Banks Peninsular

We made our way from Conway Flat via a night at a brand new, still being constructed POP just off the main highway at Waipara, to Rangiora and enjoyed an evening with Allan before finding our way to the Godley Head DOC camp the next day.
WOW what a drive in; elevated, narrow with sheer drop offs in places but the reward was so good. Fabulous scenery. The camp is placed right at the end of the peninsula with wide open spaces, and fabulous views every way you look. The main shipping channel is right there. It was interesting watching the pilot boat coming and going as ships of all sizes waited their turn to enter the port.
We explored the gun placements and read the history with interest. Fascinating! It was a very busy defence area throughout WW11 and now, buildings that remain are being done up gradually.
There are walking and cycling tracks around the Heads and we choose to do the Loop Track. It's quite steep in places and about 9ish kms. We were buggared when we got back but so happy to have done it. The young, fit 'kids', camped beside us, thought it was challenging too.... so maybe we're going ok! We did a smaller loop track the following day.
We went to this place for 1 night and stayed 3. We loved it and the weather was wonderful. We're a happy pair!Read more