Our Northland holiday

Col and I spent a wonderful few days in sunny Northland after the rally. We were wined and dined for three days by Bruce and Marguerite who own Brumar, a naturist homestay on a working avocado orchard near Kerikeri. They took us fishing at a lovely Northland bay, where we could go naked as well. They also organised a gathering of NZ Naturists (formerly Supporter Group) members from the far north for a lunchtime BBQ, which was a great way to end a fabulous few days. We can thoroughly recommend Brumar for a great time with great hosts. http://www.gonatural.co.nz/brumar/

We then took the ferry to Russell and stopped off for a swim at Waitata (Donkey) Bay. This small bay, a short walk around the headland from Long Beach is protected by a covenant through the QEII Trust as a naturist beach. High above the beach is the property owned by an Italian couple Stephania and Antonio who also run a naturist homestay called ‘Waitata Bay’. I had arranged to meet Stephania and after a quick phone call, she came down to the beach to greet us. She offered to show us around their enterprise, which is luxury with a touch of class and European artistic flair. They are completely self-sufficient, right down to the electricity generated by sun and wind. The ‘Potting Shed’ accommodation is something really different, with no solid walls. Each room is separated by tropical and native plants in planter boxes and the bed – WOW! You climb steps up onto it and the bed head is a window with a view over the beach, which is stunning. But there is more – the skylight allows you to sleep under the stars in luxury. This is a great place to stay if you want a homestay with a difference. http://www.waitatabay.co.nz/

We then headed further south, dropping in to Uretiti for a swim then after escaping Auckland to Opoutere Beach to check out the camp ground for our February meeting. It was so nice there that we ended up staying the night. Col had a dip here and also at the venue for our April beach day at a secluded part of Waihi Beach, where again we could swim au naturel.