Matamataharakeke

Try to say that three times fast.  When learning the pronunciation for the New Zealand Māori language, Lance's rule is, "Whatever your first instinct, assume it's wrong and go with your second guess."  I am really struggling.  Matamataharakeke was the name of the trail we hiked this past Labor Day Weekend.  If I was a responsible camper, I would declare my outdoor location intentions.  The only problem:  I'm not sure I could verbally say the name to tell anyone where the heck I am going!

It was supposed to be a 3.5 hour drive but between construction on a one lane road, careful driving on narrow waterfront roads, and slow going on back-country gravel roads it turned into almost 6.  James was displeased.

We were going with our new friends, Katie and Kevin, and their 16 month old son, Elliot.  Between our equipment and two car seats we weren't able to carpool, so we met up in the city of Coromandel, which was about an hour from the campsite.  The drive into Coromandel was GORGEOUS.  It was part of the Pacific Coast Highway, one of six designated scenic highways on the North Island.  It winds the entire way up the western coast of the peninsula, following the shoreline within a couple of feet.  We made a mental note to make sure we drove the return trip in the daylight because it would be a terror to drive at night.

 Twin Coast Discovery Highway

 Thermal Explorer Highway

 Volcanic Loop

 Pacific Coast Highway

 Forgotten World Highway

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

After about 45 minutes of gravel roads scraping the bottom of our low-riding vehicle, we arrived at the campsite.  It is relatively secluded but still considered 'car camping' as opposed to the backpacking done more often in Colorado.  We picked a spot and set up camp.  We were definitely the 'poor man's campsite' in comparison to the other campsites.  According to Katie and Kevin, Kiwis do pretty fancy camping compared to what we're used to.  The other groups looked like they were set up for a week minimum.  Huge multi-room tents, full grills, foldable picnic tables with canopy, stereo systems, the works.  We had a portable propane grill and that was enough for our one night excursion.

Katie and I made hobo pies for dinner while the guys took the kids down to the beach.  When the sun went down it got pretty chilly so we really bundled the little ones up.  

 

James had a pretty cozy bed.  He managed to keep his mittens and hat on through the night.  He only woke up once, which is  typical, and overall Lance and I both got a solid night's sleep.

The next morning we packed our lunches and headed out for the hike on Matamataharakeke Walking Track.

 

So green!

NZ trails are marked with orange triangles.

Katie is due with a little girl come February.  What a trooper!

The little guys.

"Mammal Traps" for animals like cats and possums that are harming native bird species.  No native mammals in NZ minus bats.

 

After the hike we relaxed with some Budweiser that Lance was super pumped about finding in the grocery store.  Beer isn't as popular as wine so the selection and quality of beer is still a work in progress here.  Break down camp, visit the beach, and head home.  A nice way to spend NZ's Labor Day Weekend.