A hidden gem

As Ian had been in the UK, and we'd only bought him flights back to Auckland, Annalie decided to drive up on the campervan to pick him up.

Now, it's not a short distance. And ads to that some Friday dinner time traffic, and some kiwi windy roads, and you've got a bit of a road trip. But a road trip it was.

Annalie had researched some places to stay, knowing that getting as far as Hamilton would be the absolute limit, and that somewhere a bit short of there would be more likely.

So she did a few searches and decided to aim for Mangaoweka Scenic Reserve. There is free overnight camping if you're self contained.

A mere 6.5 hours on the road and Annalie finally made it to this clearing in the middle of some woods. Seeing three other vans gave her some confidence that she'd be ok. So she found a quiet spot to park, set up the bed, opened the vent and set about getting some shut eye.

When she closed her eyes, she realised that a river was flowing nearby, and it was the only sound around. The next morning just proved what a picturesque little spot this was. A little hidden gem. And all for free. And so well kept.

It just reminded us what getting the campervan was all about.