Daily Itineraries

Day 0: Sunday 28th March: Overnight at Kaitaia

For those over-nighting in Kaitaia, it is suggested that we progressively meet at the Orana Motor Inn during the day, and meet there at 6 pm to go for a couple of drinks and meal...venue to be advised on the day. Overnight security for the cars is being arranged by AMOC.

Day 1: Monday 29th March: Kaitaia to Orewa

Host Auckland Mustang Owners Club

8.15 - 8.45 am Morning briefing.
8.45 am depart Kaitaia down the Coast Road through Coopers Beach to Paihia in the Bay of Islands
10.00 am Arrive Paihia for coffee at Hansen’s Café in the Maritime Wharf Building, where all the tourist boats leave from over looking the Bay of Islands - a fabulous spot ! The event has Council approval for us to park the cars on the Village Green opposite the café/wharf area. Morning tea will be a choice of coffees and food from the cabinets.
10.30 am Leave Paihia and drive to Whangarei.
12.00 - 12.15 pm Arrive at Whangarei. George Roberts in his new 2004 GT will join the convoy just north of Whangarei and escort us in to Wynn Fraser Paints Ltd car park in Okara Drive behind Repco. Barb-cue lunch will be provided by Wynn Fraser in their car park which they share with Repco. (This lunch is nil cost to participants. (Hopefully we can get the AMOC Whangarei members to join us there along with those Auckland AMOC members who are not doing the run but may do the 1/2 day.)
2.15 - 2.30 pm depart Wynn Fraser for Orewa via Waipu, Wellsford and Warkworth.
4.00 pm ish arrive Orewa.
7.00 pm. Dinner at the Orewa Surf Club rooms. (The surf club is opposite the motels therefore participants can leave their cars and walk. This meal will be at reduced cost to run participants as AMOC has agreed to pay a portion of the meal cost from club funds for our guests. Indications are that a good number of AMOC members who are unable to be part of the run, will be joining the participants for dinner. (Those attending the night who are not registered on the run will be responsible for 100% of their own meal costs.)
9.00 pm. Kareoke evening is sponsored by Car Colors of North Shore Ltd and Mustang & Falcon Spares Ltd. (I am told by some very well informed people that the AMOC have 3 or 4 very good singers. My challenge will be to encourage them to come along for the night.  We will be having a few prizes for best singer (or worst) etc. Should be a heap of fun.

Day 2: Tuesday 30th March: Orewa to Tauranga

Section  1 : Host Auckland Mustang Owners Club
(Lead car: # 74 : 67 fastback, Driver Ken Smith)

8.00 am: Meet in the front car park at the McDonalds Restaurant for those who want breakfast. The restaurant is positioned on State Hi-way One, adjacent to the first set of lights heading south through Orewa.
9.00 - 9.30 am Daily briefing at McDonalds Orewa.
9.30 am depart Orewa. (This later departure time is due to the congested Auckland motorway traffic.)  An easy 30 minutes travel to the bridge at that time of the morning.
10.30 Ford NZ HQ in Manukau.
10.50 Depart Ford NZ
11.15 am approx arrive Mercer for an early lunch.

Section 2 : Host Waikato Mustang Owners Club

12.15 am Depart Mercer for Hamilton.
1.00 pm arrive Hamilton, turn off at Flagstaff onto River Road. Down River Road to the Hamilton Gardens for stretch, toilet stop and chat. Cars on Show
2.00 pm Depart Hamilton for Morrinsville, Te Aroha, and Paeroa.
3.00 pm Stop Paeroa for coffee break at the L&P Cafe. This cafe has good parking, a gift shop and good toilets. 

Section 3: Host BOP Mustang Owners Club

4.00 pm Depart Paeroa for to Tauranga. Depending on traffic it will take between 1-1.5 hours to arrive at Tauranga. Arrival will be right on peak traffic, so we will take the new expressway all the way to Chaple Street, up the hill past the Tauranga domain and then left into Brown St, and up to the  Hotel car park.
5.30 pm approx arrive hotel.
Evening: We have organized the swimming pool and the immediate restaurant facilities for a very casual night. Barbeque will be cooked progressively over the evening ($25.00 per head), so emphasis is not on rushing. Because this could be the hottest / longest leg of the trip, we felt that just a casual unwind, would be best. The cars will be on display for the public to view in the hotel car park. Entry and security will be controlled by the BOP Club till 11 pm then professional security will be employed to watch the cars full time till morning.

Day 3: Wednesday 31st March: Tauranga to Taupo

Section 1: Host BOP Mustang Club

Breakfast and whole run from Tauranga to Rotorua, will be covered live by BOP FM Classic hits.
6.30 - 8.00am. Breakfast
8.30 to 9.00 am Morning briefing. 
9.00 am leave car park to head out towards Te Puke via Devonport Road and 15th Avenue. (Not over the Bridge to the Mt due to traffic conjestion)
9.30 am arrive Te Puke Auto Barn: Quick stop only to check the classic car collection, toilet etc.
10.15 am Depart for Whakatane.
11.30 am arrive at the Mataatua reserve (Maori canoe-whaka) Whakatane entrance, where council have provided parking on the reserve. Cars on display. Only a 3 minute walk to the main shopping centre of Whakatane for food and refreshments.
1.00 pm Depart Whakatane for Te Teko, past Kawerau and into Rotorua via Te Ngae Road and Fenton street.
2 pm approx, park on lake front. Stop for coffee/tea at some of the stalls at the lake side.

Section 2: Host Manawatu Mustang Owners Club

3.30 pm Depart the lake domain Rotorua the same way as we entered, back along Fenton street.
4.30 pm arrive Taupo. When arriving Taupo take right lane to turn right at the only set of traffic lights in
the main street. Proceed into Tongariro Park, and drive to the northern end where a parking area will be marked. Park and display. (Please be careful not to wheelies on the grass as we may lose our bond).  Toilets are handy as is the Town Centre. The Model shop Automobilia is close by in Heu Heu Street at the Traffic Light intersection and is offering a discount for those on the  Run. Chris Palmer the owner is also prepared to stay open late for us should we be  behind schedule. This is a good meeting point for those joining the run from the Manawatu and Wellington areas.
5.30 pm Move off to our accommodation at 2 mile bay on the left accessed directly off the Lake front drive.
Evening. Meal in the hotel, then popular music entertainment provided by a local musician incl karaoke for those that want it.

Day 4: Thursday 1st April: Taupo to New Plymouth

Section 1: Host Manawatu Mustang Owners Club.

8.30 to 9.00 am Morning briefing.
9.00 am Depart Resort for Turangi (highway 1). Approx 40 minutes.
9.30 am approx arrive Turangi and turn right just past Turangi into Highway 41. Pass through Tokaanu, on up the Waihi hill, and on to Taumarunui.
10.30 am Arrive Taumarunui for smoko. 'The Flax' cafe at the north end of town has been recommended as having good coffee.
11.15 am Depart for Pio Pio

Section 2: Host Taranaki Mustang Owners Club

12.30 pm Arrive Pio Pio for lunch at the Cosmopolitan  Club.
2.00 pm Depart for New Plymouth.
2.45 pm Arrive Mokau ( short break if needed/time permits, otherwise onto NP)
4.00 pm ish Arrive New Plymouth.
Evening : Meet in the house bar area from 5pm for pre dinner drinks, nibbles and then a set meal from 6pm in the hotel. (From there back to bar, or an early night as that day has been quite long and the next one will be too).
 

Day 5: Friday 2nd April: New Plymouth to Masterton

Section 1: Host Taranaki Mustang Owners Club

8.30 - 9.00 am Morning briefing
9.00 am depart hotel for Hawera and "Dairylands".
10 am arrive Dairylands for morning coffee break.  Dairyland's (or "The Big Cow" because it has a huge cow at the entry way) is run by Fontera and its on the main highway on the south side of Hawera. (TMOC are trying to negotiate discounted entry for Participants).
11 am Depart Dairylands for Wanganui and Palmerston North

Section 2: Host Manawatu Mustang Owners Club

12 pm Approx convoy through Wanganui on way to Palmerston North.
1.00 pm ish arrive Palmerston North and park in the designated area in the Town Square. Cars on show.
1.00 -3.30 pm Lunch break in downtown cafes of your choice.
3.30 pm Depart for Masterton.
Note: As the Manawatu Gorge is likely to be closed, then the route taken will be the Tararua Road over to Pahiatua (Pahiatua Track). The convoy will proceed south out of the PN town square, (towards Massey) over the Manawatu River bridge and left up Summerhill Drive. Following this road along approx 3-4 km to a right turn to Pahiatua.
5 pm ish arrive Masterton and check into Hotel.
6 pm Evening : Meal in the hotel restaurant then either visit "Magoos" or have a go at the golf driving range, $5 a bucket of balls.

Day 6: Saturday 3rd April: Masterton to Nelson

Section 1 : Host Manawatu Mustang Owners Club

8.30 - 9.00 am Morning briefing
9.00 am Depart Masterton (Visit Paua shell factory in Greytown for 30 mins on the way), then drive to Lower Hutt via Rimatuka Hill road.
11.00 am approx, Cars parked in Lower Hutt at Stevens Ford, 434 High Street. Coffee and food available in adjacent downtown area.
12.30 pm depart for Wellington Picton Ferry terminal
1.00 pm Report for 2 pm sailing of Aratere.
2.00 pm sailing departs for Picton.

Section 2: Host Canterbury Mustang Owners Club

5.00 pm approx Arrival into Picton. Drive off ferry and muster for pictures at ??
5.30 pm depart for Nelson via Queen Charlotte Drive and Havelock.
7.00 pm  approx Arrive Nelson. 
Evening: Free.

Day 7: Sunday 4th April: Nelson Rest day

Free day to relax or sightsee etc.

Participants are invited to visit Southern Mustang in Ruby Bay. However as space is limited at their site, contact Annie and Wayne and book a "visit slot".  

To get to Southern Mustang, take the main coastal Highway heading from Nelson to Motueka. Just past the Ruby Bay Store 1st left is Pinehill Rd. Stay on the lower fork of the road. Take the 4th drive on left with #41 on a concrete cactus with 2 letterboxes on it!

3 pm -4 pm Optional visit to the World Of Wearable Arts (WOW) complex, which has an classic car section as well as the clothing displays.

Evening: Group Meal: TBA

Day 8: Monday 5th April: Nelson to Christchurch

Host: Canterbury Mustang Owners Club

8.45am Depart Nelson and Mapua for Wakefield.
9.15 am Meet up at Wakefield Domain. 15 min briefing.
9.30 am Depart Wakefield for Murchison.
11.00 am- 12 pm. Early lunch at the large Beechwoods Cafe, Murchison (Southern exit to the town on left).
12.00 pm Depart Murchison for Springs Junction, and the Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs.
2.00 pm to 3 pm Afternoon tea Hanmer Springs main street (Optional quick swim in the hot pools)
3.00 pm Depart Hanmer Springs for Christchurch
5.00 pm approx Arrive Christchurch
Evening: Group meal and possibly other activities being organised by Canterbury Club.

Day 9: Tuesday 6th April: Christchurch to Dunedin

Host: Canterbury Mustang Owners Club

8.00 - 8.30 am Morning briefing. NOTE: TV outside broadcast crews will be on site 8.30 to 9.00 am ish to cover the run, interview some drivers, and cover the cars leaving the Hotel.
9.00 am Depart Hotel for Ashburton 
10.15 - 11.00 Morning coffee break at the Plains Museum. The Museum is at the extreme south end of Ashburton (Tinwald), Drive through Ashburton town, across Ashburton River Bridge, continue through Tinwald.  Just before 100kph sign, turn right across railway line into Maronan Road, then gentle left staying on seal. 200m to the Plains Museum.
View the historical village, vintage machinery, woodturning shop and the restored railway complex. Light refreshments available at $6 per person for coffee or tea, and a light snack.
11.00 am Depart Ashburton for Timaru. We have special permission to park in the Landing Services area in George Street right in the centre of town.
1200- 1.00 pm. Lunch in Timaru.  Options include the Loaded Hog Bar with $5 lunches, Chengs Chinese is nice and has similar priced lunches. Within a block of there you can choose from other cafes and bar lunches, Cake/Tea shops, fish and chips, the cafe at the railway station, Indian, Kebabs, Robert Harris Coffee Shop, you name it!. Maybe even time for bit of southern speciality shopping as well.
1.00 pm Depart Timaru for Oamaru.
2.00-3.00 pm Coffee stop at Cafe 469. This cafe is on SH1, on the left as you drive south into Oamaru, approx 2 km from the 50 kph sign at the northern end of Oamaru.
3.00 pm Depart Oamaru for Dunedin.
4.30 pm Arrive Dunedin, drive through town to Hotel in South Dunedin.
Evening: Meal in the hotel restaurant, followed by a visit to see the PDL1 Mustang.

Day 10: Wednesday 7th April: Dunedin to Queenstown

Host: Southern Mustang Owners Club

8.30 - 9.00 am Morning briefing
9.00 am Depart Dunedin for Milton and (right hand turn at Clarksville just south of Milton onto SH 8) onto Roxburgh (distance 133 k).
10.45 am approx Arrive Roxburgh for morning tea at Jimmy's pie shop. (Real tasty meat pies). Option to  view Colin Robb's collection of (mainly English) Fords. (A short walk)  He has a 66 convertible, and runs the local Ford agency.
11.30 am Depart Roxburgh for Alexandra approx 40 k
12.00 pm park and show around Pioneer park. Lunch in local cafes.
1.00 pm Depart for Queenstown via Cromwell (33k), visit old part of township beside the new lake Also splendid views of Lake Dunstan which was formed with the building of the Clyde Dam.
2pm ish Depart for Queenstown on SH 6 through the Kawarau Gorge. (60k)
Optional deviation via Arrowtown
3.00 pm approx arrive Queenstown on direct route.
Optional late afternoon excursion on Shotover Jet!! A block booking of one full boat load (14 people) has been made for this exciting world famous ride. The trip leaves at 4.30 pm (report 4.20 pm), and costs $89 per person. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, register now, and include payment for this excursion in your registration cheque. Don't delay because these seats will go fast!!
Evening : Free to explore Queenstown

Day 11: Thursday 8th April: Queenstown to Invercargill

Host: Southern Mustang Owners Club

9.00 am Sharp Depart Blue Peaks motel, Queenstown for Kinston and Athol. (75km).
10.00 am approx. Stop at Kingston for Photo shoot beside the "Kingston Flyer".
(Note:  10.00 am Optional one way ride on Kingston Flyer, arriving Fairlight 10.30. One way trip cost $25).
Onto Athol for morning coffee. (Athol Wether is a Ford guy and runs the local food eatery.)
11.00 am depart Athol for Five Rivers, Mossburn and Te Anau. (100km)
1.00 pm Arrive Te Anau  for lunch. Park the cars  at  Lions Park, off Lake Front Drive just past the town centre.  The Hollyford Boulevard cafe about 100 m up the main street on the left as you walk from the lake front, and is big enough to cater for a large group.
2.00 pm, depart Te Anau for Southern tour including Manapouri, Cliften, Tuatapere (100km).
3 pm Arrive Tuatapere for 30 min coffee/drinks break at Tuatapere Hotel,
3.30 Depart Tuatapere for Colac Bay , Riverton and Invercargill.(87 km)
4.30 pm approx arrive Invercargill and check into Motel.
Evening: 5.30 - 6 pm drinks in the lounge bar, with a meal in the Motel restaurant or a short walk to downtown restaurants. After the meal, entertainment will be found in the public bar.

Day 12: Good Friday 9th April: Invercargill to Bluff

Host: Southern Mustang Owners Club

8.30 to 9.00 am. Morning briefing
9.00 am depart Invercargill for Bluff. 35 km.
9.45 am arrive Stirling Point, Bluff.
9.45 - 11am. Park up for group pictures at the southern signpost, and farewell drinks/coffee in the "Drunken Sailor at Stirling Point. (Optional drive up Bluff hill to the lookout).
11.00 am event completed. Start return journey home.

Informal return Route: Bluff to Twizel to Picton.

No Host  Club for these sectors.

Good Friday 9th April

11.00 am  Depart Bluff and drive to Twizel via Invercargill, Gore (stop for lunch), Raes Junction, Roxburgh, Alexandra, (afternoon coffee stop),  Cromwell, Tarras, Omarama, to Twizel.
Overnight at the Aspen Court Motel. Evening meal at the Mackenzie Country Lodge, (in the company of the Daimler car Club!).

If you have never been through this country you are in for a treat , its a fantastic scenic drive, with snow capped mountains all around, blue and turquoise alpine lakes etc.

Easter Saturday 10th April

9.00 am. Depart Twizel, drive to Picton via Tekapo, Fairlie, Geraldine, Mt Hutt, Oxford, Rangioria and SH1 up to Kaikoura, and Blenheim to Picton.
5.00 pm Report Picton to catch the 6 pm ferry.
6.00 pm Interislander ferry Awatere leaves for Wellington.
9.00 pm Arrive Wellington.