They say first impressions count and we were certainly left with a lasting first impression to remember upon our arrival at the NZMCA Park in Huatoki, New Plymouth. What a wet, muddy, soft, boggy mess the place looked to be. With the ground in almost every camping spot appearing to have been chewed up by previous campers. It did not look like a place that we would be able to stay with our large front wheel drive motorhome. We have been stuck twice before in this sort of situation and this looked like the sort of place that might be a repeat of those. Our stay in Motueka back when that park first opened was particularly memorable for all those muddy moments. My initial thoughts were why risk it, but it had been a long day and an inspection was at least warranted before jumping to a final conclusion.
Leaving the motorhome at the gate, we got out to have a look to see if there was somewhere that might be dry enough to park up. Walking down the centre roadway looking at the state of the grounds it did not look promising. As we had first feared almost every spot had deep muddy ruts or what looked like bottomless puddles in the lawn. Because this Park is surrounded by trees a lot of the area appears shaded and that probably doesn’t help dry things out. There was however an area at the back where sunlight streamed onto the grass. Looking this area I could see that if we backed into one of those sites our front wheel could remain on gravel. After walking over the parking area it also appeared firm enough that hopefully the rear wheels wouldn’t sink. I guessed I would find out on our departure if I had made the right decision. If not hopefully another camper could tow us out.
Once we had the motorhome parked up, there was time for a quick explore of our surroundings before daylight faded. For those that don’t know, this Park is situated within a larger council park. The local tennis club and courts are opposite the NZMCA Park and there are walking and bike trails all around. We found a set of stairs located just behind the van that we followed down to the river where we noticed there was a path that led to the heart of New Pymouth. A handy thing as we could leave the motorhome in place and not worry about trying to park in the city centre.
After a very peaceful nights sleep, waking only once to the sound of a boy racer in the distance. We set about breakfast and then decided to follow the path into town. Unsure at first if we should walk or cycle we decided to walk and I am glad we did. I think you see more when you walk, it was about an hours walk at a very gentle pace that mostly followed the river all the way into the city. There is an area of the track at about the half way point that was damaged badly during cyclone Garbriel. At that point there is a short detour through the local streets but otherwise you are well off the road. We did have to stand to one side a few times with cyclists also using the path but the path is wide and they rode past with ease. The big advantage of walking is that it would also allow us to explore more of the city once we got there. Not having to worry about leaving the bikes somewhere, where someone might be tempted to borrow them.
Although we didn’t detour from the path there are a number of side paths leading away from the main trail that will take you to other parts of town. Including Pukekura Park, a park we have visited previously and one of the best council gardens in New Zealand. If you were staying in summer the Park would also be a handy spot to base yourself if you intended watching some of the local cricket matches and then just walk there.
The track comes out with the famous wind wand in view just across a wide plaza where a Sunday morning market was in it’s final hour as we arrived. Another case of this useless blogger taking no photos of the market itself but I did snap one of the delicious bread we brought. And yes that is Jalapeno’s inside the bread. We also purchased some really nice sausages from a local farmer/butcher that became part of our dinner for the night. Other than the little market the town centre was really quiet, probably as it was Sunday morning or maybe it was something to do with the strong wind blowing through the town. But whatever the reason it gave us a chance to visit the local museum without the crowds.
Known as Puke Ariki the museum is located right next to the courtyard that held the market so we didn’t have to walk much further. I think my camera must have been on strike as yet again I seem to have taken very few photos. That however is no reflection on the quality of the museum and if you are in the area its certainly worth a visit. With some great Maori taonga from the area through to a collection of modern art downstairs and all sorts in between. For those that might have been feeling a bit peckish there is a large cafe with the complex.
After a bit of an explore of the nearby shopping mall we headed slowly back to the motorhome. To coin another phrase “you cannot judge a book by its cover.” So it was with the NZMCA Park our first impressions of a big muddy mess were soon forgotten as we enjoyed the peace and quiet and the stroll alongside the river into town.
After having stayed a second peaceful night it was time to move on. My decision to park the front wheels on gravel paid off and we had no problem driving off the site. Before exiting the Park we topped up our water from the tap in the middle of the Park. We had enjoyed our visit here and weren’t done with New Plymouth yet. It would be interesting to come back in summer when things are drier and explore more. But it was time to find somewhere else to stay and look at things from a different perspective. More including a sleepless night after a boy racer lets loose to follow in the next blog.
To view the places we have visited click here to see them on Google maps. You can then click the link to read the blog about that area.
Licenced To Retire 
Love your blogs
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Thanks I love writing them as well
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Love the reflection of the motorhome in that puddle
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Thanks Dan, never even noticed that 🙃
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