NORTHLAND: KAURI COAST

We called in to the Kaiwaka sports complex at the end of winter to check out their overnight parking facility.

We were pleasantly surprised to find a spacious area alongside the tennis courts, with  a long seating bench, and outdoor tables, perfectly placed for outside eating.

There is some shelter from a hedge of trees on the other side of the parking area, and, on a sunny afternoon, everything looked bright and cheerful.

No-one was using the complex on a Thursday afternoon, but I imagine that it might get quite busy in the weekends. A phone call to Jaques Four Square ahead of time would sort out what nights are busy. Ph: 09 431 2227

A welcoming sign posted on the tennis court fence advised that we could make use of the showers in the complex for a small $5 fee paid to the Four Square grocery store across the main road.

Of course, a $25 deposit is required to encourage return of the keys, and a voluntary donation is also requested. Given the quality of the setting, a small donation is a very reasonable request.

So, if you want a really nice, low cost location to park overnight, not far from a grocery store, and with good showers, the Kaiwaka Sports Association are hard to beat!