We made the decision to ‘winter-over’ at the top of the South Island before traveling south. We found a campground in Motueka called Marchwood Park, next to the Airport where we could pay a cheaper weekly rate.While the facilities are fairly basic, they are clean and the Managers there are helpful and accommodating.We stayed two weeks.
On a recommendation from a friend we moved to Kaiteriteri Beach for the remainder of the Winter. The Bethany Park Campground there is a well-known Campground for NZMCA members who want to stay during the winter months and before continuing the journey South in the Spring. They also have a weekly ‘winter rate’ fee. We stayed there for 44 days and during that time we explored the Abel Tasman area and met fellow ‘grey nomads’ doing the same. Each morning at 10.30am these nomads would meet in the library or outside barbecue area for a cup of tea, chat and share experiences and knowledge.
Many stories and knowledge was done at our morning meetings with this great group of fellow nomads. Some come to this campground to escape their winter more South and others (like us) pausing for the winter before continuing in their journeys. Thank you team for your shared knowledge.
Coralie and Kevin, Liz and Ant, Lyn and Tony, Mary and Bob, Kim and Murray, Ross and Carol and Jo. Staff Leith and Susie.
Robyn’s cousin and her husband took us to the Siefried Vineyard for tasting and lunch. We also visited the Eyebright Country Store.
Siegfried Wines have their premium wines and the Church Road brand as well.
Motueka
Of course, every Sunday there is a market at Motueka behind the information centre. We bought our vegetables there and treated ourselves to a coffee and pastry delight. A cycle or drive on the outskirts of Motueka is a must to do.
While ‘wintering over’ at Bethany Park Motorcamp we did get to walk a bit and cycle a couple of times with others to Marahau which is a 16lkm return trip. Marahau is the start of the Abel Tasman walks and there is many options here to do. Many take the Sea Shuttle up the Abel Tasman and get dropped off at one of the many bays, then walk or kayak back.
There are two beaches at Kaiteriteri. There is the main beach where the Sea Shuttles and tours operate and there is Little Kaiteriteri. You cannot walk your dog on the main beach but the Little Kaiteriteri is dog friendly. This was our dog, Fletcher’s happy place where he did his ‘zoomies’.
With many cycling and walking options it was a great place to go exploring.
1 Comment
James Bonham
Thanks for the informative update on hunkering down until Spring truly arrives.