Straight up, there are no falls at Ponto Falls Reserve. If there ever was, someone’s filled them in. That’s the only disappointment here. I can’t imagine a more bucolic setting to spend a few relaxing days defrosting and enjoying the winter sunshine. Discreet van sites along the top side the river and for the more adventurous, down on the flat (4WD is the safe option there).
You have two constant companions during your stay, the cows and the cockatoos. The cows treat you with kindly disdain and the cockatoos let you know there around…all day.
PFR is only about 15km from Wellington, so a run into town for a look and coffee was an easy choice. The look was easy. Finding a good coffee was not. Wellington looks like a closing down sale. The locals are super nice, but the town facade looks tired and jaded. A lot of shops are empty. A good sign writer would make a killing, if only the stores were interested. In the end, gave up on the coffee but did find this quirky reminder of times past in a side street.
Now for those contemplating a stay at Ponto Falls, peak times can be a hassle. Not because there isn’t plenty of room, but because there’s only one loo. The que over summer could look like a Covid vaccination site. Be warned. But the river is beautiful and the sunrises in winter are a photographer’s dream. Really enjoyed my time here.
Now, I’ve had the Jeep for just over a year and the van too. Status report: So far, so good. The Jeep has had three oil changes, a set of wiper blades, two new tyres and a new 12 socket connector to the van – that’s it. The van has had two new tyres and a new twelve pin connector to the Jeep. Not bad for 30,000km. I’m not calling it yet, but keeping the servicing, fuel injector cleaner and Premium diesel up to it isn’t doing any harm so far.
Just on the subject of connectors. If you look closely at the male plug, you will see small gaps in each of the prongs. Now these connectors are never easy to remove and we tend to wiggle them around a bit uncouple them. As a result, over time these gaps can close and, for example, your van tail lights might not work. So, before you start looking for an auto electrician, check your connector. You can manually re-make the gaps with a small screwdriver.