Tag Archives: Campgrounds

Waikato

Persimmon at Pirongia

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We were on our way home from Taupo after catching up with friends and we’d had a warning that the whole of the country was in for the bash from the weather.

The Café with the Motorhomes at the back
The Café with the Motorhomes at the back

Thunderstorms and strong winds meant hunkering down on some gravel with some power. Years ago when we had wee Rafe, the caravan, we stopped at a café in Pirongia which had some Motorhome parking on gravel out the back.

This sounded like a good destination and we would easily be there before the weather nailed us around 6pm.

Click on the images for Hi-res or a slideshow

The RV Park
The RV Park

We arrived with plenty of time, plugged in and decided to go for a walk into town for a look around before the rain hit. We’d just arrived in a café in town when the heavens opened up. Fortunately it was just a shower so we still had time to check the Alexandra Constabulary Redoubt which was a fort on a small hill overlooking the town. It has dug trenches around almost like a moat and is well worth a look. It also happens to be right over the road from the Persimmon Café RV park where we were staying the night.

On our way to town
The redoubt with the town behind. You can see the RV park with the grey building.
The redoubt, Pirongia behind
Mt Pirongia behind
The ablutions
The parking

A nicely set up RV park but it is really a carpark with powerpoints and a toilet block. The cost for us was $25 for the night. $10 for us and $15 for the power. If we wanted to use the onsite dump station, that would be another $15 and the showers another $5 each.
It was explained that the dump station had to be emptied on a regular basis and trucked into Te Awamutu hence the charge.
My thinking was that although it wasn’t waterfront or top ten standard, it was perfect for sheltering for the night or passing through. It is also very central with the town only a few minutes walk away.

We decided to use the free dump station at Drury as we were heading that way but there is also a free one at Te Awamutu and we used our own shower.

Not big
Not a big park but perfect for passing through.

It was nice being on the gravel and plugged in as the weather really laid it on. Lightening and thunder and lots of rain. It was an interesting night with some good puffs of wind and plenty of action from the sky but we felt nicely tucked in and sheltered.

Pirongia is a nice wee town and there is heaps of history there. Its well worth checking out the redoubt.  The town is spoilt for choice for motorhome parking  with the Clydesdale Café and if you’re an NZMCA member, at the Golf Course just on the outskirts of town.

Close to home

On the waterfront

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After staying near our friends in Snells Beach, Rob and Helen for Robs birthday (a big round number!), in the morning, they spoiled us with a beautiful big breakfast. I’m not really a big breakfast person but this was amazing and such that I wouldn’t want to eat until late afternoon, despite all the tempting treats in the area.

matakana
A lone paddler at Snells Beach

We visited a couple of places a little before and after lunch but still couldn’t be tempted to eat🤗.

matakana
Rafe on the waterfront at Whangateau

We ended up staying at the Whangateau holiday park which is an Auckland City run campground like Orewa. They had an off peak deal happening where they were doing a significant discount so we were up for that! 😎 The tide was out when we arrived and it was a bit gloomy initially with the weather, but that improved to the point where stayed an extra night. A lovely spot right on the water.

The next morning it fined up with a nice blue sky so I went for a bit of a walk around the park. WhangateauIt is well set up, a nicely kept dump station, nice clean loos, everything anyone could want!

Auckland Parks

Open spaces

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After spending a couple days with a sudden lurgy and coming right, we needed to get out into some fresh air. Where better than the free parking at Gulf Harbour but by the time we got ourselves organised, it was 3pm. Maybe it might be Shakespeare Park I thought as it would probably be busy at Gulf Harbour. After trucking along the bends and obstacles along the length of Whangaparoa we arrived at Gulf Harbour. It was chocker! No sign of the 3 metre rule even.. Every single space was full. Most unpleasant I thought and dangerous so off to Shakespeare it was.

Auckland City from the beach
Auckland City from the beach

My only hesitation with the Auckland Parks is not the money. It’s just the tedious system they have to clock in each time. I tried to be helpful with the nice lady on the phone and suggested that they need someone to write an app for phones or iPads but that didn’t seem to be well received. I thought after I got off the phone that suggestion was probably going to do her out if a job.. Silly me!

Our Neighbours
Our Neighbours

Anyway, Shakespeare CSC park is a lovely place to stay and well worth the effort. We arrived just as the sun was lowering with a nice red warm tint over everything. With no wind, it was nice and warm. There were a few Motorhomes and a couple of caravans. Three Motorhomers I talked to were quite local, two from Helensville looked like they might be brothers with their families and an older couple from Orewa. Nice.

shakespeare

Remember, you can click on the images for Hi Res or slideshows

Ships waiting out by Rangitoto
Visitors from Hawkes Bay
Pu, one of two Pukekos wandering around
Looking out towards the public parking
Rafe in the Self Contained camp

As it got later, the day trippers all left and we were left to the peace and quiet. We cranked up the Internet to see how it would go. Our neighbours from Helensville couldn’t get data but could get texts so it’s not a flash area for throughput. I did a speed test and got 3.5 Mbps down and 2.8mbs up so not great but about the adsl speeds we used to get in Devonport so based on that, pretty good really. Fiona was back into her movie on Netflix so she was happy.

The Beach
The Beach

We had a good lie in as it was Sunday.. Be rude not to I thought. I immediately thought of our friends Gary and Dianne who have me on about “not being a morning person”  as it got later and we were still lying in the scratcher reading the papers on our ipads😎.

We were a bit shy in the vege department so we got up and scooted along the road to the Manly vege shop and had a wee drive around the Manly waterfront. A few gave us a few strange looks as we got Rafe around the narrow windy back streets but all good. After getting back to Shakespeare, most of our neighbours were leaving or about to leave and we had the place to ourselves.

 

The eastern camp
Eastern Camp
Eastern Camp

We had some lunch and went for a walk down to see the other campground at the end of the beach for the non self contained. It’s a lovely spot with flashish toilets and a place to wash your dishes. A much bigger park with lots of picnic tables scattered around and rubbish tins. Nicely setup I thought.

Fiona checking out the Beach. Auckland in the distance
Fiona checking out the Beach. Auckland in the distance

Then came a walk along the beach through lots of Oyster catchers and seagulls back to Rafe. A nice place to stay. We’ll be back!

Auckland Parks

At the end of the road

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One of the few Auckland CSC Motorhome parks run by the council that we haven’t had a look at is Scandrett Regional Park. It is literally at the end of the road beyond Algies Bay overlooking Kawau Bay just north of Auckland.  It is simply stunning. 

Across Kawau Bay
Across Kawau Bay

With weather warnings and a forecast deluge of rain that didn’t really arrive, we were a bit cautious about staying here as the Motorhome parking is all grass but on a flat platform overlooking the bay. To get to this flat platform though is a not so flat uphill grassy paddock area back to tar seal.

The Motorhome parking
The Motorhome parking

On a fine day with no rain, it’ll be magic and there is lots to explore down on the beach.

The Scandrett family boatshed
Scandretts Motorhome parking at the end of the grass
Down by the beach
Along the beach. The bach at the end of the beach can be rented.
The fancy toilets

The original Scandrett family homestead is made of concrete which was quite rare and still stands, and all the sheds and barns, mostly built in the early 1900’s are also still there and in good nick. Auckland city has put explanations and signs on each and it’s well worth a look, even just for the day.

The Scandrett Homestead
The Scandrett Homestead

The CSC park costs the normal Auckland City $8 each and as the parking is clearly Motorhome only, you don’t have to tangle with the day trippers in cars which I really like. We’ve got it penciled in for the next fine day.

Classic Boating, Waikato

Motorhoming with the boats

Paeroa
The old post office building and the Paeroa racecourse ticket office.

On the way back from Waihi, we stopped in at the Paeroa Maritime Museum.
With my past involvement with Classic Launches, I was keen to see what was there. The main building is the ex Paeroa Post Office and is chocker with relics from the area. Apparently Captain Cook sailed up the Waihou and checked it out for Spars.

The old Paeroa jail house
Old outboards
The camping area, normally there are no cars here.

Paeroa didn’t see roads until the mid 1940’s and the main transportation method was ships up the streams to where the Maritime Museum is today.

Visitors going up the river
Visitors going up the river

They also provide overnight Motorhome parking with power for $15 and there are toilets and plenty to see and do.
You can also go for a ride in one of their two vessels up the Waihou river.

Coromandel 2016

Nicks and Scratches

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The Goldfields Railway station at Waihi was the perfect place to base ourselves for the bike ride to Karangahake and back. See my earlier blog on Goldfields Railway.

Rafe, Helen and Robs AutoTrail, and Dianne and Gary's XLI safely tucked in at the Goldfields Railway Motorhome parking
Rafe, Helen and Robs AutoTrail, and Dianne and Gary’s XLI safely tucked in at the Goldfields Railway Motorhome parking

We arrived at Waihi about 11am and plugged ourselves in and had just levelled Rafe up with the ramps when our friends from Snells beach, Rob, Helen and Chloe arrived in their AutoTrail Tracker and parked beside us.
A few more Motorhomers arrived straight after that and we were a wee bit concerned that there wouldn’t be enough powered parks left for Gary and Dianne in their XLI who were still to arrive from Taupo. I went and paid for our sites and we were given some cones for their site. They arrived not long after anyway.
It was hot and humid so we thought we’d have to do sundowners while giving Gary and Diannes new XLI’s Air conditioning a good workout and it stood up to the test well along with lots of laughs!

The next day we were up ready for the 10am train to Waikino with our bikes.

The bikes on board
The bikes on board
Waihi
Dianne, Helen, Rob, Chloe and Fiona on the train

Rob, Helen and Chloe set off for the 15k’s round trip walk and we were to meet up further down the trail.

Please do not read this sign!
Please do not read this sign!

We got our bikes off the train at Waikino as planned, and set of over a walkbridge to the Victoria Battery where there was pretty much a whole town setup, complete with power house and other buildings. It’s just a big empty space now. The power house is the site of the museum which is really interesting and well worth a look through.
As Fiona slowed down to stop in front of the first sign, she over balanced and ended up on the ground. Fortunately, it was just few scratches and bruises and she was back on her bike and away again.

On the train
Fiona on the first bridge at Waikino
Victoria Battery
In the Victoria Battery museum
Heading to karangahake
Others heading into the tunnel
Gary about to go into the tunnel
The view before the tunnel. You could be anywhere in the world.
Dianne, Gary and Fiona heading into the tunnel
The narrow bit. Gary on his bike on the right. The girls were further around.
The swing bridges at Karangahake looking behind!

After leaving Victoria Battery, there was a 3-4k flat run until we got through to the tunnel. This was quite a sensation. Gary and I rode through the tunnel but Fiona and Dianne pushed their bikes through on foot. It was amazing to ride through as although it is lit, it really is still quite dark. There is also quite a bit of water from the rain seeping though and quite muddy. Gary and I and the bikes were in a bit of a state when we came out the other end🤓. Rob, Helen and Chloe had done well on foot to get here in good time and were looking good. Gary and I were covered in mud.
After the girls caught up, we were keen to get some lunch so we biked back across the swing bridge to a great cafe called the Talisman where, as Gary read from the sign, they have “world famous BLT’s” which were amazing. They also have a big Motorhome compatible carpark if you want to go directly.

Fiona and Dianne coming out of the tunnel
Fiona and Dianne coming out of the tunnel

We set off after lunch back across the swing bridge to head back to Waikino. The first part of the track is really not rideable and in some parts is only a few feet wide and right next to the river.  A stunning walking track so close to the raging water that you could be anywhere in the world…
Where it joins up back to the tunnel entrance it becomes rideable again all the way back to Waikino.
We got back to Waikino and caught up with Rob, Helen and Chloe with 10 minutes to spare before the last train of the day was departing at 2:30.
Gary and Dianne decided to ride back to Waihi, another 8k’s or so so off they went. We briefly saw them from the train across the river on the trail as we caught up to them when we’re nearly back at Waihi. Unfortunately Dianne took a tight turn in the track and came off, an accident black spot that probably should be marked. Like Fiona, luckily, the damage was restricted to some grazes and bruises and she was able to continue riding back.

After the ride/walk and before the rain! Gary, Fiona(back on) Rob, Helen and Chloe
After the ride/walk and before the rain!
Gary, Fiona(back on) Rob, Helen and Chloe

We sat under Gary and Diannes awning with some heavy showers, with a few cold ones after that comparing notes and the girls compared their battle scars. Neither looked too good but there were no broken bones and I think after a couple of ciders, all was ok.

Gary cut the back of his leg on his pedal and I got a scratch on my leg but can’t remember how, so it was bandages at dawn for us all.😀

The view before the tunnel. You could be anywhere in the world.
The view before the tunnel. You could be anywhere in the world.

We all agreed it was a fantastic day enjoying some fantastic NZ scenery which you can only get to by getting out on foot or bike. If you’re in the area, a must do!

Waikato

Ye Olde Hotel and Campgrounde

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We came through here years ago and simply stopped for a drink but my old boating mate Alan, used to come here years ago for election night parties with his buddies.

Fiona enjoying the pool
Fiona enjoying the pool

It was on the market not so long ago and I believe it now has new owners and they’re really getting stuck in

The path to the pools, camping area to the right
The path to the pools, camping area to the right

The camping ground at the Okoroire Hotel has all been cleaned up and while it is not particularly flat, (bring your ramps) for its money it is good value. $10 a night each gives you power, loos and you’re right next to the track down to the newly restored hot pools by the Waihou river. There are three pools on the riverbank above the river.  The pools are $5 each to use. An amazing setting.

Outside the Okoroire Hotel
The Hotel
Inside the hotel
The path down to the pools
Fiona in the pool
The river from the pools
Fiona in the hot “hot”pool

The hotel itself is just up the road a bit and was first built in the 1880’s and was setup as a stopping point for the stagecoaches from Auckland, heading south. You can also stay at the hotel and there is also a 9 hole golf course. What more could you want?

OkoroireWe arrived here directly from crowds of people at the balloon event so it was nice just to blob out with some peace and quiet but Fiona’s keen to stay another night so it must be good.

Coromandel 2016

The Goldfields train

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Isn’t just great having the NZMCA app now running on our iPads. Even though I’ve had the gps files installed in Rafes in dash gps, it’s really nice sitting in the deck chair with the iPad and figuring out where to next with the app.

Rafe behind the railway station
Rafe behind the railway station
The Motorhome parking behind the station
The Motorhome parking behind the station

We found in the iPad, a great spot in Waihi that sounded fantastic. It’s at the Goldfields railway station at Waihi. For $10 per night, there are 6 powered sites and more space for others as well. There is also access to water and the Rail Trail toilets as the Rail Trail ends at the railway station. About 15 minutes walk away is the centre of town.

Click on the images for hi res or slideshow

Waihi station
The train with the Waihi station
Today’s driver
Nicely kept carriages
Rafe in the overnight area from the train
Pulling out of Waihi, off to Waikino
The traffic to waihi
Close to waikino
A nice Mitzi zooming past
Arriving at Waikino
Waikino station
Inside the cafe at Waikino station
Outside Waikino station
Shifting the loco
Allaboard
Back to Waihi
On the way back to Waihi
The Conductor watching at a crossing

We arrived and plugged in, paid for the park and we’re just in time for the last train ride to Waikino and back. The perfect way to check out the bike trails before walking or biking the Karangahape gorge trails.

Waihi station with the parking behind
Waihi station with Rafe parked behind

The train stops for 15 minutes or so, just enough time for a beer, glass of wine or just a coffee or ice cream. A great way to spend a couple of hours and fun too.
There are 3 return trips each day from Waihi.

Waikato

Sunset Jandals

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I’ve been wanting to check out Port Waikato with Rafe for a while now after reading such good reviews of the Motorcamp there with the Jandals covered fence in the usual camping apps.

Jandal covered fence
Jandal covered fence

The weather forecast wasn’t good. The forecast was for up to 40 knots from the south east with showers easing overnight so I thought Port Waikato would be good being on the west coast.
I booked in on the way and there was plenty of room being almost mid week.

"Ers and Mine" matching Motorhome and Bach Within the camp
“Ers and Mine” matching Motorhome and Bach within the camp next to Rafe.
Caravan setups within the camp
Permanent Caravans within the camp

I arrived and checked in with a delightful French chap who seemed to be in charge. He couldn’t have been more helpful, showing me how to get to the beach, where the cafe was.
The camp ground is well setup. Big parking spots with plenty of room for awnings. Nicely kept toilets, laundry, tv  lounge and a nice BBQ area.
Within 5 minutes of arriving, I met my neighbours who were parked quite a distance away and as the time ticked away, we had the customary happy hour or so at 5pm in Rafe.

The Waikato river at dusk
Ers and Mine
The wharf
Sunset beach looking up towards Manukau
The Waikato River
On the way towards Port Waikato, the Tuakau bridge.

After tea, I went for a walk around to the sand dunes and a general nosey around. The baches and buildings are amazing for being quite eclectic. All different colours too. There was even a pink one! I always said that I make all the important decisions, she decides what’s important! I guess his colour choice wasn’t considered important 😊

The pink Bach
The pink bach

I had a quick look around the beach with the camera before joining my neighbours at the Cafe for a quick coffee.

The Sand dunes
The Sand dunes

A neat spot to stay and it’s only 90 minutes from  Auckland. I bet it’s busy in the height of summer.

Art Deco 2016

Eriksen rd

On Monday afternoon, we left Taupo after having filled up Rafe with fuel and headed for Napier. It was an easy run through with very little traffic and within a few hours, we found ourselves tootling down the Esk valley wine area into Napier.
The GPS gave us the directions to the NZMCA park at Eriksen rd. We parked Rafe and within minutes of walking around, I met some very friendly Motorhomers from Waiuku travelling together and also heading for the Art Deco events.
Last time we were here this park had just opened and it was little more than a gate to a paddock but it is now, very well setup. The local committee has done a fabulous job of setting this up and it’s huge. There is water, a library, a rubbish recycling area and a big clothesline. The ground is solid, dead flat and well drained and setup for easy parking. About two thirds of it is roped off for expansion and is currently left for making hay. Already it is one of the associations busier parks so hats off to all those involved.

Ericksen rd
Ericksen rd with the library, water and rubbish area in the middle
Vineyards behind
Vineyards behind

That night there were some nice breezes wafting through which seemed to get rid of some of the humidity which was great.
In the morning, we met some other Dethleffs owners who were full timing in their new Trend. The Trend is quite a bit smaller and a lighter van than Rafe (Globe 4) but well equipped and a smart looking Motorhome. They had sold their house and were travelling around with their small dog trying to decide where they might buy land and build.
We left Eriksen rd around 11am and headed for the supermarket then the dump station then onto the NZMCA park on the waterfront for Motorhomes for the Art Deco event. At $50 for 5-6 nights right on the waterfront and a couple of k’s bike ride into town, this was great value. Within minutes of arriving as the park opened, we bumped into the Waiuku crews we’d met the night before and not long after that, some people we met in caravanning in Taupo rocked into the park as well.
Fiona was on a mission to buy our grandson Ayden a birthday present so we biked into the town. The iconic Masonic Hotel was our first stop for something wet and cold and then after looking around, we found our way to Farmers. I had forgotten how hard it can be to buy for a 7 year old. Fiona rang daughter in law Sarah to get some ideas and in the end, we settled on a Star Wars toy. We had also lost our breadboard for the van so got a replacement one of those too.

Fiona at the Masonic Hotel
Fiona at the Masonic Hotel
An old 39 Packard.
An old 39 Packard.

With these swinging on my handlebars in a bag, we arrived back to the Rafe an hour or so later when we were invited to a Bbq with our friends from Waiuku who were parked right behind us in three Motorhomes. We briefly caught up with our caravanning friends from Whitianga for a drink before the Bbq. Another great night right next to the beach and while there, more Motorhomes rolled into the park.

The Bbq on the waterfront
The Bbq on the waterfront
Down on the waterfront. Our friends from Whitianga with the red truck and caravan.
Down on the waterfront. Our friends from Whitianga with the red truck and caravan.

After tea, I went for a walk down the beach to empty the rubbish and caught up with Bruce and Raewyn from the Kaipara who we’d met in Taupo in their very new Dethleffs Sunlight. The Sunlight is also a smaller van like the Trend but is slightly bigger than the Trend. They joined us later for a cup of tea in Rafe.
A busy day at the office but a fun day with some nice people.

Dusk at the waterfront.
Dusk at the waterfront.

The weather forecast is looking a bit suspect over the next few days but there are a couple of vineyard restaurants within biking distance from here before the Art Deco events really get started.