Category: Mokau & The Backblocks

The campground is wedged between the high tide mark and a bluff that has the State Highway passing by, seaview campsites are limited as windswept arthritic looking trees line the boundary to the sea and lean in and over the permanent campsites that line the edge of the sea.  We were still close enough to get a beautiful peek of the sea  and all you can hear is the freight train rhythmic boom of the sea through your windows, Highway, what Highway, you couldn’t see or hear it!

They sure built the guys tough in those days, this tunnel was no mean feat to create!  Out the other side is the the most beautiful  secluded black sand beach imaginable!  It was a King Tide and the water was very high, we couldn’t go down onto the sand for a walk as the sea was already beating up against the cliffs.  As you can see the fisherman were practically fishing in the mouth of the tunnel!  Glorious!

It is the only shop in town and sold the essentials, pies, milk and bread. Tables and chairs sit outside the front of this former schoolhouse where alot of the locals seem to gather for an ice cream and a chat.  A cute wee library is attached and the local tennis court with obligatory saggy net is off to the side along with the campground, and, round the corner, is the local….phone box….I think telecom forgot to remove it 12 years ago from this forgotten bastion of near civilisation!