CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

A short notice decision was made to hold a camping train as there were 3 events being held during March at Havelock, Nelson and Greymouth. The temptation was too much for me, so we decided to give it a go. We called each destination a station just for fun.

It was early March. One other member (Angela) joined us for the entire trip. We left home on the Tuesday prior to the Havelock camp. Julie was able to share the first two nights with us. One was spent at the Parnassus NZMCA camp, the next at Conway Flats beside the sea. (Yes, got to see some dolphins jumping and playing in the surf!). We said our goodbyes to Julie and travelled along the coast. We were uncertain of where to stop but decided on Kekerengu. We were thrilled to meet up with Carolyn here on her return home from her holidays. Friday, we continued to our club event destination at Waves Campground for the Havelock Mussel Festival camp. None of us were mussel eaters but were happy to enjoy the Blenheim team chatter over the weekend.

Too soon it was Monday and time to move on. There were a number of options available, but we decided on Okiwi Bay. Oh wow. We loved it so much that we stayed for 4 nights.

I highly recommend the Mail Run out to French Pass. We went into many little bays along the way. The road went from sealed to gravel to almost dirt! The scenery along the way is amazing. Our driver was knowledgeable about the area and also the fauna, almost sharing in Angela’s passion for foraging. We had lunch at French Pass and watched the stingray before the return to camp. Filled in most of the day. Not bad for $35.

Time to move on again, we sadly left this stunning area and headed for Tahuna Beach Holiday Park where we met up with the team from Nelson!

Angela enjoyed catching up with old friends who lived in the area. We had coffees at the camp café — they do some scrumptious nibbles. I’ll never forget the Saturday evening meal at the Pirate Pub known as the Smugglers Pub and Café: fun atmosphere there. Washing was done; groceries topped up. Too soon the weekend was over. Time to move on.

We travelled down the West Coast. Our first night was at the Kohatu Flat Rock Café. There is a grassed area at the back on the left where we perched on our chairs in the shade of the trees. It was so hot. I didn’t scream when I saw a rat run down a young tree. Thankfully it took off into the bushes. LOL.

From here we went to Murchison NZMCA camp via St Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti. We were amazed at the eels! They live under the boat ramp. 200 years old! 

It poured with rain in Murchison. West Coast pour — for hours… Here I learnt that I need to think of rainy-day activities for those times we get such long periods of inactivity. 

We were here for two wet nights. Tony and Lynn joined up with us here and continued with us on the rest of the journey. Angela stayed a 3rd night at Murchison, whereas we moved on to the Fox River freedom camp. 

We were very near the road but there was little traffic at night. We also happened to be camping on the night that the muso’s had their weekly Wednesday jamming night. I slept through most of it. LOL.

Once in Greymouth we thought we would brave it and stay at Cobden Bridge freedom camp for the night.

We thoroughly enjoyed it. We topped up on groceries again then headed to our final camp.

Nelson Creek Reserve. What an awesome spot.

(Nelson Creek photos ©2025 Penny Coleman)

The Greymouth crew treated us to open fires, fossicking, metal detecting, bush walks and more. What a good way to finish our 3-week-plus journey.

We went home with dirty washing, weary, but smiles on our faces and good memories to store away (and share at a future camp). 🏕️