Trounson Kauri Park DOC

Only a very small DOC site but it does have its benefits. Hot showers and cooking facilities. The walk was only a short 1.8km but it made a good jogging track. Our jogging fitness isn't up there at the moment, as it can be quite hard finding appropriate routes when you move around so much. Still I was pleased we managed to loop it 3 times, covering about 5.4km by my calculations.

It always pays to walk the track and check the terrain/route the day before you jog. In this case it was handy to clear a few branches that had fallen down in the storm. Other times it's saved us costly detours when we've missed a sign going one way to see it clear as day going back the other way. Or even helped us make the decision that the route might be too slippy/steep to jog. Good idea to check the tides too because if part of your route is down the beach it can be pretty hard on your legs running in the soft sand at high tide.

I Love You DOC Pass

I'm sure I've told you before, but I now love you even more. Your great locations and facilities just got better the further north we went. First it was a cold showers at beautiful beach locations then just as the weather changed and the storms began to brew. A sheltered spot, hot showers and cooking facilities too.

Coromandel Walkway

Fletcher Bay to Stony Bay, approx 20 kms return (7hrs).

Not as daunting as it sounds. It only took us 2hrs there and 2hrs15 back. Plus no aching legs the next day.

The track is relatively flat and well formed most of the way. Just one steep bit really up and down to Poley Bay. Oh and it was pretty muddy crossing the farm land at the start of the track but then again it is the middle of winter.

It goes without saying this is a 5 star walk with DOC campsites at either end of the track but it always amazes me why there aren't more motorhomes here at this time of the year. I know the roads are a bit narrow, but at least they are empty. Last years slips have all been removed and the bridges all fixed. The weather well, it can be quite gorgeous and I probably shouldn't be advertising this but for those of you who need it both Port Jackson and Waikawau Bay have powered sites.

So if you haven't ventured this way for a while dig out your DOC pass, check out some of the new Coromandel designated freedom camping sites on the way up, stock up at the iconic Colville store and make your stay a long, happy one.

Tarawera

You've just got to love her!

Made even more special because you get to stop right on the edge of the lake at the outlet (another great DOC site).

Heading that way?
Don't forget to pick up your 5 dollar permit from the Kawerau isite that gives you access to the forestry road.

And while your there pick up the key for your free power for the night if you want to stay in Kawerau.
As if a free heated outdoor swimming pool and spa isn't enough to entice you to stay.
Kawerau has really gone out of it's way to make your stay a pleasant one.

Probably the reason that it is an official NZMCA Motorhome friendly town

Wet September

Thank goodness for sunny Whakatane, hot showers at  Matata (DOC), our No 1 ( First Love) Pop at Thorton and a few feeds of whitebait.

Everywhere and nowhere, baby

You're everywhere and nowhere baby,

that's where you're at

Going down a bumpy hillside, in your hippy hat

Flying across the country, and getting fat

Saying everything is groovy, when your tires are flat

And it's high ho silver lining, and away you go now baby

I see your sun is shining

But I won't make a fuss, though it's obvious


And don't forget to visit the Coromandel,
no matter what they say
There are plenty of places to stay, freedom camping spots, amazing DOCs and some lovely POPs

Lots of lovely people who've been missing you, while you've been fighting with the council and boycotting their stops

So it's high ho silver lining, and away you go
now baby
I see your sun is shining
But I won't make a fuss, though it's obvious