Regional Ramblings Waikato Run with the NZ Ferrari Owners' Club

Waikato Combined Run with NZ Ferrari Owners’ Club, October 18, 2003.

The day certainly started with a surprise. Only six cars turned up for what would be the most memorable club run I have ever been a part of.

Leaving Hamilton at 8.40am we made our way up the western side of the Waikato River before following SH1 and turning off at Pokeno. As we bid goodbye to one of our companions (tagging along on his way up to Auckland) we realised we were down to five cars - four Mk2s and an MRS. With two newly joined club members, they were certainly in for a treat on their first run.

We followed a few back roads before driving through Patumahoe and following Mauku Road out to the Waterfall Café.  What a sight we were greeted with - 16 Ferraris sat there in all their polished splendour.  With around six or seven models, and then variations within each model, there were plenty of cars to look at.

Joining everyone in the cafe, we were greeted warmly before sitting down to a well-deserved coffee.  It wasn’t long before restless feet led us back outside for a few photos.  I had never stood behind a V12 when it starts, up… what a fantastic sound! 

Trying to keep up with these cars off the start was a mission on its own as well, somewhat akin to a Shetland pony trying to outrun a wild stallion.  It's just not going to happen! Still, it's fun to try...

Having two "Walky talkies" in our group, and three with the NZFOC, made keeping in touch easy.  It wasn’t long before these came into play when the sole Auckland-based MR2 regrettably blew a valve and had to drop out.  Luckily, Andrew was able to sort out transport but still had to have the car towed after limping back to Te Hihi.

With our MR2s scattered in the middle of the 20-something long line of cars, we headed out towards the Tasman Sea via Otaua township and Maiora Road.  On our way up towards Waiuku the convoy missed a turn.  It wasn't long until we were back on the road with only a few scratches to show.  The convoy took Awhitu Road North towards the Manukau Heads before dog-legging their way back down Kohekohe-Karioitahi Road and arriving at Castaways.

By lunchtime we couldn't have hoped for better weather.  The day, having started out with heavy imposing clouds, did a complete turn-around with clear blue skies overhead  We all sat under cover with a selection of very nice meals and were once again warmly welcomed by everyone within the NZFOC. With a bit more time available to us, we spent the next hour or two chatting to all the owners and peering under as many bonnets as possible. My favourites of the day were two 360 Spyders– beautiful styling with suitably grunty V8s sitting out the back.  Weighing slightly more than our MR2s but capable of 0-100kmh in about 4.5 seconds

Thanks again to the NZFOC, especially Graham, Gary & Dave, for letting us tag along on this fantastic day.

Darcy Williams

Waikato Area Coordinator