C&K mag #30 sp - Canoe & Kayak

located homes (envy, envy) to spy the historic
buildings from water level. (N.B. Summer time and
holiday weekend business opportunity exists for
an ice cream vendor!) Then on the way back to
base, if wanting more, the mammoth mangrove
swamps with trees of incredible girth, provided a
maze-type experience and when the mud moved,
a suspicion of Gollum.
By night, management kindly provided red
cellophane to modify torches or headlamps so
that when kiwi spotting, night vision for both
parties was not affected. In small groups we
traipsed around the gravel pathways, but were
possibly not quiet or patient enough as no one
reported spotting a kiwi. However, once everyone
was cocooned in bed, their raucous screech
competed with the snorers.
Being not far from Kerikeri township proved a plus
for a few of us: the lure of watching the Rugby NPC
final on the box, while eating lamb shanks at the
Keri Club beat crouching over a cooker, on a rainy
night in Charlies tent, even for Charlie. By day,
spotted in camp was the NZ Weekend Herald and
Sunday Star Times, Pizza boxes...
All up, despite the gloomy weather, forecasts of
20 - 25 knot winds, and rain which did arrive in
fits and starts, at times being shrouded in sea mist
and drizzle, Aroha Island proved to be a stunning
camp site and could be a good base to explore
further within the Bay of Islands. Before heading
back to Auckland a few folk paddled to Russell
from Paihia. If more time was available, these
towns could be worthwhile destinations,
achievable from the island.
The amenities at the campsite included flush loos,
hot showers and a kitchen. For those not into
‘canvas’ there is a bunkhouse and a cottage and
power sites for campervans. Contact the hosts
Greg and Gay Blunden, phone 09 407 5243 or
kiwi@aroha.net.nz or visit www.aroha.net.nz for
further information.
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