What to do when we were going to a “close to home” rally and the site would not be open for caravans later in the day? It seemed such a waste of the day to stay home all day and not get on the road till later in the afternoon. So we decided to get packed up early, hook up the caravan, and head down to Otaki Beach for the day. And what a lovely day it was, warm and sunny, with sea breezes coming ashore. Apart for a couple of fishermen, we had most of the beach to ourselves. Kapiti Island was looking a bit hazy in the distance.
Kapiti Island from Otaki Beach
We parked up at the Freedom Camping Site on the shingle beach. Self contained caravans and motor-homes may stay in this area for 2 nights, with restrictions. There are no water or toilets available here, so campers must be self contained and have these facilities onboard. We weren’t planning on staying overnight, just to while away a few hours while we enjoyed the sea view.
Freedom Camping site
The adjacent Otaki River Estuary plays an important role for native species and provides feeding, roosting, and nesting for birds, fish and invertebrates including whitebait (inanga). There has been a lot of planting taking place in the estuary by “The Friends of the Otaki River” who are dedicated in growing eco-sourced native plants in their nursery for river restoration projects.
Otaki River Estuary
A quartet of horse riders quietly walked their steeds along side the estuary, they were out enjoying the lovely weather too.
Horses at Otaki
We were joined by Geoff and Eileen at lunchtime. After our respective sandwiches, or in Geoff’s case, a meat pie, we shared the hot cross buns which our guests had brought along, and provided them with a coffee to finish our picnic lunch. Outside on the shingle beach the fishermen were still trying their luck. Looks like there is something on this fishing line – hope he has been reeling them in and has something to take home after his morning fishing.
Fishing at the beach
Our lunch guests left to complete their preparations for the caravan rally, and we enjoyed another hour or so relaxing at the beach. What a lovely start to a rally weekend.
Parked up on the beach
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