About 15 kms from the bustling city of Whakatane, is the delightful Awakeri Hot Pools Motor Camp. Mature trees offer shade from the hot summer sun, and the plentiful birdlife sings all day. There are not just birds around, we were solemnly told by a youngster, but possums too, who come out at night, make horrible noises and climb through open windows and we had better watch out for the owls (Morepork / Ruru) that would also get you. The boy and his dad were bravely going on a great possum hunt, armed with a torch, to find one of these dastardly creatures.
The office blockInside the office are a series of photos from the early days before the motor camp was developed. People used to come to bath at the natural spring in the 1920s, which was then made into a pool. Later development brought the motor camp and the large pools that are in use today.
The hot springs in the 1920sKids being kids enjoy the pools at any time of the day. We prefer to go for a dip in the evening and the pool is full of grey headed customers at this time of night. It is very relaxing and the mineral water eases away any aches and pains. Casual customers arrive by the car load but there is no extra charge for campers to use the pool.
In the heat of the dayWe are camping here with two other couples from the National Rally and enjoy the relaxed life in these pleasant surroundings. What can be better than relaxing under a shady tree in the afternoon, or sitting out in the cool of evening and putting the world to rights. And as a bonus to bloggers, the camp offers free internet connection.
1 comment:
My family went for the xmas,new years holidays to Awakeri every year till I was about 11-12 yrs old. As kids we loved it as we could play all day only going back to the caravan for lunch and tea. I remember thee where horses to ride, bush walks, story tellers, a massive plum tree to climb and of course we gorged on the plums too. The weeping willows had tire swings and flying foxes. And of course we swam between everything else. When I was older I remember our caravan being parked close to the showers, and we got the giggles watching who was going to the showers with whom! They also had great parties form new years and old fashioned contests like tug of war, and egg and spoon races. They were great holidays thanks for reminding me.
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