The Journey Begins

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a road trip—especially when it’s the first real adventure in the new-to-me VW Mulitvan, aptly named Van Diesel. With the essentials packed, a spot booked at Marokopa Holiday Park, and 260 kilometres of open road ahead, I was ready for a Friday night adventure. The plan was simple: drive to the campsite, catch some sleep, and wake up bright and early to shoot the Te Anga Falls. This was my first time venturing here, so let the adventure begin!

The Joys of Auckland Traffic

Battling through Auckland traffic on a Friday night is always fun; add some rain, and it becomes even funnier… said no one ever. As I inched out of the city, the traffic began to ease, and the miles started to pass. With BBC Radio 2 blasting summer tracks—strangely incongruous with the dark, rainy evening—I sang along, determined to keep the spirits high despite the fog rolling in.

Arriving at Marokopa

I reached Marokopa at exactly 22:01. After a quick wrestle with my Kiwicash fob and a brief confusion about finding spot number 35, I realised I had the whole campsite to myself. Perfect! Or so I thought. I parked, plugged in my campsite lead, and… no power. WTF? Luckily, it was relatively warm, and I wasn’t in the mood to mess around in the pouring rain. Window blinds were in, the bed was made, and it was time to sleep. Did I sleep well? Eh, not exactly. The wind and rain were relentless, and I kept banging my head due to a poorly set-up bed. This will all become easier with experience.

Morning Madness

I woke to the sound of my alarm, quickly realising it was still raining. Jo, my fantastic wife, rang to check in, offering much-needed moral support. After a quick chat, it was time for coffee. I flung open the side door, stepped onto the grass, and immediately regretted wearing socks with my Crocs. Coffee waits for no man!

Off to Marokopa Falls

Fully caffeinated and clad in waterproof gear, I set off for Marokopa Falls, just 16 kilometres away. Upon arrival, I found myself the sole visitor. The first sight of the falls was breathtaking; at 35 meters high, these fan tail falls are, to date, the most impressive I’ve seen in New Zealand. However, the muddy conditions and limited shooting spots posed a challenge. I wasn’t about to risk getting too close to the river, so I made do with the few vantage points available.

Reflections and Future Plans

With the shots in the bag, it was time to head home and plan my next trip. My personal feedback from this adventure: I enjoyed the planning and the process of capturing these images. There was no rush, and I relished every moment, even the coffee break in a rainy bay. Next time, I’ll refine my bed setup, pack extra socks, and perhaps choose a less rainy weekend.

Until Next Time

Van Diesel’s first real road trip was a mix of highs and lows, but every moment was worth it. Here’s to more adventures, better weather, and fewer head bumps. Stay tuned for the next instalment of my van life escapades!