Totara Reserve draws campers

CAMPERS and picnickers have zeroed in on Totara Reserve Regional Park this summer and turned the Pohangina Valley attraction into one of the most popular holiday spots in the Manawatu District.


Caretaker Kelly Williams said the park was “humming” over the Christmas-New Year period and visitor numbers were the best since floods devastated the area in February 2004.


Ms Williams said about 40 tents had been pitched on the campground and inside a newly-formed stopbank that swept around the site from the gateway to Camp Rangi Woods.


“Although a lot of our regulars were back this year, including one Foxton family who always stay two weeks, there were many new faces as well, which is good to see,” she said.


An extensive work programme aimed at enhancing the park’s appeal is now underway, with the stopbank and landscaping work already drawing commendable comment from the campers.


Ms Williams said the large numbers ensured a trouble-free New Year’s Eve, with up to 200 people enjoying the celebration, but there was still the odd problem with people lighting fires and ignoring the “No dogs” signs.


Among those visiting the park were Jane and Wayne Higgison, of Ashhurst, who over-nighted for the first time and delighted in such a “fantastic, unspoilt” resource at their doorstep.


“The children really enjoy it,” said Mr Higgison, “with the swimming, the nearby glow worm caves and the bush walks all added activities.”


Horizons Regional Council’s Biodiversity and Water Quality Manager, Alistair Beveridge, also spent four days at the park and enjoyed the relaxed, laidback, family-orientated atmosphere.


“It was stunning – really nice. And the birdlife was amazing, with a bellbird, tui and wood pigeon visiting a nearby tree as we were putting up our tent.”

About 50 vehicles were expected at the camp for a motor home rally on Anniversary Day weekend and with the current spell of warm, dry weather set to continue large crowds are also expected on Waitangi Day and Easter.


Further developments at the park include a multi-purpose building that will serve as an office-information centre (incorporating toilet and shower units), the establishment of caravan hot points, water and sewage system connections and drainage improvements.


Manawatu District Council Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said improved facilities at the Putai Ngahere Reserve (Vinegar Hill) riverside camping ground had also drawn a good number of campers during the holiday period.