Shakespear Regional Park

Shakespear is one of the many Auckland Regional Parks where you are allowed to camp for $8 a night or $128 per year for self contained vehicles (bargain).

They have great walks/mountain bike tracks and good facilities too.

In just a couple of hours you can walk all the way around Shakespear from the beach to the waterfall and get up really close with the wild life.

I'm not sure if this is my favourite one of the parks, as it's been a few years since I visited some of the other parks, so I'll have to reserve judgement at this moment in time and wait until I've visited them all again to refresh my memory but it's pretty close.

Passes run from September 1st to the end of August so now is a good as time as any to buy one.

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.

Pauanui

Pauanui trig and back via the cove. Approx 3hrs return.

A wee bit steep, and a little awkward to follow the uncut track down to the cove but worth it for the view.

This is another 5 star walk with the benefits of a freedom camping spot at its start (South End Reserve), complete with BBQ and picnic area. Yes that's correct you heard me right. Right in the middle of Pauanui, in the heart of the Coromandel/Thames district council you get to find not just this one but three new designated freedom camping spots. Wow Coromandel I take my hat off to you for making such a great effort.

PS Love the recycle bin.

Waihi Beach

Waihi Beach to Homunga Bay via Orkokawa Bay.

Great walk, approx 14kms return. Interesting landscape with some rugged rocks and gravity defying trees plus 2 pairs of very aching legs the next day. Oh and the next day and the day after that.This is a 5 star rated walk or walk with benefits as the husband likes to call them not just because of the great scenery but because you are able to freedom camp at the start of the track by the surf club (off peak only). Stock up on goodies to take with you from the local shop. Surf the internet using the telecom wifi hotspot while you are resting your legs the next day and grab a takeaway for tea (the samosas are to die for). Thumbs up Western Bay of Plenty you've done it again with another great freedom camping spot.

Waihi Township

Martha Mine Pit Rim Walkway

Just 4kms but well worth the effort. Amazing how close it is to the town. I've been through Waihi township hundreds of times and didn't realise it was there. Well not that close anyway.