Hello,got home yesterday from a week away down by Whakatane, we live at Papamoa, [not a long way to go] but sometimes the best is at your feet. We stayed three nights in the Ohope Top Ten. A real family camp ground with good rates at this time of the year, and right on the beach. Fished two high tides for no reward. The long liners weren.t getting anything either. Drove down to Ohiwa for a look but that was the "wet" day. We came back up to Thornton Beach Camp, at the mouth of the Rangitaiki. Lots of white baiters, and unfortunately, lots of wind and weed. Lost a lot of line and end gear, so had to finish off the red wine and home brew instead. This is a really good camp, new owners since April, and again, good rates. Great situation for fishing, either K's in the river mouth, whitebait [not a lot] and handy to home. I can see us using the camp again, or even just driving down for a fish, 60k's from home.
Re: Camp grounds.
Posted by Hangler on 15/9/2015, 1:03 pm, in reply to "Camp grounds."
Druid, have you tried Murphy's motor camp, about one km short of Matata northern end? When I lived in the BOP this had an excellent reputation and the fishing in that area was exceptional. Fish could be taken right in front of the camp, walk down the beach toward Matata and the general fishing, especially on a night with no moon was brilliant. Take a drive about three km north and you would be at Pikowhai, I ran out of superlatives for this area years ago. As an aside in front of the camp is the only place I have ever caught snapper on squid strips. This is not a favourite bait of mine and I used it as an optional extra. The snapper would not take anchovies, most unusual, and I have no idea why they suddenly decided squid was a good alternative.
I can't give you any idea of the camp charges because I am going back about eight years but to stay in this camp then you were right in the heart of a surf fishing mecca.
As a matter on interest, with the camps you have mentioned do you have to supply your own bedding and can you give a rough idea of the camp charges? I am seriously thinking of a trip to that area early in the new year.
By the way a good report, nice to read something new on this site, quite refreshing.
Re: Camp grounds.
Posted by The druid on 15/9/2015, 2:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Camp grounds."
Hi Hagler, We stayed three nights at Murphies in late July and two nights at the DOC in Matata. I agree both sites were very fishy, unfortunately, they were too smart for me. We have a motor home, not flash, but it's ok, even in winter. We got a deal on the computer at Ohope, half price, three nights cost us $60 for a power site. No deal at Thornton, $76 for a power site for two nights. When it gets warmer, an unpowered site is ok but we need the heater in winter. Not sure about the linen, but I'm pretty sure it's all supplied. After all, they're usually catering for tourists. Incidentally, the owner at Thornton Beach told me that's where the "by invitation" comp is later in the month.
Re: Camp grounds.
Posted by Charlie on 15/9/2015, 2:49 pm, in reply to "Re: Camp grounds."
We always use DoC camps have a pop up camper and awning and are fully contained have our own water,toilet,gas fridge,cooker,shower etc. Have camped at most DoC camp sites very cheap and most have beach boundary.There is a camp site at the start of the straight before Pikowai it's between the railway lines and the beach they have an honesty box system only $5-00 per night I think that's per vehical only draw back is that you must be self contained.It is owned by Kiwirail.
Re: Camp grounds.
Posted by Hangler on 15/9/2015, 3:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Camp grounds."
If my wife and I go that way for a few nights, we will want to stay in a cabin, we do not have a motor home or a camper/caravan.
I will try Mr Google, he can be very helpful and if I find anything that may be of interest I will add it to your thread.
Re: Camp grounds.
Posted by Hangler on 15/9/2015, 3:48 pm, in reply to "Camp grounds."
I have just checked out Murphy's camp on the internet and found the charges rather confusing, I gave up and phoned.
They have a tourist flat and tourist cabins, some have ablution facilities, whilst others do not. The tariff is quoted $35.00 or $40.00 per night, adult, and this is where the confusion came in. I phoned to ask if this is per adult meaning you double the cost for a husband and wife?
I was very surprised when I was told yes, either $70.00 or $80.00 per night for a couple.
I have to say as you need to supply all your own bedding, especially for accommodation that may not even have a toilet, to be expensive ... make that very expensive.
There are motels around that charge little more than that per night for couples, in fact I have a few within a kilometer of where I live.
Each to his or her own, I would look elsewhere.
Re: Camp grounds.
Posted by BobB on 16/9/2015, 8:57 am, in reply to "Camp grounds."
Motels for me. I like my Hot Shower and good bed. Had my time of sleeping in the back of the 4WD.
on 14/9/2015, 2:01 pm