Arriving in New Plymouth around lunchtime, I thought I’d try to park so I could easily catch up with a work colleague from the Herald.  He lived in Fitzroy and as the Camp on the beach which was virtually at the end of his road and had a great review, I checked in. The very friendly lady gave me a swipe card for the barrier and a code for the toilets, showers and laundry.

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It was $40 for two nights so I thought that was reasonable  and went and parked and plugged in. There were a few other Motorhomes there but it was nice and quiet. All you could hear was the surf which was nice.
I gave Rob a quick call to see where he was up but he was busy on a job and so I went for a walk along the beach and later wandered up the road to his place when he had finished. His house was literally at the top of the campground and about 50 metres away.It was nice to see Rob and his wife Bonnie as It had been a few years since I’d seen them. They popped down later in the afternoon to see Rafe and join me for a drink which was great.Rob showed me where the coastal walkway was which went right through the camp. It starts round by the Port and goes for miles along the waterfront and around to Bell Block and it’s well used. In the morning, after I’d done some washing in the laundry, I jumped on my bike and went for a ride. I went around as far Te Rewa Rewa bridge which lines up really nicely with Mount Taranaki as you’ll see from the top piccy.

Later in the day, I went around to Robs and he very kindly drove me around some of the sights of New Plymouth. From the port, to the Len Lye centre which is amazing and out to Waitara, Bell Block to the end of the walkway. It was fantastic. I didn’t realise New Plymouth had so much going on.

The end of the walkway at the port

The Len Lye centre with the old pub beside

Later in the day, we had a drink and tea at Rob and Bonnies, and Robs brother Jim, who I also worked with was coming around for tea with his wife Lin. I haven’t seen Jim for donkeys years so it was really great to see them too. A real reunion.

Tea was fantastic and after a great evening, I walked the 50 metres or so down the hill to Rafe. I knew there was a reason why I wanted power and the temperature being 5C it was soon very obvious 🙂
A perfect couple of days, another nice camp on the waterfront and very handy for the reunion with my friends. Thanks again Rob for the great welcome and showing me around.