Tapu was the designated meeting place of our area (branch) of the NZMCA Christmas get together, and it has been that way for several years now. We were not able to attend last year due to my father’s illness, but this year we were enthusiastic attendees. We were given a prime park right on the shore, and we enjoyed being able to watch the prolific bird life from the windows of our motorhome.
It was a gathering of around 35 vans, although more were scheduled to attend than that. Even so, the company was pleasant as was the weather, aside from a few claps of thunder on the Saturday afternoon.
We arrived on the Friday afternoon, and once we had paid our fees, said hello to others and set up camp we took the dogs for a walk, exploring an area that we had not looked at before.
The first dog activity was a swim in a deep patch of the water in the stream. The dogs enjoyed having a cool down even if they were tricked into the water by Bruce telling them there was a possum in the bank.
Further long the road from the camp, and over the adjacent small river, was a reserve, owned by the local council. It was permitted to freedom camp here. It was a large area with a sizeable shore line, and we were delighted to come across several pairs of dotterels, NZ endangered birds. They clearly had nests nearby and were trying to employ their usual diversionary tactics to keep you away, but we were rapt to be able to get so close to them, and to be able to get some superb photos.
After enjoying our walk, we were headed back to camp when we spied an old cemetery tucked in beneath some pohutukawa trees, and below the level of the road alongside it, so quietly tucked away. We tied the dogs up and went to explore.
Some of the graves there were very old – from some of New Zealands earliest settlers. I had never seen graves that old, and what also surprised us was that some of those buried there had lived a long life – some were in their 80’s when they died, which must have been unusual at that time.
The earliest grave was dated 1867, and a plaque attached to the grave anounced this gentleman as one of our founding fathers. Another was dated 1891, and there were several around 1900. Fascinating place and a shame some of the graves are not well cared for. The oldest grave, however, was.
Back at camp, we enjoyed the Christmas dinner on the Saturday night. It was all catered, so we did not have the pre- dinner effort of making something to contribute. This year was the first time that Santa made an appearance, and he made a point of giving every one of the ladies a kiss as well as present. The guys just got a pat on the shoulder with their gift. After dinner we enjoyed music and dancing.
It was a short couple of days at Tapu but we enjoyed good company, interesting bird life, beautiful sunsets, a swim (for Bruce and the dogs), entertainment and dancing, and a great meal.
Away From Home NZ 