Kai-Iwi

Our holiday was nearly over, and where would we stay for our final night? Somewhere heading towards the Wellington area, perhaps around Wanganui, was the consensus. The decision was to head to the Mowhanau Motor Camp at Kai-Iwi, a little north of Wanganui. None of us had camped here before, so that was a good reason to try it. The current owners had only taken over in December 2009, and already had made some changes, they told us, with more to come. A new hot water system had been installed in the ablution block, and a large children's play area kept the visiting youngsters happy. Four tourist flats have been ordered and will be installed on site shortly. The camp is nice and roomy, and just a short walk to the beach.

Our last night camping at Mowhanau camp

Across the large grassy area from us was a large converted bus. The windows and doors were altered to make it look like a gypsy caravan, we thought. The owner had a brand new black Harley motor bike, and he and Robin spent a little time conversing about Harley bikes and motors. We were astounded at his range of outside furniture and can only imagine that he must have had lots of friends coming to visit. Arranged outside his bus was a three piece burgundy leather lounge suite, two wooden church pews, a large wooden table, and a set of blue painted slatted timber outdoor furniture.

Geoff had been waiting all holiday for a chance to go out to breakfast, and his luck was in as the camp had a cafe, and served “all day breakfasts”. So four of us decided to go there for lunch. Robin and Geoff chose the Big Breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash brown, sausage, tomatoes and toast, and managed to eat every morsel. Eileen ordered Eggs Benedict, and my choice was French Toast with banana, bacon and maple syrup. With a coffee to finish, we were well satisfied and waddled away from the table.

All day breakfast at the camp cafe

We needed a little exercise after our large lunch, so walked down to Kai-Iwi beach with Peter and Elaine. There was a huge amount of driftwood piled up in the beach. Children were splashing about in the gentle stream which trickled down to the sea, while more hardy souls were swimming in the breakers of the bay. There was a warning stating that the water can rise very quickly so swimmers must take care.

Kai-Iwi beach

All too soon our two weeks holiday had come to an end, and this morning the six of us packed up, said our goodbyes and headed for our respective homes. We had explored new places, and enjoyed each others company. What a shame it is back to work for for us tomorrow.