Our stay in Taumarunui was at Rawhide Low Cost Park at the tiny rural village of Kakahi. The roomy grounds were full to overflowing with about 30 vans from the Lake Taupo Camping Club staying for the weekend. We were warmly welcomed to the grounds by owner Barbara. “Come in, come in”, she said, “don’t let this lot put you off.” We found spaces for our five vans just through the fence, settled in, and were kindly invited to join in with the others for 4zees, and their evening entertainment.
Parked up in the paddock at Rawhide
The club members were having a bit of a hoe-down in the evening, and donned their Western gear for the dress-up competition . Derek and I were conscripted to be impartial judges and took our duties very seriously. There were cow boys and cow girls of every description to check out, including one looking rather like a Mexican, I noticed. Our choices were finally made, and the winners were these four. The two little girls were over the moon to be chosen, they just couldn’t stop smiling!
Winners of the dress up competition
Clones of the famous “Topp Twins” made a guest appearance and kept us all entertained with their singing and playing the spoons. It was all a load of laughs, and we appreciated the Taupo group inviting us to share in the fun with them.
“Topp Twins”, Rawhide style
The property has an interesting history, and was purchased by Barbara and her husband Rex nearly 40 years ago. The couple built a workshop on their bare land and stitched saddles, bridles and other leather items, shod horses, and bred quarter horses. They got together with interested villagers to save and refurbish the derelict village hall. The local Kakahi Rodeo came into being, with profits from the rodeo over the years going to re-roof, re-pile and re-clad the hall. With this interest in horses, it is no surprise that the walls of the camp toilet is covered in covers from horse magazines.
Wallpaper in the toilet block
And talking of toilets, this special rural edition was ready and waiting for male guests.
The men’s loo!
We took a walk through dense native bush down to the river, following coloured markers on the trees. Down a flight of very steep steps cut into the bank, over a style, the the path levelled out. A huge tree by the path had several plaques attached, and a sign related that close by is the resting place of two of the family’s beloved pet dogs. The ashes of Barbara’s husband have been scattered here too, so it is a very special place. The sound of the river tinkling by drew us on, and there it was, the Wanganui River. There are trout lurking here, we were told, and several good sized specimens have been caught close by.
Wanganui River
The weather has been glorious, hot and sunny, and we have enjoyed our stay in the country at Rawhide. There are plenty of large trees for shade, and we have made the most of it, sitting outside enjoying the fresh country air. Our jovial hostess kept us entertained with stories of running a country property, and made us very welcome.
Dusk at Rawhide Camp, Kakahi
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