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.

Finding Out About Freewheelers

A red flag fluttering in the breeze caught my attention as I was traveling south along Highway 6 from Nelson. ‘Freewheelers’ was written across it. I’ve read the term ‘Freewheelers’ before in The Motor Caravanner magazine but wasn’t sure what it meant. Being curious (and nosy!) by nature, I decided to take a look.

Freewheelers are a special interest group of NZMCA members who travel on their own. They meet up and socialise at various gatherings. Mostly they are single people holidaying and exploring our beautiful country in their vans.

In February, the Freewheelers had chosen Wai-iti Domain to hold their New Zealand wide gathering. Directly before the Wai-iti Bridge (4.2 kms south of Wakefield) is a left hand turn, which takes you to the Wai-iti Domain. From the main road, a narrow gravel road winds through some trees into an expansive, flat grassy paddock surrounded in trees.

A disused forest track runs behind the domain making it an ideal area for walking dogs, riding horses or mountain biking. There were about 80 Freewheeler members in campervans, caravans and buses. Some had brought their dogs along too. The venue appeared to suit everyone from dog walkers to cyclists.

Freewheelers pride themselves on friendships, companionship, support and fun get -togethers. As one member said, ‘One day you may find yourself without your partner. This welcoming group makes it easier for those on their own to carry on campervanning. It’s great knowing there are others doing the same thing.’

Another couple belonging to Freewheelers, met last year at a gathering in the North Island. Their friendship blossomed and recently they enjoyed a holiday in the South Island. Both travelled in their own campervan, which gave them the opportunity to do their own things at various times. Knowing they had each other for company and support was the icing on the cake for their holiday.

What an awesome troupe … a group of like-minded people who travel solo and provide support and friendship to fellow members.