After a very successful three-day trip to Northland and a day trip to Hamilton, senior citizen members of the Auckland Indian Association were looking forward for another weekend away.
On March 12, 49 members departed on a sight-seeing coach tour of the Coromandel area. Amid laughter, jokes and bhajans we made our merry way south, stopping for refreshment at Waharoa, on Highway 2.
We went up and down through the Kaimai ranges, Mamaku forest and some very fertile farmland. Our friendly bus driver took us through country roads familiar to her and provided informative, interesting commentary. The atmosphere was lively.
Dieticians would have frowned upon the lunch at beautiful Mount Maunganui but it was lapped up with glee. Thanks are due to all the ladies who had prepared delicious snacks and sweets. We did have an opportunity to work it off with a couple of hours at the beach. Unfortunately, we could not walk up nor walk around the Mount because of slips. However, some of us scaled Moturiki, a little hillock on the beach, which gave us a glorious extensive view of the coast. At our motel in Tauranga we enjoyed the evening socialising, wining and dining.
The next day, starting at 8 am, we had a Tiki tour of Papamoa then Katikati and on to Waihi via the Waihi gold mine. After morning tea at Waihi we continued our journey through the Coromandel forest park to Pauanui. At the beach reserve overlooking Tairua across the harbour, we had our lunch. Finally through Tairua forest park we arrived back to Auckland at 5pm.
For many it was mentally and physically stimulating and uplifting. Thirty-six out of 49 members had never visited Tauranga nor Mt Maunganui. It was a welcome outing and a time for togetherness.
After the excitement of the Tauranga trip AIAI senior citizens group had a night out. 63 members had a most enjoyable social evening at the Palace of India, Takapuna on Sunday, May 22.
