Beautiful Balmoral

On the right, just before the Hurunui River Bridge (heading south) is a large reserve with scatterings of trees. It's beautiful. The campground is next to the Hurunui River, which is supposed to be okay for fishing.

It costs $5 per family and payment can be made at the Caltex garage (Mockett Motors) in Culverden.

I can see why this Reserve is a popular spot in summer. There are lots of sites to choose from and the trees scattered around the place will provide shade during the hot summer months.

A working bee with volunteers and committee members spent a busy Saturday weedeating and mowing grass. They did an excellent job.

This camper had an unusual way of sightseeing.

The campground is dog friendly. They don't have to be leashed but (obviously) have to be under control.

We found an ideal spot beside a stand of pine trees. It was level, sunny, and near a fresh water tap. 
Now being the newbies that we are - we had only been set up for about half an hour when the wind picked up. A nor' wester. We were facing side on to it, which presented us with ...

Lesson 1: Check which way we park and do a little research on prevailing winds.

Lesson 2: Parking close to trees gives a great view from your window BUT it can interfere with T.V. reception. In our case it did interfere with our reception = we didn't get any. No Coronation Street for us.

Its a great spot for the dogs. They've had a fantastic time. They've been for bike rides, for walks, swims and have found river sand for digging!

Boo loves rolling in sand. The more she smothers herself the happier she is. I'm sure she is grinning!

On our walk to the river I saw a paddock with long grass, knowing the little dogs love playing in long grass, I took them there. As I was about to climb over the fence I saw a few pine trees and after yesterday's magpie attack I thought it might pay to be weary. After a quick look - all appeared quiet, until I saw a small movement behind the base of a tree trunk. And sure enough, if you look carefully you'll spot a magpie hiding in the grass!

The road to the river.

Just down the road (heading south along State Highway 7, about 4 - 5 kms) is the Hurunui Hotel. Years ago the Hurunui Hotel and village provided tired sheep drovers travelling to Christchurch a place to rest and refresh for almost 150 years, and is still an iconic landmark in North Canterbury today.

Unfortunately due to earthquake damage this historic building was red stickered. Now the business has re-opened next door as,'The Hurunui Village Winery and Cafe'. 

There's also a camper van park around the back, 'The Hurunui Village Campervan Park'. It has a dump station that public can use for $5. There's also laundry facilities ($4/wash). When we popped in to have a look, a gypsy caravan was in the park.