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RV Travel Lifestyle - September 2022 PDF

124 Pages·2022·159.7 MB·English
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Preview RV Travel Lifestyle - September 2022

Enjoy the Dolce Vita. The most beautiful part of a trip is the journey. The excitement and the calm. Every encounter with nature and culture. Everything that’s new, the enjoyment and movement. The desire for beauty is fulfilled. With every Laika motorhome. MADE IN ITALY. PERFECT FOR NZ ADVENTURES Passion & Precision In San Casciano in Val di Pesa, there is still the opportunity to visit traditional, family-run work shops and to experience the original Tuscan art of wood working up close. Laika bring Italian workmanship and Tuscan style to the motor- home scene and have been creating quality leisure vehicles, without exception in San Casciano since 1964. The EcoVip Range Ecovip mobilehome – the historical series has been the loyal companion of many families since 1992: unforgettable experiences for lovers of adventure and anyone who wants to travel in comfort and style. Italian design and aesthetics combined with technical details and the highest quality ensure that you always feel at home. The Kosmos Range The Kosmo series is designed for families and couples looking for a comfortable and versatile camper. It is ideal for everyone who loves the outdoor lifestyle and for those who want to experience new adventures. The beginning of a great love story. With nature. With the outdoor lifestyle. With freedom. Regardless of whether you are travelling alone, with a loved one, or with the whole family: The Kosmo series is your uncomplicated entry into a world full of beauty, comfort and flexibility. Exclusive Laika agents, talk to us about the EcoVip and Kosmos ranges today. www.rvmega.co.nz | 0800 278 479 | 101 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui. Lifestyles and Destinations 7 (cid:49)(cid:544)(cid:77)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:67) – exploring Taranaki’s ‘Banana Belt’ CONTENTS 14 (cid:54)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:67)(cid:77)(cid:75) (cid:41)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:85) – the magic of the annual garden festival 20 (cid:50)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:544)(cid:84)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:87) – history and crystal clear waters explored VOLUME 18 Sep-Oct 2022 26 (cid:47)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:88)(cid:75)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:71) – Sheryl explores the heart of this dairy town 31 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(cid:89)(cid:67)(cid:78)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:88)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:67)(cid:78)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:80)(cid:71) 61 (cid:37)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:74)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:74) (cid:53)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:35)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:45)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:75)(cid:86)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:86) R V PET S Road Trips, Walk and Cycle Trails 43 (cid:46)(cid:71)(cid:89)(cid:75)(cid:85) (cid:50)(cid:67)(cid:85)(cid:85) – geothermal pools and mountain camping explored 46 (cid:48)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:74) (cid:37)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:81)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:84)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:91)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:74)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:74) s 52 (cid:37)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:78) (cid:49)(cid:86)(cid:67)(cid:73)(cid:81) – Allan follows the old railway lines and trails Caspar’s C a p er 66 (cid:37)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:86)(cid:71) (cid:42)(cid:81)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:85) – volunteering for work with the Department of Conservation WIN $500 Reviews – RV Profiles INTERISLANDER 80 (cid:52)(cid:71)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:75)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:84) FERRY VOUCHER 85 (cid:43)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:80)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:67)(cid:78) (cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:70)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:85) – John Rawling with all the latest international news and RV updates 93 (cid:37)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:78) RV – Dethleffs Nomad 490EST caravan SEE p120 96 (cid:52)(cid:81)(cid:67)(cid:70) (cid:53)(cid:67)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:91) – spring service check list and tyre safety 104 (cid:60)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:80) (cid:47)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:85) – luxury FRANKIA Platin i8400 Plus motorhome 109 (cid:52)(cid:81)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71) RV – new APEX caravans Regular – Competitions – Marketplace 70 (cid:53)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:78)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:75)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:84)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:67) 73 (cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:75)(cid:78) (cid:68)(cid:67)(cid:73) – readers share their thoughts and travels 76 RV (cid:36)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:77)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:71)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:67)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:77)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:81)(cid:80) 74 (cid:52)(cid:81)(cid:67)(cid:70) (cid:45)(cid:67)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:81)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:69)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:77)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:81)(cid:80) 79 (cid:39)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85) – scheduled upcoming events 2022 BOOKS TO BE WON 113 (cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:77)(cid:71)(cid:86) (cid:50)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:71) (cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:56)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:75)(cid:84)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:85) FROM p76 118 (cid:41)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:77)(cid:71)(cid:71)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:91)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:75)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:67)(cid:73)(cid:71)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:92)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:81)(cid:80) 120 (cid:37)(cid:67)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:67)(cid:84) (cid:37)(cid:67)(cid:82)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:360)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:52)(cid:56)(cid:3)(cid:46)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:91)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:78)(cid:85)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:43)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:70)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:69)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:81)(cid:80) EDITOR’S Letter to Readers ISSN 2703-2477 (Print) ISSN 2703-2485 (Online) Spring lambs NZToday-RV Lifestye Vol 18 Sep-Oct 2022 www.rvlifestyle.co.nz & blossoms EDITOR Robyn Mountain, [email protected] ADVERTISING MANAGER Bruce Mountain, [email protected] I am writing this near the end of the winter readers a North Canterbury holiday trip out 021 657 090 days, which have been wet and miserable of Christchurch. In Christchurch Kathy takes SUB-EDITING & PROOFING right through August all over the country, a walking tour of the fantastic mural artworks Thiers Halliwell, Allan Walton DESIGN Cameron Leggett with record-breaking rainfall for so many that provide such a relief on the city scape of CONTRIBUTORS Sheryl & Neil Bainbridge, regions. It has been a harrowing, terrible time Christchurch since the earthquake. Then we join John Bishop, Kathy Catton, Allan Dick, Jane Dove for so many out there, and our positive thoughts Allan Dick, with Helen and Audrey on board in Juneau, Richard Longley, Robyn Mountain, go out to all those affected. the campervan for a road trip exploring following Gary Patterson, DOC, John Rawling During road trips up and down the North the rail lines and trails of Central Otago. COVER PHOTO BY: Neil Bainbridge Whangarei OBC PHOTO BY: Central RV Island over the past month we’ve seen an This issue is packed full of great reading and SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADMINISTRATION explosion of new life with lambs, calves and lots of opportunities to win latest-release books. Subscriptions Manager Laura Atkinson foals in the paddocks, and blossoms out all The events page is back so look out for tickets to [email protected] over, and it isn’t even officially spring yet – that be won, the games pages are back, and Caspar Phone enquiries: 06 306 6041 is next week. Time for a spring clean of the RV has the $500 Interislander ferry voucher to be (cid:49)(cid:72)(cid:402)(cid:69)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:356)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:71)(cid:70)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:67)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:82)(cid:79) SUBSCRIPTION RATES and to get a service and safety check under won – find his paw print to enter. One year $49.95 (6 issues) way. Check out the feature on page 96 for a We will be at the NZMCA Motorhome and (cid:35)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:78)(cid:75)(cid:67)(cid:17)(cid:50)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:75)(cid:402)(cid:69)(cid:3)(cid:6)(cid:27)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:11) basic check list, and a reminder why tyres are Caravan Outdoor show at Mystery Creek, Rest of World $150 (6 issues) so important on your vehicle. Hamilton over the weekend Friday 23 to Sunday Full online website access $25 1 year In our Lifestyle and Destinations North Island 25 September. Come and see us inside the main NZTODAY-RV LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY stories Jane takes us to the ‘Banana Belt’ of the pavilion in the corner near the doors going RnR Publishing Limited Taranaki, profiling Oākura and looking ahead outside to the big outdoor food area. Caspar PO Box 220 to the annual Taranaki Gardens Festival. Sheryl looks forward to seeing you, as do we. Martinborough, was in the Waikato recently taking in timber Get planning your next trip, weekend away, Wairarapa 5711 town Putāruru and the cow town of Morrinsville or long adventure. We have a fantastic country (cid:47)(cid:67)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:402)(cid:69)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:74)(cid:28)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:18)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:18)(cid:21)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:3) Mail: PO Box 220, Martinborough on her trip. Sheryl and Neil also share a visit to with a lot on offer, but please make the effort 28 Oxford Street, Martinborough, 5711 Whangārei and the Hundertwasser Art Centre to book ahead and let small businesses know PUBLISHERS and Wairau Māori Art Gallery on the waterway. you are coming, so you are not disappointed by Bruce Mountain, [email protected] Gary maps the Haurata High-Country walks near places being booked out. The way things were Robyn Mountain, [email protected] Gisborne and our Department of Conservation pre-Covid is now not to be taken for granted PRINTING Centurion (DOC) column talks about how to volunteer – presume nothing, book everything. DISTRIBUTION with them. Take care ARE Direct Ltd South Island adventures start with a road trip through the Lewis Pass and a thermal hot Robyn, Bruce and Caspar Mountain NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS pool visit with Kathy, then John shares with Editor – Publisher – Sidekick RV Lifestyle dog RnR Publishing Ltd uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions or typographical errors. RnR Publishing Ltd prints advertisements provided to the publisher, but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, (cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:69)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:402)(cid:69)(cid:75)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:82)(cid:86)(cid:75)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:14)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:82)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:84)(cid:3) statement. RnR Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any loss that may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Advertisers are advised that all advertising must conform to the ASA Codes of New Zealand Advertising; full details and codes book available from asa.co.nz. RnR Publishing Ltd reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. All material gathered in creating NZTODAY RV Lifestyle magazine is copyright 2021 RnR Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. Please check our website www.RnRPublishing.co.nz for a full Terms and Conditions of advertising schedule. 5 www.rvmagazine.co.nz Freedom runs in the family The Volkswagen campervan range When it comes to the ideal summer, you can‘t beat the open road. The freedom to go anywhere and do anything. We‘ve been summer-ready since the 50s, with the iconic Kombi creating timeless memories for Kiwis. Now, freedom meets a new generation with a Volkswagen campervan for every family big or small. Discover new adventures with the Volkswagen California campervan family. Book a test drive at your local authorised Volkswagen dealer. volkswagen.co.nz TRAVEL Oākura › Taranaki Insider's Guide to Oakura A little real estate on beach front; only a short tūī’s flight to a National Park and 15 minutes from the beating heart of a coastal city – Oākura calling. Story + Photos Jane Dove Juneau 1 It has been called the Banana Belt of Taranaki and the forest boundary of Egmont National 1.(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:544)(cid:77)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:71)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:3) because, tucked behind the Kaitake Range Park. Having a National Park in your back- (cid:48)(cid:71)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:50)(cid:78)(cid:91)(cid:79)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:75)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:89)(cid:67)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:22)(cid:23) and sheltered from the wild south-easterly yard is a privilege with kilometres of forest 2.(cid:3)(cid:49)(cid:544)(cid:77)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:3)(cid:37)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:89)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:14)(cid:3) wind, Oākura has its own microclimate. tracks to explore and a native garden of nīkau (cid:84)(cid:75)(cid:70)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:73)(cid:3)(cid:67)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:67)(cid:88)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:84)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:71)(cid:70)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:91)(cid:3) People who move to Oākura from around the beneath tall pukatea, karaka and pūriri trees. (cid:37)(cid:91)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:81)(cid:88)(cid:75) coast towards Ōpunake are surprised how easily their garden grows without south, or south-east winds. The mountain also provides shelter and some days the ocean can be calm in Oākura, yet beyond the wind shadow furious whitecaps dot the blue sea out to the horizon. In a strange Venturi effect when the wind wraps around Mt Taranaki, it sometimes is light easterly at the New Plymouth end of Oākura beach and westerly at the other end. The black-sand beach of Oākura is one of a few beaches between New Plymouth and Ōpunake, the remainder of the coast being covered by round grey rocks rolled smooth by years of rumbling around in the ocean waves. Sections of lava reefs, created by vol- canic eruptions, run in a parabola around the coast and in the right conditions of swell and offshore wind, create point breaks loved by surfers. The village of Oākura sits in a narrow 2 two-kilometre strip of land between the beach 7 www.rvmagazine.co.nz 3 4 The lowland coastal forest in the Kaitake of overland travel through Asia. from a source up in the Pouakai Range. The Range is very different to the forest found in But the lure of Oākura stayed with me Oākura Pā and Okorotua Marae sits on the the rest of the park. At Lucy’s Gully a stand and I returned. I can recommend Oākura as west side riverbank across from Corbett Park, of tall Californian Redwoods planted in 1930 good place to stay while visiting Taranaki as with its rugby, soccer and cricket grounds. On remain in the park, protected by a special there is a range of activities nearby and it’s a windy day or when the sea is rough, a swim dispensation. only a 15-minute drive to the centre of New in the Oākura River is a safe, sheltered option A campground runs along the western end Plymouth. In the village there are several and many families barbeque and picnic by the of Oākura Beach and during summer months restaurants, a Four Square, chemist, medical river. The water can be quite refreshing as it is filled with campers enjoying their slice of centre, service station and the iconic Butlers beachfront paradise beneath red flowering Reef pub, a great place to stop in for a pint, pōhutukawa. Fishing rods, bikes and surf- listen to a band or have dinner on the enclosed boards are a common denominator for the deck. There has been a hotel operating on the campers, along with the obligatory beach site since 1865. The original hotel was rebuilt chairs and gazebo. A selection of small cabins in 1917 with numerous changes over the with sea views are dotted around the camp- years since. When I first visited Butlers there ground offering alternative accommodation was a large collection of German steins and for people who aren’t camping. toby jugs lining shelves and the cheerful face I have lived in the village since 2003 when I of Evan Mita senior behind the bar. Butlers moved back from living in the Sierra Nevada is part of the summer music tour and many mountains in eastern California. I also lived iconic New Zealand and international bands in Oākura in the late seventies/early eighties have played there including Salmonella Dub, when Oākura was a sleepy seaside village full The Feelers, Tiki Taane, The Exponents, Fat of small baches, many rented by young people Freddy’s Drop, The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots, in the off-season, the rest empty most of the Jimmy Barnes and Xavier Rudd to mention a year. Beachfront property prices started at few. I have spent New Year’s Eve and many around $40,000 and quite a few properties other nights rocking to the music at Butlers. were leasehold. As that seemed a lot of money Ironically so have a few spirits as the outdoor and a big commitment to a twenty-year-old, venue backs up to the cemetery overlooking the more alluring option was to pack my the Oākura River. 5 backpack and head off into the exotic world The Oākura River flows down to the sea

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