Polar plunge

Twenty or so hardy (or foolhardy) souls celebrated the winter solstice at Katikati Naturist park on 25th June. Following a plunge in the 12 degree main pool, the sauna and spa pools were well used to warm up again. This was helped by a tot or two of warming port. This was a great social event on the BOP Naturists calendar in the middle of winter.

Another successful night at Oropi hot pools

Once again, over 40 naturists, who are members of BOP Naturists, spent a great night in June, soaking in the hot pools at Oropi. The best thing about this regular event is that we can also have a meal between soaking and socialising in the pools. The owner had the fire on so it was warm inside and out. Even so, a large group enjoyed their meal outside under the verandah. Another plus is that we don't have to get dressed for dinner!

CCS hot pool night and chinese smorgasbord

The recent evening at the CCS hot pool and the dinner afterwards at Chinatown was a great night, with seventeen locals joining seven from out of town who have not been to an event for a while. Thanks to those who travelled from a distance to attend. I think all who came enjoyed themselves. I know that whenever I leave Chinatown, I feel like I don’t want to eat ever again – until the next day!

Mid-winter get-together

BOP Naturists are inviting anyone who is interested in the naturist lifestyle to join us for a unique weekend at The Lazy Tramper, a lodge in the Kaimai Ranges, between Matamata and Tauranga (on the Tauranga side). It is set in a bush setting and if the weather allows, there are several bush walks in the Kaimai Forest Park, which start from The Lazy Tramper. Adjacent to the kitchen is a lounge/dining area, with a roaring fire that will keep us warm, even if it is wet and cold outside. There is another lounge/function area between both bunk houses, with comfy couches and a table tennis table. There are two bunk rooms with adjacent ablutions which sleep up to 40 people in single bunk beds. Both bunk rooms are centrally heated (turned on before arrival so the sleeping quarters are toasty warm). The bunk houses have 4 beds (2 bunks) in divided off areas, so it is reasonably private and are basic but comfortable. The lodge is very well appointed and very clean and tidy.

This fantastic weekend (July 30-31) is only $22.50 per person (children $10 each), with a limit of 40 people. This price includes free overnight accommodation and a cooked breakfast on the Sunday. As I have to pay a fixed price for the exclusive use of this facility, it is the same whether staying overnight or not. People need to bring their own sleeping bags, toiletries, etc, a meal to share for the pot luck dinner and their own drinks. As the lodge is only registered for 40 people, those coming must prebook with me and pay me in advance. Bookings and enquiries to Glenne at bopnaturists@gmail.com.

We are one year old!

Yes, doesn't time fly when you are having fun! BOP Naturists were formed a year ago this month and it has proven to be a very successful group.
I have been doing some stats on the group to show you how we are made up.
There are a total of 370 members, made up of 290 as couples and 80 singles. 43% are females. Members come from all over the country, with 12 from overseas, so is not limited to local naturists. Over 100 do not belong to any naturist club. The club with the highest number belonging to BOP Naturists is NZ Naturists with 90.
The group has held over 20 get-togethers over the year and lately between 30-40 people have been enjoying these and mixing with like-minded people. Places we have been to include hot pools (monthly), dinners, naturist clubs, private properties, lodges, beaches, and a DOC camp ground.
I hope to be able to carry on these types of activities over the following years and look forward to welcoming many more new people to the successful Bay of Plenty Naturists social group.

Oropi in April

Another great night at Oropi Hot Pools where, under a clear sky, BOP Naturists enjoyed socialising with members of the group from as far away as Christchurch, Wellington and Mangawhai.
Although the Oropi hot pools are on the market, we hope that we can convince the new owners that we would like to come back again and spend more time at this lovely location.

Kauaeranga Valley campout

Thirteen BOP Naturists had a great time camping in the bush in the Kauaeranga Valley, inland from Thames. We took over a corner at Catley’s campground, using the campervans as screening. We were well protected from anyone else who might turn up and some of us donned club uniform within our ‘circle’ as the weather dictated.
After Happy Hour and dinner on Friday night, we sat around the fire until it started drizzling. The next day dawned warm and mostly sunny, so ten of us decided to do the Wainora Kauri walk (3-4 hours return) – but they forgot to tell us in the brochures that it was a ‘stepped’ walk! I counted them on the way back and there are over 700 steps on the track (one way) so you can imagine that going up was pretty hard work! On the way up we had quite a few rest stops finally coming to a lookout with a great view of Table Mountain, which reared up in front of us. Just around the corner there was another lot of steps (downhill this time) to the first Kauri. We returned after taking some photos to prove that we were there.
We did a short walk and wandered down to the river in the afternoon. Some brave souls had a ‘swim’ – well a quick dip anyhow. As ‘Happy Hour’ dawned, a shower of rain came through, so we had it under the awnings but by dinner time, it cleared and then the stars came out. After dinner we all sat around the fire chatting, with Rok providing some mellow guitar music in the background. Magic!
The next day, Lyn, Ray, Rok, Col and I decided to punish our bodies again. After breaking camp, we drove to the end of the road and headed up towards the Pinnacles hut. On the track was the scariest swing bridge I’ve ever been on (mind you all swing bridges are scary for me). Putting my vertigo aside, I was encouraged(?) by the ‘team’ to use it or get my feet wet. Fortunately we all made it but the prospect of going over it again, made the return walk a daunting thought for me! I always hate ‘team building exercises’! After an hour or so, as the track changed from a bush walking track to a tramping track, we headed back to our vehicles, just as the heavens opened and dumped the heaviest rain of the weekend on us.