It had to be done, we just had to revisit Houhora and Rarawa, we haven’t been back for a couple of years and we really wanted to check it out again. We had originally planned to head up that way and stay and spend some time up here but plans change and we both (Garry and us) have other things we need to get done. Looking back through our blog, I see we’ve been at Rarawa at some stage every year (apart from the last two years) since 2013, no wonder I was missing it!
Our first stop was to Wageners Camp in Houhora, we have stayed here a few times previously, we went to check out the new improvements made and the winter rates they offer. We would definitely come and stay here again, and as soon as we are able to fit it in.
Time to continue on our journey north, but first a stop at the container café just north of Houhora for one of their amazing pies. Now these pies are made on-site and have the best homemade pastry, it’s very thin and delicious with the pies filled to bursting with delicious fillings. And not just the usual fillings either, how about an eggs Benedict pie, or a big breakfast pie – hash brown, bacon, egg, beans and goodness knows what else, or a burger pie, or spinach feta and pumpkin pie, or a paua pie. All delicious.
From there it was onto Rarawa, we first checked out the camp ground, reminiscing about the times we have been here and the people we have met.
Next it was down the beach. Here we met up with a lovely local whom we met last time we were here, he regaled us with tales as he came to watch us fish.
We had a great couple of hours here and managed to catch some good fish as well. Before too long though it was time to pack up and start our return journey.
Oh but first we must call in to the container café again to get one of their famous all fruit ice creams. Someone from the touring party who shall remain nameless enjoyed his icecream so much he had another one!
From here we made the instant decision to go out to 90mile beach to see what the prospects were for maybe having a fish off there. However, on the drive out to the beach there was a constant stream of vehicles all looking like they were set up for fishing. It wasn’t until we got to the beach we realised that it was the Snapper Bonanza surf casting competition.
As it was late in the afternoon, most of the competitors were packing up and heading back to the weigh in base at Waipapakauri. We joined the long stream of cars driving down the beach.
Prizes were good too, a new Mitsubishi ute, $30,000 for the heaviest snapper caught over the 3 days of competition, daily spot prizes and much more. It is apparently extremely popular with entries for the following year opening in June this year. You have to be quick to get an entry in.
Back onto the main road and we headed back to base, but we all agreed that we must come back to this part of the country again soon.
The Vanninis' Manoeuvres 
Nothing beats a good pie, thanks for the recommendation. Hopefully when we finally make it up that way we will remember where to go. We did a bit of a “pie crawl” on our last trip down South, calling in at several pie shops with great reputations.