This dis-used Church is 15klm from the POP where we stayed. A “POP” is a ‘Park over Property’. These properties have space available for Motorhome or Caravan travellers to stay for a few days. We stayed at one #3068 in the NZMCA directory called Bev and Ted Vellenoweth.
POP #3068
On the Western side of the East Cape is a POP (park over property) owned by Bev and Ted Vellenoweth. The few sites available to park your Caravan or Motorhome with power and water are in demand and bookings are essential.
The POP is at Maraenui Pa Road about 38klm from Opotiki on the Western side of East Cape.
Weather bomb
Because there was a weather bomb that hit the region, we stayed for six days at the POP and cancelled our plans of travelling around the Eastern side of the Cape. Bridges were down and serious flooding from the weather bomb prevented us from continuing with our planned route.
The beach covered in flat grey stones is just metres away and cluttered with driftwood and huge logs from the Motu River. The stones are like walking on a cobbled walkway. If you watch closely you can see the powerful waves picking up the rocks. The small rocks can hurt if you are standing in this powerful surf.
The sound of the waves pounding the shore while we were there could be heard all day and night.
The fishing off the beach is good.
Bev and Ted
Ted, the hunter and gatherer is always busy doing projects around the farm, fishing or hunting in the hills behind when he is not riding his bike. Ted and Bev’s garden is full of fruit trees and vegetables and we got to share a rock melon just picked.
Delightful Bev, is an artist and has a small studio/gallery on the property. Her work with Flax and other materials is outstanding. We purchased a piece that is now on a wall in our Motorhome. If you have an opportunity to view her work at galleries or Art shows in Opotiki or Napier you will be blown away! Bev visits schools in her area to show children the process of how flax is woven.
People we met
We met some wonderful people during our stay to share stories, gain valuable knowledge of new places to experience and have a few laughs over pre-dinner drinks around the stone fireplace created by Ted.
Loved to hear your story Mitch and Meriana and how you juggle your dual residency. Mitch, a Master Chef, cooked some tender venison for us to share.
Thank you Gary and Bridget, for your stories and giving us weather updates by txt and Tony and Bev for sharing your journey so far.
2 Comments
Lois
Love reading your page pete so much informatiom, and wOnderful photography . Cant wait to join you both in your travels x
James Bonham
Pete & Rob I love your Website