One of the things I did a few years ago and hadn’t managed to get back to until now, was a trip to the Beach Hop in Whangamatā.
Click on any Image to Enlarge
Friends Judy and Bruce, who have an identical motorhome to ours, were in charge of the parking and logistics at Whangamata Area School, where the motorhome and caravan parking was being run. I put my hand up to help with parking duties, and Fiona volunteered as the unofficial “medical support person” always handy to have a medical person on site just in case!
The parking operation was a fundraiser for the school, which made it even more worthwhile.
The weather forecast, however, was looking absolutely evil. Heavy rain was predicted for Thursday the main arrival day and after setting up the parking markers the day before, we were already dealing with drizzle on and off.
By the time Thursday rolled around, there had been quite a few cancellations due to the weather, so we had a bit more breathing room than usual. Even so, we had to mark off several large “no-go” areas where the ground had turned spongy. A few unlucky vehicles had already found themselves stuck, which was a good reminder to be cautious.
In the end, we had around 90-odd vehicles turn up which, given the conditions, was actually pretty good. I’m told it’s normally close to double that.
We arrived on the Wednesday and spent the afternoon setting up cones and marking out the parking areas, finishing up around 6:30pm. After that, it was an easy decision to head down to the Whangamata RSA. It’s a fantastic spot, and we all enjoyed a great meal and a well-earned drink.
Thursday was show time. In the morning we shifted our own vehicles into their proper spots and got ready for the onslaught. The gates opened at 1pm, and there was a steady stream of motorhomes, caravans, and even a few Beach Hop vehicles rolling in. Things ticked along nicely until about 3:30pm, when it quietened down enough for a quick breather and some refreshments.
Click on the Gallery below for a slideshow for people at the park
Friday was a little more relaxed. Arrivals continued, but at a slower pace, and the weather had improved, still the odd shower, but much more manageable. That evening, we headed back to the RSA for another meal, which was just as good as the first. Great food, great company, and plenty of laughs.
Click on the Gallery below to see the Grand Parade
Saturday was the big day. I headed into town and managed to get permission from the security chief, Neil, to take photos from a traffic island, a perfect vantage point. I expected the action to last maybe 45 minutes, but nearly two hours later the cars were still coming through.
What a spectacle. The sound of engines, the shine of polished chrome, and the atmosphere, it was all there. Plenty of drivers gave their engines a good rev as they came around the island, much to the delight of the crowds. There were dancers, live music, and a real buzz right through the town.
After that, I wandered back to the park to grab a few photos of some of the retro caravans. By then the ice cream truck had arrived and the ice creams were excellent, along with a coffee cart that served one of the best coffees I’ve had from a mobile setup.
There were a few early departures, but overall, it was a very relaxed and settled atmosphere around the grounds.
Thankfully, the weather had played its part by then, and the sun had dried things out nicely. We even had the local surf club tractor on standby in case we needed help getting people out on Sunday, but in the end, it wasn’t required. The ground held up well, and everyone was able to leave without any drama.
All up, a fantastic event. A great bunch of people working together, a fun town, and plenty to see and do.
Definitely one to come back to.
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