Whakamaru Power Station

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Didn’t happen, along with others that are off limits to the public, but not for the same reason. It’s Huge! So big in fact, that it would take up an area the size of a shopping block! I drive through the middle of it in fact. I  tried to take pics on my way back, but it spans the road & is very spread out.

Dunham Point Reserve

Free barbecue 

Gorgeous water views

Sheer rock cliffs


Toilet & free hot shower even!

I traveled up highway 30 to Dunham Point Reserve, to see if it would suit to stay the night. It was a huge area, with toilets, a barbecue area, rubbish bins & a hot shower even! But sadly there were quite a few people living there, in less than ideal accommodation, & I wasn’t comfortable. Most of them were men on their own. 


Huge lily pads & tadpoles

But I did meet some new members of the NZMCA, who I followed to Matekure Island. What a find! I want to li ve here 🤩 Never said that before have I 😉 A hidden gem, through Mangakino, & just past Rangatira Village, right on the banks of Lake Maraetai.

Some local history

Part of the huge area

Blackberries 🤩 Sour tho

Good for swimming, if you can avoid the weed

The local Marae in Rangatira

Room for heaps of campers etc

It has lots of level ground, & plenty of area for self contained vehicles. No facilities whatsoever, so I’m thankful for internet & TV reception anyway. Hunkering down to wait out the heavy rain for a day or two now, feeling nice & safe. 🥰 So thankful I parked on level ground, that’s a slight hump. 

I love the rain, because it provides white noise, so I can sleep well. No external noises to bother me. The neighbours were a bit noisy this afternoon I have to say. 😂 



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