NCC Waikato Run

On Saturday 23^rd March the New Zealand Timber Museum was the meeting place for 30 trucks and over 55 visitors to the town to gather, travelling from as far afield as Australia, Whangarei, Levin and all parts between.  Once everyone had registered and collected their itineraries, a short briefing of the days adventure was given and we were off, led by Teddy Miller in the Waikato Heavy Haulage International S-Line. 


The route led through Arapuni across the dam, then down to the old sawmilling town of Ngaroma, continuing across to Otorohanga to Olivers Transport Yard for morning tea and a chance to view Marty Greaves’ collection of scratch built model trucks of days gone by.  After a cup of tea and many stories, we headed off for a gearbox workout via Honikiwi Road to Pirongia to park under the trees and have lunch at the local bakery and café.


From Pirongia the route led back towards Te Awamutu and to the back of Cambridge to Paul Garland’s 1877 house and collection of tractors and crawlers.
For the afternoon, Gary Mackisack in his Commer led us off towards Karapiro to George and Robyn Gardner’s farm for afternoon tea and another amazing collection of tractors and crawlers.


Then it was back to Putaruru to park outside Putaruru Tyres for a group photo shoot prior to dinner at the Putaruru Arms for a night of tall tales.
 

The New Zealand Timber Museum was again the meeting place on Sunday with a BBQ Breakfast.  Some entrants unfortunately were unable to make the Sunday part of the run, but we were joined by several newcomers to enjoy the days activities.
Matamata was the first destination, with Tommy Kiernan leading the way in the White, via Hinuera to Bill Troughton’s magnificent collection of most things mechanical.


Then the convoy headed into town to visit Peter Finch’s panel beating shop, where restores (among other vehicles) Swap Contracting’s trucks.  Moving from there round to Swap Contracting yard, with a chance to inspect the numerous completed projects and a fantastic morning tea, compliments of Andrew and David Swap.

The scenic trip continued, with a trip through Waharoa, via Tower Road, and across Walton, Scotsman’s Valley and Tauwhare to Hamilton, and on to the Classics Museum and Jukebox diner.  Many stories were told about the many of the exhibits, and a late lunch was enjoyed.  Many took the opportunity to have a second wander round the museum, and departed at leisure.
 

A big thanks goes out to all who helped put this run together, allowed us to visit their amazing collections and provided meals.