CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Being an expat of the almighty Waikato it can be strange coming back home. What an adventure this summer has been, exploring and staying at places and meeting people in my bus that I would never go to, let alone explore, if I had a car.

So this adventure to Te Aroha was a delight. No longer in pain after a massage, I could walk to the (way too many) op shops in the town (I lost count after 6), have a coffee at the organic Villa Nine shop, go to the pools (find a 2nd person so you can have a soak) and walk the wetlands (1 hour return).

You can walk to town from the Boyd Park freedom camp (I was surprised it only took 25 minutes), get fish ‘n chips (walking distance from Boyd Park) and sit down and enjoy an ice cream and watch the Mokena geyser: hot-day bliss. ckw.nz/mokena-geyser

Okay this was done over four days. I am not superwoman. When you have a freedom camp that says “stay for 4days” what do you do? You stay and explore.

The town does have two freedom camps. The in-town one is behind the library but a city council staff member told me its not a very safe place to stay for a single traveller and it isn’t a long-stay park like Boyd, as you have to work in with the council timetable, see sign (bottom right). The bonus for the library camp is the library WiFi, town is only 2 minutes away and the pool 10.

Boyd Park freedom camp

Sign, Boyd Park freedom camp

Library freedom camp

Sign, Library freedom camp

Being a creative artist that loves metalwork, walking around the streets of Te Aroha and seeing Adrian Worsley’s recycled metal art was a highlight. On my walk back to Boyd Park I discovered his gallery. He is only open on special days or for tour groups: group bookings of 10 or more at $20 each is the normal fee (minimum charge $160). This would make a great camp or rally for a group visiting Waikato. adrian-worsley.com

Big shout out goes to Matamata-Piako District Council for providing great freedom camping options. 

I am currently in Morrinsville, my home town, and loving my stay at the recreational grounds for my four day stay. If you go to the information centre they have a booklet on where to stay in their district or go to their website ckw.nz/mpdc-free-camp

My next adventure awaits. Have a grand old time.