It's the Little Things

There's an addictive element to this mobile lifestyle. The thought of new places to explore, getting back to basics, waking up to a different view, meeting new people ... there are so many positives. 

For me, at the top of the list, is having time to enjoy the simple things. Such as ...

Watching sunrises.

Being at the beach, with my dogs.

Bush walks. 

Birdlife.

Finding wild flowers and having time to study their colours and patterns.

Listening and watching waves. 

Knowing my dogs are happy. 

Watching sunsets.

And something I really, really appreciate, is going to bed knowing I don't have work the next day, and there will be no alarm to wake me. 

What do you enjoy about this lifestyle?

Wai-iti Domain - Freedom Camping

Not far south from Nelson (about 30kms) along SH6 is a small settlement named Wai-iti. And just before the Wai-iti Bridge if you turn left, you'll find yourself at a roadside picnic area. It's a decent size spot with several large totara trees and a couple of kahikateas offering plenty of shade.

A little further along is the Wai-iti Domain/Reserve. Although there's oodles of room it might be unsuitable for bigger rigs as the left hand bend is a little tight, and there's a few over hanging branches as you approach.

The Wai-iti Domain/Reserve is a massive area with mature trees bordering the perimeter. It's dog friendly and kids will like the large, flat area to ride their bikes or to kick a ball around. There are toilets and rubbish bins and it's free to stay!

Behind the reserve is a forest walk, which loops back to the start. 

The walk begins by climbing a gentle incline that hugs the side of the hill. After about half an hour (less if your fit, or longer, if like me, you're a bit of a stroller!) you reach the top. 

Being autumn - it was the season for toadstools.

It's an easy walk, the track is wide and covered in pine needles, plus there's birdsong to enjoy. With no 1080 poisoning to worry about, dogs are safe off lead to run around and explore. 

After awhile, Oakly started to look for water. We came across a forestry water supply but seeing the colour of it, I decided being thirsty was a better option than to drink from it!

All up, the walk took about an hour and a half, which included taking a wrong turn. We ended up at a forestry skid site, which wasn't a complete waste of time as it had a fabulous view. 

At the end of the walk we wandered over to the Wai-iti River (Wai-iti = low water). And true to its name, the river was shallow. In the warmer months it's been known to have toxic algae, however after recent floods it was safe for the dogs to cool off and have a well deserved drink.

Soaking Up Summer

When your only worry is whether the tide is going to reach your chair you know you're in a good place.

It was another stunning day and fortunately I didn't have work. One of the many perks of being a relief teacher is sometimes you're able to enjoy days off during the week. 

Oakly, Boo and I jumped in the bus to find a beach. Not wanting to travel too far from home (Nelson), we parked along Motueka's foreshore and took a wander..

The water was bath-like and the dogs alternated between exploring and cooling off in the water.

Motueka provides walkers with several seats along the foreshore with million dollar views. If you're walking your dog/s, the council has provided doggy bag dispensers. And unlike some other towns, there are numerous rubbish bins to deposit the deposits!

It would be easy to while away time, sitting here. To the right you look over the bay to the Kina Beach cliffs. And on the left is the Janie Seddon shipwreck. 

Oh, what a fabulous spot to watch a sunrise.

Obviously I was several hours too late to capture the sunrise and despite it not being the best time of the day to take a photo, I couldn't resist.

On our way home we called in to Kina Reserve. Not far from the bus was a fallen tree -  it made the perfect seat to soak up the gorgeous ocean views.

The dogs weren't too keen for another walk, so I turned the fan on and before long they were napping under a cool breeze.

Boo, trying hard to stay awake.

My beautiful boy - Oakly

It seems even seagulls feel sleepy on hot days! This little guy never moved as I walked passed.

It's nice having such lovely places on our doorstep to visit. 

Maclean's Reserve - A Spot to Stop Near Mot

Between Motueka and Tapawera is Maclean's Recreation Area - a large freedom camping spot, suitable for campers big and small (including tents). 

When we arrived I was surprised to see so much empty space - there were only a few campers. I'm guessing some were a family group, because close to their camper-van were several tents. And other than us, there were only a couple of buses parked near the end of the reserve.

The river was noticeably clean, and ideal for all ages and abilities - slow flowing with a few deep holes, perfect for paddling or swimming. What a bonus finding a river unaffected by toxic algae. 

Oakly and Boo love; having freedom to roam, to explore new places, to discover new smells, and during the warmer months cooling off in the river, is the icing on the cake. 

Oakly 

As the dogs scope out the area, I enjoy fossicking about, looking at the vegetation, watching insects, finding stones, in fact I enjoy checking a place out, as much as the dogs do.

While I was debating whether to have a swim or not, an inflatable boat came floating by.

It was packed with gear and the couple on board, waved out as they passed. They said they were searching for a spot further downstream to pull into, to camp for the night. 

When we left the reserve, I kept an eye out for the couple in their boat and eventually spotted them pulled in beside a little sandy beach. It seemed they'd found what they were looking for - a perfect place to pitch their tent.

Not long after, we arrived in Motueka and went to the NZMCA park, wondering if we might have left it too late and we'd find it was full. Fortunately we arrived just at the right time as there were only a few spots left. And what a bonus, it was a beaut spot at the edge of the park with a nice, flaxy outlook.

Later in the afternoon a cute, little visitor hopped by, and wasn't at all fazed by us. Luckily the dogs were snoozing or they would have been keen for a chase (not that I would have let them).

As the sun was setting we wandered around the estuary. 

Of course the dogs were fizzing because they could smell rabbits and were zipping in and out of bushes. And when they eventually reappeared ... they'd changed colour! They were covered in thick, black, smelly mud! Bernie was not at all impressed. 😂 LOL

Luckily there was a tap nearby so I was able to get most of the mud off. 

After a nice, warm shower back in the bus, both dogs smelt divine and ended the night tired and content after their day of adventuring.

FOMO

FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out
Honestly, it's a thing. FOMO exists, or at least in my world, it does. Especially when planning a trip away. I don't want to miss anything when visiting an area ... walks, special spots, unique attractions, views, etc. Leaving a place and learning later that I've missed something drives me nuts.
Next week we're off to the Catlins via the east coast. 

I have some time before leaving to research places to visit, walks to explore, tracks to bike, and spots to stay. I love the planning stage and thanks to Google, NZMCA Travel app, Facebook groups and peoples' blogs there's lots of information at my fingertips.

The black lines are where we've travelled in the South Island, you'll notice we haven't been explored the Catlins (yet!).

After the Catlins, our plan is to travel through Central Otago and the MacKenzie District. I love those districts and in this season the autumn colours are always spectacular. We're hoping to bike sections of the A2O (Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail). Oakly and Boo will be joining us on the bikes in their buddy riders.