CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Exploring SH45 along the western side of Mount Taranaki was a new coddiwompling adventure for us.

South Taranaki is a freedom-camping-friendly district, with many small towns along the way offering vehicle and tent options to free camp. So we were excited to spend a few days there and back on a visit to New Plymouth. ckw.nz/south-tara

Our first stop on the way was Pātea, home of the iconic waka sculpture and the ‘Poi ē’ hit-makers, The Pātea Māori Club.

Freedom camping is possible at Mana Bay beach, including tents, at Seaview Lookout or the York Street picnic area. The church opshop here offered up some handy second-hand items for the van.

After filling up with home-baked treats from the Lunch Shack at Hawera, we headed for nearby Waihi Reserve with sheltered spaces for tents and vehicles.

The high sand cliffs are a natural wonder here and its a perfect place to join the Coastal Walkway at high tide.

We then headed on to SH45 proper, with ever-changing views of the mountain always on our right shoulder.

A highlight was the quirky surf town of Opunake, with multiple free camp options for both tents and self-contained vehicles. The headland site is spectacular if there’s no wind, otherwise, seek shelter at the alternative Lakeside Recreation Grounds, Hurst Park or Middleton Bay.

Local shops and cafes welcomed us.

A visit to Cape Egmont’s iconic lighthouse is well worth the detour at Pungarehu. And consider a right hand turn here to head towards the mountain to visit the historic settlement of Parihaka with its unique place in our nation’s history.

The drive over ancient volcanic rubble beds is a very special roller-coaster ride heading north into Oakura and we took opportunities to take side roads to the coast to check out the surf breaks at top spots like the famous Stent Road on the wild west coast.

Middleton

Each stop added to the magic of this coastal adventure! n Photos ©2024 Bette Cosgrove

Next: SH60

Images: ©2024 Bette Cosgrove