POPs N PARKs

Friendly Local Council employes who are advised to discourage freedom parking will encourage you to move on, they may even hand you a fine.

Thames Valley - Coromandel - Hauraki

Heading South from Auckland turning off Highway 1

onto Highway 2 at the bottom of the Bombay Hills towards

Maramarua there are two NZMCA Private POP stops.

The Maramarua Golf club ( I haven't visited yet but will soon)

and one at Derek and Sandy Halls 168 Cold fields Road

turn left at the Pink Pig Cafe'.

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Peter and Diane Coleman NZMCA Private POP

114 B Maxwell Road
Maramarua

09 9477852

(Turn left at the Pink Pig Cafe)

Parking plenty, power, water, dogs OK.

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Return to Highway 2 and travel South

The Red Fox Tavern. Now a POP S/C vehicles.

SH2

Maramarua

Phn. 09 232 5829

Parking (plenty) toilets, water. Dogs OK

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Plenty of parking, enjoy the dining and bar facilities,

park on the right hand side of the car park near the

on site staff members house.

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With the road sign by the RED FOX TAVERN promising only

15 kms to Miranda I couldnt resist a stop at

POP for S/C vehicles RAY'S REST. This favourite stop of mine and

many others really has so little and yet so much to offer. Its a

great place to recharge your body batteries, listen to the sea

and be so grateful that we have this wonderful facility.

It is sad to hear that some are not playing the game.....

no its not just the tourists !.

For those that can't use common sense; signs have been

installed spelling out where to park.

This parking area is right on the sea shore and close

to a bird sanctuary the fragility of this area is a no brain er.

Look after it or we all could loose it.

removed to appease Keith !!!

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This stop is on a bird sanctuary and all dogs (no matter how well trained the owners),

dogs are not permitted at all.

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Ray's rest is good for the soul

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Thames area to follow soon...........

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Whitianga

A popular spot on the Peninsula and one many vanners like to visit.

A very welcoming NZMCA Private POP is at 39 Catherine Cres.

Cliff and Shirley Brown love to see NZMCA members and have good

parking on their property.

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New World Whitianga

Is happy for you to park your self-contained campervan in the carpark over night. Please have consideration for holiday periods and holiday weekends when there is a high customer demand on the carpark.

An opportunity to top up the cupboard shelves and the fuel tanks. Don't forget to utilse the discount voucher accompanying your purchase.

One plea, please don't fill the rubbish bins.

Check with Service desk staff before parking, they may let you use the big bin if you give them a big smile....

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Mercury Bay Bowling Club

Plenty of parking here, staff only there from 4pm each day.

Use of the facilities toilets , showers, bar etc.

The Thames NZMCA group held a rally here,

They would be happy to talk to other groups

who may wish to also avail themselves of these fine facilities.

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The Mercury Bay Club

Affords a welcome to affiliate club members to enjoy the facilities at the club and enjoy overnight parking for self contained vehicles i their sizeable carpark.

Excellent bar,dining and on regular occasions entertainment.

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Cathedral Cove

Hahei

A down hill (30min.) walk, take liquids for the climb back up, especially on a hot day.

I have wondered about creating a "place the vendor" game ..... (DOC have permitted a 'vendor' to set up shop on the beach at Cathedral Cove. see RoadwayRambling

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Tairua..... data to follow only cardboard parking instructions......

Pauanui....... data to follow

Whangamata...... data to follow

Whiritoa.... data to follow

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Waihi

Another of the townships in this region that holds a history

of hardworking people who chose to leave the cities to create

a new lifestyle for themselves. Their lives molded by the events

of the day and the wealth removed from deep in the ground by

their toil using simple tools and bare handed hard work.

This created characters and stories that you can easily

find by just scratching the surface. Begin at the information

centre at the top of the town.

The interactive display is well worth the visit and will answer

questions you havn't yet thought. About gold yield, the current

open cast mine, electronics, manufacturing, retailing and dairy

production that this little town has turned its hands to as the

years unfolded to remain a viable community providing

employment not only for its towns people but also for those

living nearby.

If parking outside the information centre is a bit busy continue into the no exit road (shown above) where there is plenty of suitable park

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Waihi

Waihi Gold Diggers NZMCA Private POP

Margaret and Trevor Bull
37 Upper Warmsley Road
07 8636610

Trevor tells me this is the most popular pop around
and from the facilities they have I can see why

Parking all sizes, Shower, toilets, power and dog friendly

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Waihi Baptist Church

Gilmore Street and Whangamata Road

Overnight Parking except Saturday evening and sunday morning.

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At this juncture I will take a run out to Waihi Beach only a short distance and a pleasant country / coast drive.

Waihi Beach Memorial RSA POP for S/C vehicles

99 Main Road
Waihi Beach Phn. 07 863 5688

Please check with staff, parking on the grassed areas unless directed otherwise.

Parking (plenty), water, Dogs OK

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Returning to Waihi....

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This old pump station was moved so it could be preserved, that's dedication to historic preservation

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The old school technical building and now the Waihi Museum in Kenny Street. Plenty of parking; open Thursday through Sunday

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Waihi RSA

Seddon Street
Waihi

Overnight stop over permitted, please advise the staff.
Great meals here and convivial company.

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The local coin operated launderette is not too distant from the RSA.

I do not intend to photograph dump stations but If I didn't show you where this one was and a car was parked in front of it, you would never know it was there. That is the only sign.

Located at the toilets and play area to your left on Parry Palm Ave., the main road into the town from the North.

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Waikino

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Karangahake Gorge POP for S/C vehicles

Just 2 kilometers north of Waikino, on the left the falls are worth a look.

Especially during the winter months when the water volume increases.

This is one of those falls you can drive to a near park spot to enjoy the vista.

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Mackaytown Phn. 07 8627525

Large parking area, toilets. Donation

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Just a little further through the gorge and you will see parking places where you can stop and...

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take as (above) the old train tunnel walk and any of the many walks following trails, tunnels and shafts, part of the legacy from the early mining days in this area.

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Paeroa