Marton, Waiouru, Waimarino Golf

There was only two other cars at the Marton Golf Club when we arrived and the occupants were nowhere in sight so there were no hold-ups on our way round. Only $15 each to play on a Monday so we struck the right day! We always enjoy playing this lovely, interesting tree-lined course which is still in good condition with greenish fairways but no wet areas and reasonably kind greens!

After our 18 holes it was getting towards dinner time so we drove straight to the NZMCA park in Marton knowing that it fills up very quickly and not wanting to miss out on a spot although there were still 3 or 4 spaces to choose from when we did get there, these being filled soon after.

Me and a Turner trio!

It was great to catch up with my brothers and other close family over the next 2 days, parking outside Robin (Bob) & Judys the next night and enjoying dinner and lunch there with lots of their family including Peter & Margaret.

After lunch on Wednesday we drove to the Waiouru War Museum where self contained vehicles can park behind overnight - a great spot and surprisingly very quiet with being at the back of the building. Only 4 other motorhomes there. 

Coffee at the Red Bus cafe!

It was great to have our friends, Jan & Doug, who were heading down for a months holiday in the South Island, stop by for a coffee with us the next morning as they passed through Waiouru - lots of catching up to do as we hadn't seen them for 5 months.

Once they were on their way again we decided to take the back road past the mountains going through Ohakune first and then stopping at the Waimarino Golf course, where we haven't played before, for 18 holes - a nice setting with the mountains around, conifers and some evergreens and it's own little micro-climate with the fairways and greens being in good condition. 

It was the clubs last twilight competition for the season but they didn't start teeing off until after we came in. Very friendly locals who invited us to join them for both golf and dinner but we were a bit too tired to take up the offer. Because they have a "play and stay" system we stayed the night, alongside 2 other vans who would have paid $20 a van as they weren't playing golf. Having paid $60 for the 2 of us to play 18 holes we really appreciate being able to stay and have a shower without paying any extra.

Again, we had a nice, quiet undisturbed night setting off the next morning to the Waiketi Valley Hot Pools Campground which Jan & Doug had recommended we go to.