Tramp Reflections 805 - Mangawhai Heads, Northland

24-26 January 2009

On the Friday night of the long Anniversary Weekend, Adrienne, Kathy and her sister and PJ, Breanne and Hannah, met at Val and John’s for a fish and chip tea before driving to Mangawhai Heads. The van was loaded and we had a good run up north. We were able to observe the new tunnel on the way. Once we had arrived, we pitched the tents, got organized and went to bed.

The plan was to have a leisurely weekend, so when everyone was ready the next morning we went to the Matakana Market for a couple of hours. Everyone bought something even though some of the prices were not the cheapest. Then we went on to the Tawharanui Regional Park. It was a glorious day so we had lunch and a swim before doing a walk around the park. We followed the beach and after leaving the tracks, climbed up a bank (cliff) to the farmland on top. Some of us had a relatively easy climb, while others followed John up a more difficult area. At one stage PJ lost her footing and almost bowled Hannah down the cliff. It was a relief when we all were united at the top.

We wandered around various tracks until we got a bit pooped and then made our way back to the beach for another swim. On our way home, we stopped at the Tomarata Lake for a wash in the fresh water lake. After snacks and tea, we toasted marshmallows over the open fire, drank some lovely sparkling feijoa wine and cooked Adrienne’s damper which was delicious dribbled with honey. The children showed the adults how to feed and stroke the eels in the creek.

The next morning, we went down to Mangawhai Heads and did the coastal walk. Again this was leisurely, as we enjoyed the views from the top and explored the beach on the way back. We swam in the surf and returned to our campsite via the lake for our next swim. After tea, the eels were pretty much waiting for us and more used to being stroked and lifted. There were more dampers (gluten free this time) and marshmallows before bed.

On our last morning, we did the cleaning up and John made some damper scones in the camp oven for morning tea before we headed home. The new tunnel at Waiwera was opened and traveling through it that first day was free; a real treat for us all. It was amazing that it cut through huge areas that I didn’t know existed and I have lived around that area for many years. We stopped at Rangiriri for lunch and arrived home mid-afternoon. Thanks to all who shared in this enjoyable weekend that was both relaxing and also energetic at times.

Val Hollands

Photographs by unknown (?).