Before I bore everyone with even more of
my hundreds of photos taken during my break in the north, I simply must
let anyone who might plan a stay up north know about Utea Park.
Paul
and Tanya are hosts with the Far North touch. There is nothing learned
or contrived about their hospitality. They are a humble, down to
earth, hard working couple who are creating their dream to share their
piece of paradise with like minded people. Their welcome is warm and
just wraps around you, so that you know they are happy you are there and
enjoying what they love.
Their property sits alongside Utea Pa and takes its name from that landmark. And it's from the top of the pa that you get the best view of what they have to offer.
Our
little cabin was beside their home (on the right of the shot). A bit closer
to the beach is what they refer to as the Club house or the Common Room
with cooking facilites, showers and toilets. And the little huts.
The Common Room can be used by anyone staying in the huts or camping in the grounds.
So, if you like a bed but don't mind sharing your cooking and bathroom facilities, these cute little huts would be ideal.
They
are just big enough to hold a double bed and bunks. All the buildings
are new and built by Paul, just bring your own blankets. Our little cabin was surprisingly warm, so I'd say the huts are too.
And the charge? There is no charge. Just a sign by the entry that says:
I'm not going to try to explain the meaning of the Maori custom of Koha but Wikipedia says: From a very practical standpoint, if visitors came a calling, the host
was expected to provide hospitality of food, beds in the communal
sleeping hall and appropriate attention and honours – something that
could be difficult in lean times when food was scarce, so a visiting
party might offer food as Koha. So Paul and Tanya offer
shelter to anyone who seeks it but if the recipient of their
hospitality had something to offer to repay them for their kindness,
they would accept it. Paul told us when we met him last year that they
appreciated native plants as Koha so that was what we took.
They don't advertise their park anywhere, no website, just a phone number. Perhaps one day they will become more commercial but I hope not. Word will spread amongst those who love places like this - I know it!
taking it easy at the top of the pa
