BOP Sun Club Christmas party

BOP Naturist members are invited to attend the Bay of Plenty Sun Club's Christmas party this weekend at their club grounds near Matata.
BYO happy hour as usual before dinner then the committee are providing the meat for our Christmas meal. Just bring a salad, vege dish or dessert to share. If you wish to take part in the fun 'pressi swap', then bring a small wrapped gift (not more than $5) to join in the fun.
Normal camping and day fees apply. For more information contact me on bopnaturists@gmail.com.

Christmas at Oropi hot pools

Santa visiting BOP Naturist members at Oropi hot pools

It was a great night at Oropi hot pools last night where the Bay of Plenty Naturists gathered for their annual Christmas party. Forty members attended on a beautiful warm Tauranga evening. Santa arrived with his sack full of goodies and all the members went home with a small gift. Drinks and nibbles were provided poolside from funds collected over the year from raffles and donations from members. Special thanks to all those who have contributed over the year. All the proceeds go back to the members with events like this.
Robyn and Lisa were kept on their toes cooking meals for all of us so we all went home well fed and watered.

I would like to wish all members a very happy Christmas and peaceful and healthy New Year.

Our latest fantastic event at Katikati Naturist Park

WOW! What a great turnout for the NZ Naturists/BOP Naturists combined event at Katikati Naturist Park (KNP). Over the whole weekend, there would have been at least 50 members of one or other group at the park, including 5 young families (and that doesn't include all the other guests and residents of KNP)! The weather was brilliantly sunny and warm as people arrived for a fun-filled weekend. There were members from all over the North Island – from Kaitaia to Palmerston North and New Plymouth to Hawke’s Bay. This shows what a diverse group the NZ Naturists and BOP Naturists are. They played sport, including petanque, mini-golf, Frisbee golf, chess, draughts, table tennis and pool. Everyone just organised themselves to get through the draws, so that by Happy Hour, almost all the games had been played. That gave us all time to relax after a shared pot luck dinner with one member bringing his guitar and amplifier to entertain us into the night (thanks Phil). As well, some people tried out the Wii games while others just relaxed in the spa pool and sauna.

Sunday dawned sunny and warm, so we all had breakfast, cooked by Col, our naked chef. After morning tea, there was the prize-giving, which meant that everyone who was there went home with something, whether they had won or not.

Our thanks go to Kevin and Joan for hosting us and for donating some of the prizes. Without their great facility at KNP we couldn't hold such an event. 

Oropi hot swim night

We had a great turnout of members at our monthly hot pool night at Oropi last Monday. These nights are very popular and a great way to meet up with other naturists in the warm pools.

We are lucky to have a cafe on-site as well which allows us to have a meal and the ultimate in relaxation in that we don't have to dress for dinner, cook or wash the dishes!

The next night at Oropi will be mid-November so if you are interested in coming along, please contact me on bopnaturists@gmail.com. I look forward to seeing you there.

Top End Naturist Recreation Retreat (TENRR)

We had a relaxing stay amongst the friendly people at TENRR. It was a catch up day for us – washing the clothes, washing the van, washing us!

Soaked in the pool to cool off, and updated the blog in the cool of the open rec room with the breeze flowing through.

There were a good number of people staying at TENRR but many had left to go south. If you are thinking of a trip to the Top End, then TENRR is the place to stay. The grounds are immaculate, the facilities clean and tidy and the hosts and visitors made us both feel very welcome.

Barrier Reef Sun Club

Col and I enjoyed visiting a couple of naturist resorts in Queensland and Northern Territory on our recent trip.

Barrier Reef Sun Club near Cairns was the first one we visited and we were made very welcome by those present. This is a very tidy club with a great clubhouse with a deck overlooking a stream and bushland.

We had a nice Happy Hour in their spacious clubhouse (with the fire going in the coal range- not that we were cold) on which we cooked dinner – Col cooked kangaroo steaks! The club has no mains electricity and runs solely on solar power and gas. They have beautifully manicured grounds and a great ablution block as well as an outdoor shower, which Col couldn’t resist using.

Who needs frosted glass in the showers – actually who needs glass at all with a view like this?





        We said our goodbyes to the mob from BRSC after doing their bush walk down to their swimming hole.

New programme now out for the summer

Now that summer is finally on its way, BOP Naturists have a new calendar showing this summer's events. To find out more about the group and to see what is planned for summer, email me now to join up and get your free monthly newsletter.

Polar Plunge 2012

The weather was perfect for the annual polar plunge at Katikati Naturist Park with a dozen or so Bay of Plenty Naturists celebrating the winter solstice by 'plunging' into the 11 degree pool. Their bravery was rewarded with some warm mulled wine and a recovery in the 40 degree spa pool.

Another great night at Oropi hot pools

The Bay of Plenty Naturists enjoyed another great night at the Oropi hot pools for their monthly 'Magical Monday'. Over 30 members of the group enjoyed the hot soak on the cool evening. Many then had a meal in the dining room beside the fire, returning to the pool to warm up again after dinner. It was nice to see so many members come along for their first evening with us. This is a monthly event is proving very popular amongst the group members, who all enjoy the social interaction with the friendly and welcoming people in the Bay of Plenty Naturists.

A weekend in Rotorua with the Bay of Plenty Sun Club

It was a great weekend for the BOP Sun Club’s outing to Rotorua, which included a walk up Rainbow Mountain, a hot swim at the ‘hot and cold’ pools, camping at Lake Rerewhakaaitu, a walk around Blue Lake (Tikitapu), camping at Lake Okareka and finishing with a walk around Hamurana Springs. We started by meeting at Rainbow Mountain where sixteen members of the group (nine were also members of BOP Sun Club, three from Rotota, and a couple from NUDVAN) set off up the mountain on a foggy morning. But above the fog the sky was blue and those who got to the top said it was actually warm enough to get their gear off for a photo (and longer). The view from above the fog extended as far as the snow capped Mt Ruapehu! After their descent, a local BOP Naturist took us to the ‘hot and cold’ natural thermal pools, aptly named as the water was hot and cold! However Peter (also confirmed by some of the locals) said that the water was much colder than normal. Once we took possession of the pools from the locals (who were frightened off by a group of naturists, even though we wore togs – to start with anyhow), we settled in for a hot soak but every now and then, the water let us down and went cold. But by moving slightly, the hot water returned (as well as the local rat who decided that Peter’s lunch was quite tasty)! After warming up in the hot pool, eight of the group arrived at a campsite by Lake Rerewhakaaitu for the night. Happy hour was convened beside the picture perfect lake as the sun went down. The next day, we toured around Lake Rerewhakaaitu, stopping off at the DOC camps on the shores of the lake. After lunch at Blue Lake, six of us walked around the lake which took 1½ hours, then headed to our overnight camp on the shores of Lake Okareka. Here we watched the sun go down and the moon come up, making good use of the DOC shelter on the shores of the lake for happy hour. Monday dawned to a cloudless sky so after morning tea in the sunshine beside the lake, four of us headed off to Hamurana Springs for a walk around this very scenic location. Lunch beside Lake Rotorua ended this very successful trip to Rotorua by the BOP Sun Club. This was a trial for future events to be held by the club, to which all members of BOP Naturists are invited. Although not truly a naturist event (well at this time of year, who would want to get their gear off anyhow), it was totally successful in getting together people with similar interests for a great time of socialising and outdoor events. Many more are planned around the greater BOP area and I look forward to seeing more members of the group at these future outings.

Join Bay of Plenty Sun Club at Rainbow Mountain

The Bay of Plenty Sun Club is going to Rotorua this Saturday for a walk up Rainbow Mountain (or the shorter less strenuous Crater Lake), and have invited all members of BOP Naturists to come along as well. Meet at the Rainbow Mountain carpark (on SH5 just past the SH38 turnoff to Murupara) about 11am Saturday for an early lunch before doing the walks. We will stay at one of the DOC camps in Brett Road, Lake Rerewhakaaitu (the larger one) on Saturday night ($6pp), go for a hot swim at Kerosene Creek (bring your togs just in case) and maybe if the weather is suitable go for a walk at The Redwoods or Lake Okareka on Sunday. If the weather is unsuitable for walking, we may stay at Waikite where there are hot pools (togs needed for the main pool - if staying, unlimited use of the main pools is included in the overnight charge, although they do have private pools). http://www.hotpools.co.nz/. If the weather is really bad, we will still be going but will look at more indoor events in Rotorua, so the plans will be dependent on the weather. If you can't find us but would like to join in, phone me on the BOP Sun Club phone on 027 440 5157.

Warm up at Oropi hot pools with us

Now that the winter nights are coming fast, why not join us for our monthly hot pool nights at Oropi hot pools in Tauranga. There is nothing better to warm you up than soaking for a few hours in the thermally heated

water with friendly people with the added bonus of being able to have a meal by the fire in the cafe if you wish. For more information contact me on bopnaturists@gmail.com.

Papamoa Beach day this weekend

The Aussies are complaining about the cold at Byron Bay for the annual naturist ANZAC cricket match against NZ. We will be going to Papamoa Beach this weekend, so lets show them who is tougher! High tide is about midday, so if you want to try your luck at fishing, go in the morning. However if you want to get some tuatuas (thats a shellfish for you Aussies) then you will need to stay for low tide

Mystery weekend revealed

Although most members didn't know where we were going for our mystery weekend, 26 turned up for a great weekend at the Bay of Plenty Sun Club.
The participants had to look out for clues along the way and then pick up more once they got to Matata. No-one got lost but one early bird got to Matata before the clues were put outside for pick-up.
After a sausage sizzle, 16 of us set out for a bush walk near Lake Rotoma. It was a pleasant walk along a 4WD track, with huge deep ruts, which had formed during the recent heavy rain. The circular walk took us to an old mill site amongst the Rotoma Forest.
After a communal BBQ, everyone settled in the clubhouse for some games such as Sjoelen, darts and a new card game called Saboteur, brought along by a new member of the group. Several of us had a go at this interesting game.
Next morning turned out drizzly but after a cooked breakfast, the rain didn't deter one couple from heading off to the Thornton River mouth to catch a fish. Unfortunately, the fish won that round! Other members went for a bush walk at the club grounds, while others sat around chatting until it was time to leave.
I would like to thank the BOP Sun Club for hosting the BOP Naturists for this weekend at their lovely grounds.

Mystery Weekend

This coming weekend is a mystery. It is so mysterious that even the members of the Bay of Plenty Naturists don't know where they are going.
The members do know that they will be camping at a retreat in the Eastern BOP. They know that they will be going on a bush walk, going fishing, and be given free 'goody bags'. They know that they will get a free sausage sizzle at lunchtime and have a communal BBQ Saturday night, play some new games and meet some fantastic people.
On Sunday they will have a cooked breakfast before going fishing (prizes for the biggest and smallest fish) before returning home.
They have to follow clues to their destination, only an hour from Tauranga and Rotorua.

Opoutere Beach Weekend

As usual, the Opoutere Beach weekend was great. The weather on Friday evening was warm enough for all to join together for a drink after a walk down the beach and it wasn’t until about 8pm that anyone thought about dinner!
Saturday was a little cooler with passing showers but that didn’t stop most heading down to the spit to try and catch a fish for breakfast. However, if we were waiting to have fish for breakfast we would have been disappointed.
After lunch, with the weather improving, we all went to the beach – some for a surf, some for a swim, some for a walk to the north end and one even put his kayak into the water and spent the afternoon paddling around the coastline. As it was very cold later in the evening, most retired for an early night to keep warm.
Having been granted a late checkout, and with waking to a clear sky on Sunday, the fishermen set off again but unfortunately there were still no fish forthcoming for breakfast, so we all headed off to the beach for some RnR and what a fantastic day it was. Some tried their hand at surfing, some people walked along the beach, some swam in the cool water and the fishermen watched other fishermen with kontikis pull in the fish! The kids had a ball too.

Parkover at Pyes Pa

On the Friday before our recent beach day, fourteen members of the group met at a member's lovely garden property at Pyes Pa and quickly settled into a possie amongst the trees for the weekend. After happy hour and a self-catered dinner, most sat around the fire talking as the evening cooled off.
The next morning we all headed off to the beach (see below post) and later that afternoon, we all regrouped at Pyes Pa for happy hour. A communal BBQ followed and thereafter we all sat around the fire until well after dark. There would have been over 30 people enjoying each others company there that night. We even had a couple from the ‘West Island’ who thoroughly enjoyed the beach day and hospitality of the group.
On Sunday morning, BOP Naturists provided a cooked breakfast, ably cooked by our naked chef Col. We were joined by others and about 30 of us headed off in several cars to go on the walk down the Mangorewa Stream (see below post).
On Monday (being a public holiday), 17 of us made a trip down to the Bay of Plenty Sun Club at Matata and enjoyed a relaxing day at their grounds, which included a bush walk, swimming, mini-golf and a new game that Barry brought along. Four of the group stayed on for a BBQ and three stayed overnight at the grounds.
It was a great weekend of naturism, helped by fantastic weather, fantastic people, fantastic scenery and socialising. Already members are calling for another similar weekend before summer ends!

A walk down the Mangorewa River gorge

On the Sunday after the beach day at Papamoa, and after BOP Naturists provided a cooked breakfast for all, ably cooked by our naked chef Col, the group were joined by some others, and 30 of us car pooled to the Mangorewa River between Rotorua and Tauranga. Peter, an avid outdoors fan, had organised this walk for us down the river gorge and we were not disappointed. Peter had warned us that we would be walking through water and over slippery rocks and he was dead right! After an hours walk au naturel, looking mainly at where we were putting our feet, we arrived at the most wonderful swimming hole, against a high cliff face. Here the sun was beating in as we had lunch on the warm flat rocks on the bank of the stream. Some braved the cold water for a swim. The scenery was stunning – the photos don’t do it justice really. And all this only half an hours drive from two major cities – magic! Several people had tumbles as the rocks got the better of their feet, but there was only one serious injury – a sprained ankle – just after we left the lunch stop to return to our cars. I really want to thank Peter and the other guys for helping our hobbling patient and the not-so-nimble members of the group. We couldn’t have done it without your help.

A 'Day Without Bathing Suits' at Papamoa Beach

Last Saturday dawned warm and sunny and Papamoa Beach was perfect for the annual 'Day Without Bathing Suits'. I must admit, I was bit concerned about possible trouble from the locals after huge media coverage but I needn’t have worried. Over 60 naturists, including over a dozen first timers, enjoyed a fantastic day of swimming and socialising. There was absolutely no trouble from the locals or public at all. In fact, very few people even walked past as we had settled well away from beach accesses and houses and those that did come by were not at all worried, some stopping to talk. You couldn’t even see houses from where we were, so it is still, despite what the locals say, an isolated part of the very long coastline. I put up the ‘Bare on the Beach’ flags, so we were well organised and certainly left no room for anyone to be ‘offended’. The Police received no complaints either.

Fun events for summer 2012

This summer, join BOP Naturists for beach days, fishing competitions, camp overs, bush walking etc in great locations around the BOP and Waikato. Our mystery weekend in March will also be a lot of fun.
Contact me now to find out more about these events.