Abdinz

This trip wasn’t planned at all. One random morning I woke up, filled up the tank, packed my camping gear, and decided to hit the road from Hamilton to Tauranga. No schedule, no bookings – just me, my car, and a loose idea of where I wanted to end up.

I stopped in Rotorua on the way for a quick break and coffee before heading straight to the coast. That moment when you first smell the ocean again after a long drive – that’s when I knew this was going to be a good trip.

Papamoa Beach Vibes

Papamoa Beach was my first stop, and honestly, I could’ve stayed there the whole time. Long morning walks along the shore, surfers catching waves, and that laid-back coastal vibe that makes you forget what day it is. I spent the evening doing a small beach BBQ – nothing fancy, just grilled sausages, music from my car, and the sound of waves rolling in.

Te Puke & Kaituna Reserve

From Papamoa, I cruised down to Te Puke and checked out Kaituna Reserve. The scenery there was unreal – calm rivers, birds everywhere, and that peaceful feeling you only get when you’re surrounded by nature. I didn’t have a plan for where to camp each night, so I kept checking posts from Facebook travel and camping groups. Honestly, those communities were a lifesaver – full of hidden gem suggestions and friendly advice.

Coastal Wandering – Pukehina to Pikowai

Next came Pukehina and Pikowai Beaches. Both were amazing in their own way — quiet, wide open, and perfect for fishing or just chilling out. I tried a bit of surfing (not great at it but had fun), went fishing, and cooked my catch by the beach. There’s something about eating food you caught yourself while watching the sun set that just hits different.

Matata DOC Campsite – My Favorite Spot

If I had to pick one favorite place from the trip, it would be Matata DOC Campsite. It’s tucked right along the beach, super peaceful, and has that untouched kind of beauty that makes you want to stay forever. I woke up to the sound of waves and brewed coffee while watching the sunrise – probably the best moment of the whole trip. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget about everything else and just be.

Wrapping It Up

This trip reminded me that sometimes the best adventures happen when you don’t plan anything at all. I met kind people, saw incredible places, and reconnected with the simple stuff – the road, the sea, and a bit of quiet time away from everything.

If you ever get the urge to just take off for a few days, do it. Trust me, fill the tank, grab your tent, and let the road surprise you. You never know – you might just find your own little slice of peace like I did at Matata.