New Zealand’s first POP

There are many overnight options available for campers in this lovely country of ours, New Zealand.  We have stayed at many Motor Camps, of course, which offer a full range of facilities.  Then there is freedom camping, something we would not attempt on our own – just in case.  NZMCA members have another option, Park over Properties, where individuals, clubs, and councils offer their domains, car parks and properties for a safe parking environment.  We are currently staying at Val McGrath’s POP in Clyde,  Central Otago, which has the distinction of being the very first POP ever established.  With a grassed area of land sheltered by gardens and tall trees, and it’s very own toilet block, it is certainly an attractive and restful place to stop for a night or two.  Or even longer, as some campers seem disinclined to move on too quickly.  A limited number of power points are available (first come, first served, and yes, we got one).

That’s handy, we’re right next to the toilet block

There is even an outside agitator washing machine waiting for me to fill up with laundry and have some fun.  As a young Mum I must have washed thousands of loads of nappies in my old faithful machine just like that one, there were no disposable nappies back then.

I remember how the agitator washing machine works

Val and her late husband Noel turned their property into a POP in 1991 after a suggestion from a fellow NZMCA member, and we had been told by other members to be sure to stay here when we are in the area.  Val’s little dog Toby welcomes all the campers and likes to trot around regularly to make sure that all is well, ever hopeful of a treat.  “Don’t feed him”, we were told, “and he doesn’t like cats”.    Our cat Muffy has been peeping out through the screen door of the caravan, that darn dog better keep away from her, she’s thinking.

Val’s dog Toby

Val called around in the afternoon to meet us, and sat and chattered for a while.  She is a sprightly 80 years young, and loves hosting people on her property.

Val, our gracious POP hostess

She invited us all to look around her garden, and into the indoor the pool area where the legendary Saturday evening BBQs take place.

A collection of gnomes

Indoor pool area 

Hospitality abounds down here.  We were first presented with an egg-plant – slice it up, then egg and bread crumb and fry in butter, Pauline advised.  We cooked them as part of our evening meal, and they were indeed rather tasty.  Next came some tomatoes, always very much appreciated.   Last but not least some of the other campers picked some huge mushrooms from the local golf course and shared them out.  Guess what we are having for breakfast tomorrow, mushrooms on toast!