CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Here is a photo of the Nugget Point lighthouse. As we saw it today. March 6. ©2025 Dave Adamson

Running off a cordless drill

Camping at CampFest. ©2025 Jo Ward

My introduction to fishing as a child: I recall being taken to the Waimakariri river and using a string hand-line with red meat as bait, I don’t recall any success .

Fishing as the sun goes down. Ōtaki River mouth free camp. March. ©2025 M Richardson

It wasn’t the best week as we had such bad weather

Where’s summer? Crazy.
Yesterday it was 28° here, I melted.

A night at Ferry Reserve on our way to Morisons Bush. ©2025 Wayne Ravelich

Bedtime Bubbles & wash in Kaiapoi for my wee mate after 57 nights on the road without a bath. ©2025 Andrew Morton

Just got back from an adventure-filled Waiohine Gorge campsite!

Mautohe Cathedral Cove, Pūponga Farm Park, IVL tourist dollars, West Coast huts, The Great Walks. An albatross’ tale. The ten-buck-duck.

There is a common and very dangerous belief held by many caravan owners that it is fine to have a heavy load at the rear as long as it is balanced by a similar load at the front. That is virtually a recipe for jack-knifing.

A huge draw card, was the stage and music, talent contest, open mike time and the bands which played on to 9pm. This brought a carnival atmosphere to the camp.

Late summer fishing at the Ōtaki River Mouth free camp. February 2025. ©2025 M Richardson

One thing I learnt after travelling full-time for 20 odd years: It doesn’t matter so much where you are, as long as you are present where you are. Mind you, I still struggle with that at times, wanting nature and just the sounds of nature. lol.

It didn’t take long before I felt like I was at home for my four day stay.

The weather was so nice that we came out early. All that is missing is you.©2025 Linda Butler

This venue is our favourite go-to for Christmas due to its proximity to everything. If you are travelling or want company for Christmas next year, do consider joining us. 

It’s a lovely rural spot 15 mins from Te Aroha and 20 mins from Matamata.
They have a lot of visits from cyclists doing the Hauraki Rail Trail and tourists.

I tell you, what a welcome! I think why people stay is due to our lovely welcoming hosts Rosie and Brian. They have been operating this site in their paddocks for 8 years, back then it was a gold coin to stay and to help campers out.