An exhibit from the Kauri Museum.
Elisabeth Easther talks to the CEO of the Kauri Museum, Matakohe.
My grandparents had a permanent caravan at the campground at Stillwater. There was just one black and white TV in the whole campground and we'd all watch afternoon cartoons on it. There was also a playground, but not
a lot else. There were mozzies, sand, prickles; we were always in bare feet.
My father was from Northland and I think he had something against going south of the Harbour Bridge, so we explored an awful lot of Northland. Strapped between my parents in the front seat of a V8 panel van, the views were spectacular. We'd sleep in the van too. It had little curtains down the side windows, a good mattress in the back and it was all set up with crockery and bits and pieces.
When you're a teenager, you don't think practically or long-term. One summer, I had about $15 in my bank account and I thought that would last me an entire week in Hahei. I didn't know who the place belonged to till we got there, a friend of a friend. But we packed everything in the car, plenty of liquid refreshments, and with just $15 to my name, off we trotted, and we had the most wonderful time.
I once tried to cross Foveaux Strait, on the ferry to Stewart Island, but nature was not playing ball and the boat was going vertical. There were school children screaming and throwing up, and eventually it was considered too dangerous to complete the crossing. That was an adventure, but it means I've never made it to Stewart Island. It's on my bucket list, although next time I think I'll fly.
