Autumn in Opua

 

Opua wharf and shops (not a house)

Nights are starting to get chilly here and darker earlier. Mornings are starting to become dark until after 8am. We are in the 2nd week of Autumn.  I made a decision recently which was that as soon as the mortgage is paid off on my house, I'm going to try and move back up to the north island again as it's too far away from my family. Good news is that house prices have grown here to the point where my house is worth quite a bit more than what I paid for it and Greymouth no longer has the lowest priced properties.

The shop from the other side.

Speaking of home I did have something funny happen this week. I got talking to a couple at work who were tourists here and in the gist of the conversation they said they were from my home town on holiday and what's more is that "she" was my oldest son's high school teacher. Makes me miss home even more.

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Opua Ferry

On the odd occasion when we want to visit Russell we have to get on the Opua Car Ferry to take us there. There are 2 ferries which go back and forth as it is usually very busy.

The prices are $1 for someone walking on, $5.90 for motorbikes, $13.50 for cars/utes, $21 for a 6-8 ft vehicle, $31.50 for a 8-10m vehicle, $60 for a 10m plus vehicle, 2 berth campervan is $13.50, 4 berth motorhome $31.50

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Explore...

 

This one taken recently in Opua of one of the local ferries taking people to see different islands etc. So far since 2020 businesse have been very quiet with only local customers so shortly with everyone allowed out again hopefully they will be busy again. 

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Fishing for luck

Last week we drove out to nearby Opua to buy some fishing supplies. We had recently been out in our boat only to have our anchor get stuck on one of the rocks under the boat causing us to lose it. We checked our local fishing store but they didn't stock them, only a shop in Opua had them so we ended up buying a new one along with some hooks, weights and new rope. I spotted two people fishing but not sure how good they got on as the water was so brown after all the rain we've had lately.

Have any of you been trying to cut down your time on social media? I've been trying to wean myself off for the last few days, just so much negativity and vile comments being made. People sadly think it's ok to bully others.

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Bikers are go...

While we were going back and forth on the Opua ferry we saw these bikers waiting in line on the way home. We didn't have to wait long as the ferry was nearly at the wharf.

But once we were on the ferry and on the way back they all got off their bikes to talk to each other, not sure what but something must've gotten their attention.

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Opua Wharf Ferry

First time I have ever travelled on the Opua Ferry in the weekend and it was a very quick trip too. Fullers which is a national NZ company own alot of ferry services just about everywhere. This one is a transport ferry so once we had parked our car and it had started on it's way we got out and enjoyed the fresh air. Our destination was to be taken to Okiato Wharf which is a small settlement just before Russell.

The other side of Opua has many yachts and boats moored with what looks like a private boat shed in the distance. There are also quite a few houses and baches along the side of the cliffs.

You could almost say that these boats moored alongside the wharf are mini super yachts. I've seen much bigger ones.

This one here is owned by Jemison Marine and is available for hire. It has air conditioning, a gym and wifi connection. It is 95.14ft and can accommodate 8 guests overnight . Posh aye?

Overcast Opua Wharf

Opua wharf is maybe 45 minutes from Kerikeri, quiet small area where houses are built on the hills and cliffs. Down by the water is a Fish n Chip shop, wharf and marina. We weren't there for long, we had a quick look around and set off home again after - one of those overcast warm Spring days.

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