CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Kings Birthday weekend 2025

If you’ve never been to Bluff Farm then you are missing a treat. Situated at 926 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford with a red letterbox marking the turn off onto Kimbers Road, it is a working dairy farm owned by Gavin and Kylie Bay. You arrive to the welcoming yap of two Jack Russels— Bear and Poppy, who escort you into an expansive camping area recently planted in native shelter trees. 

To the west are the alluring foothills of Oxford where the sun sets leaving its final splash of hue before the stunning night sky envelopes us, revealing its magical, celestial display of stars and satellites. Oxford has now gained dark sky accreditation. 

The eerie call of morepork reaches us and the challenge is on — to find his home. 

To the east is the Ashley River with its braided channels and is home to wrybill, banded dotterel, black-backed gull, pied stilt, and South Island oyster catcher. Some of these birds are endangered and would make a great photo.

Gavin and Kylie have recently built a spacious pergola area that we can use for shelter if it rains. It is graced by an enormous fire drum with two chimneys that draw so well when the fire is stoked with the wood generously supplied by the owners. When the door is open it invokes thoughts of fire breathing dragons with horns that also roar their presence. 

Our circle grows and the warmth invites conversation amongst the members. The fire guards our sacred stories of yesteryear as we reminisce, sharing our own camping experiences. Eventually the marshmallows and chocolate biscuits arrive. It’s time to toast up a treat!! Squishy hot marshmallow sandwiched between two choice bikkies. Yum!! Thanks to the children who volunteered to do the toasting. 

The glowing embers are massive and their warmth reaches our chilled bodies. Morepork is still calling to us — tomorrow we will find him.

The new day is here with blue sky and sunshine. Magpies are warbling and bellbird is serenading us from the ribbonwood tree. Baby piglets eagerly grunt at us as we pass by their pen and mother pig lazily grazes in the paddock nearby. Life is good. It’s milking time and before the cows return, we amble up the farm track in search of elusive morepork. We check out barns and look in trees but to no avail — he is too clever for us! 

However, determination does win out. Tony spots him the following day, resting on the wood pile. Oh morepork with your uncanny cry !! You have made Bluff Farm your home. How good is that? 

Watching netball at the Oxford Club

Debbie has decided to try out her new oven. She has cooked scones and has served them with jam and cream — thanks Debbie. They were delicious and didn’t last long!! 

Some of us visit the Oxford market with its numerous craft and food stalls. Others bring out their metal detectors and share their skills in the art of metal detecting. A great pastime but no gold to be found. Oh well!! There’s always another day.

Finally, a big thank you to our hosts Gavin and Kylie, who were there to chat to us and stoke the fire. You were terrific and your efforts were much appreciated. 🏕️

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