First-time Campervan Trip
Summer Issue: October 2009
"North or South?" We're about to head off on our first campervan holiday and this question sums up just how spontaneous you can be when you're travelling like a turtle, with your home on your back. Even if it's only for the weekend.
There's no hotel room booked, no restaurant reservation. No one's expecting us, which means we're free to do as we please.
We agree on north of Auckland because we're keen to check out the golden east coast beaches.
We've just become acquainted with our two-person Spirit Maui motorhome - been shown how to convert the day seats into a double bed, how to work the gas bottle for our little oven and how to empty the toilet container (note to self: Avoid. Use campground facilities).
The banks of the Hokianga Harbour
After a quick stop to secure the tupperware container of cake that's sliding madly all over the floor at each corner, we negotiate our way onto the Auckland motorway.
In the 7.2 metre beast, changing lanes in heavy traffic requires complete concentration. It takes a while to get the hang of controlling it, but by the time we reach Warkworth, it's feeling pretty natural.
While setting up in our first campground in Whatuwhiwhi, I see why people love this way of travelling. It's just so simple. After paying our fee for the night ($36 in low season), we find a site and plug our Maui into the electricity. This is as simple as plugging in an appliance at home.
Inside, we set up the iPod so we have some sounds, open a bottle of wine and watch the light seep out of the Northland sky. We cook dinner and happily spend the evening in the Maui, enjoying the novelty of it.
Historic buildings in Kohukohu
After a cooked breakfast and plunger coffee (it comes decked out with all the kitchen equipment you'll need), we unplug and set off.
On the way to catching the car ferry to Rawene, we find ourselves in Kohukohu. Nestled on the banks of the Hokianga Harbour, this small town just begs to be explored. From its stunning scenic setting to the historic houses and waterfront art gallery, Kohukohu is more than just a place you pass through.
After an ice cream and a wander through the backstreets, we decide it's time to get the ferry and find the next place to spend the night.
But we're not rushing.