After I finally bought my car on Tuesday I was anxiously awaiting Thursday when my stay at the hostel ended. Although the hostel, Ponsonby Backpackers, was nice, I couldn’t wait to get out of Auckland. So I planned my trip for the first two to three nights on on Wednesday and after the transmission fluid was changed on Thursday morning, I was finally on my way south towards Pureora Forest Park.
Throughout New Zealand are a lot of campgrounds provided by the Department of Conservation. And while they may not always be the best equipped, they certainly always are offering nice views and an unfiltered experience of the surrounding nature.
This particular campground where I was staying, Ngaheranga Camp, was very secluded. 25 km away from the next village and not even the slightest bit of mobile reception. And it was awesome.
This also means very little light pollution. The moonlight was in fact so strong, that it produced shadows. I could also photograph the moon without very long exposures and I had to be carefull so the pictures weren’t overexposed.
After I picked up some supplies and arrived at the campground at around 7pm, I just cooked a meal, made a list, what I forgot to buy and went straight to bed. The next day started with some clouds, but it looked like it would turn to better soon. Nonetheless I went out to the next town (50 km) to buy some necessities and make my laundry. After I got back at around 5pm, I cooked som pasta and chatted with some hikers who walk from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Straight across both islands. Crazy.
But soon it started to rain so again I went to bed early.
Sadly the rain didn’t stop overnight and Saturday greeted me with grey skies and a light drizzle. I went out regardless to hike up Mt Pureora, the highest mountain in that park, but the rain just kept getting stronger and stronger.
So I had to retreat around halfway, as the mountain was also covered in clouds.
That evening was pretty boring as I was the only person on that campsite and the rain kept on pouring down throughout the night. As a result I ate some pasta in my car, read a little bit and looked at other campsites. Soon I found a pretty good looking one around Matamata, so I made plans to drive there the next day.
Sunday greeted me with clouds, when I woke up, but the sun was eventually strong enough to pierce through the clouds while I was driving towards my new campsite.
And I have to say, after the little disappointment at the beginning, the views in New Zealand are just getting better and better.
At around 4pm I arrived at the new campsite and I chatted with some other backpackers. This private campsite had even a shower. And the views are also pretty stunning.
The only downside to that site were the little obnoxious flies who appeared after dawn. But it wasn’t too bad, as there was an enclosed shelter where we could sit and chat along for a few hours.
So right now I am sitting at the library in Matamata and I already have booked a Hobbiton tour for tomorrow, so the post with pictures and a comprehensive report should be coming soon.
Cheers
EDIT:
I heard about the earthquake, but I felt nothing and slept right through it in my car.
The news report are continuing to come in, but I am safe.
Max Abbe 