views were available from here and it was surprising how many people had not been there before. From the Peak we traveled through Havelock North and on to Hastings for Lunch at the Hibernian Club before heading for home. Our thanks to Glenys and her Hawke’s Bay Club for organising Sunday’s run and for their active participation during the weekend. We certainly look forward to a return visit from you guys at some time in the future. Thanks also to the Kapiti Coast members who supported the run. CAPE PALLISER AND LAKE FERRY RUN 21 JANUARY 2007 On Sunday 21 January 13 cars tackled the Rimutaka Hill and gathered in Martinborough in preparation for the run to Ngawhi, the Caper Palliser Lighthouse and Lake Ferry. During the coffee stop at Martinborough 3 more “stragglers” caught us up and 16 cars headed off, hoods down, into the wild Wairarapa Ngawhi is a small fishing village on the coast at Palliser Bay, right on the southern tip of the North Island. It was a reasonable haul there but worth the run, even just to see the huge caterpillar tractors used by the locals to pull their fishing boats from the water. Another 5 kms of dirt road and we reached the Cape Palliser Lighthouse., 250 steps up from the beach and 250 back down. After seal watching on the rocks it was back into the dustiest collection of MX5’s ever gathered in the Club’s history, although that record will probably go with the Gentle Annie Run next month, and off to Lake Ferry Pub for lunch. An excellent venue with great food, reasonably priced and great service. It was during our lunch stop that we heard about a tragic accident on the Rimutaka Hill. Thanks to the Club members who were not on the run but heard of the accident and rang to let us know. Phone calls were made to try and ascertain the expected delays but we were not told the accident involved a ‘B’ Train which had rolled on its side. Had we known that some different decisions may have been made. Anyway at 2.45 pm a group left for home via the Woodville Gorge while others decided to head back to Featherston and wait it out. At about Mangatainoka the rain was setting in so some of the group stopped to put the hoods up. Then it was away again, except for one car which would not start, no names. A quick phone call brought back the rest of the group and with jumper leads all was go and away we went. We got back to Waikanae at 7.30 pm after having been caught in traffic jams from Levin because of 2 more accidents. Of the cars that waited for the Hill road to clear, one got home to Paraparaumu at 1145 pm and one got to Wainuiomata at 1.00am the next morning. This run probably takes the prize for the longest (time wise) non-overnight stop run the Club has ever done. Thanks to Mike and Jan for the work they put in to organize the run. Apart from the disruptions it was a great start to our 2007 program.
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