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- By David Mallowes
The Tasman Holiday Park Miranda hot pools are our favourite weekend away destination,about 45 minutes from Pukekohe.
Yes, the public hot pools are long gone, but the park pools are superb and there are numerous family activities and some short walks waiting.
Explore further along the coast – a 1km birdwatching loop track at the Robert Findlay Wildlife Reserve, maybe continue along the 10km of coastline Hauraki Rail Trail path past the Pukorokoro Shorebird Centre to Kaiaua, even take time for kayaking or fishing. The seaside village of Kaiaua is a great rest stop to sample the excellent Kaiaua Fisheries burgers, or relax at the often-busy classic pub.
So much to see and do, all within a two-hour return drive from Pukekohe.
Walkers, keep the regional parks on your radar too: Waharau, Tawhitokino, Tapapakanga, Waitawa, Duder, Omana, Clevedon Scenic Reserve.
Then there are the beaches to stroll along – Kaiaua, Orere Point, Kawakawa Bay, Mataitai Bay, Umupuia, Maraetai, Omana, Sunkist and more.
Motorhomers, you may choose one night at the park and another at the Kaiaua NZMCA park which we rate as one of the best, or freedom camp at Ray’s Rest.
What else do we love about the holiday park aside from three or four swims in a day (you do need to stay to enjoy these and the pools)?
Cabins large and small, motorhome sites, camping in summer, a huge kitchen and indoor dining area, large outdoor barbecue area and tables, and then all of the activities – mini golf, frisbee golf, pickleball court, outdoor chess, outdoor table tennis, skate ramp, enchanted forest walk, open areas for games and picnics, flying fox, children’s playground, BMX/pump track, 1km jogging and cycling track, pedal carts, bike hire, private hot tubs, awesome burgers and coffee (check open hours).
And, none of these facilities ever seem to be overcrowded, we love it!
For more information and printable maps, visit Facebook page WalksOutEast.
