Christmases past at Orewa Beach

with Ruth Olsen
Silverdale and Districts Historical Society

The camping ground at the southern end of Orewa Beach has long been a favourite for summer holidays. Long time resident Robin Grover recalls Christmas holidays there in the 1940s when the camping ground was much smaller, there was a pine plantation between the camp ground and the surf club and masses of yellow lupins (planted in the hope of stabilising the sand) on the foreshore. The tracks though the lupins were perfect for small children and the tangy scent of pines and lupins, together with the strident sound of cicadas on a hot summer’s day, were a never-to-be-forgotten part of the holidays.

Robin’s family lived in Auckland and journeying to Orewa in the days before the Harbour Bridge was a major undertaking. People either had to cross over to Devonport on the vehicular ferry or drive round the harbour through Henderson and Riverhead. Robin’s father borrowed a truck to transport the family’s large rented tent, which had its own wooden floor, together with their camp equipment. Apple boxes served as cupboards and cooking was done on a small oil stove. There was no refrigeration, but a meat safe on a nearby tree kept things cool.

A camp store across the road, where the iSite now stands, catered for the needs of campers as the main shopping centre was at Silverdale several kilometres away and very few people owned cars.

One highlight each year was corralling fish off the beach. Three men set out a long fishing net in a large circle and all the bystanders helped pull it in. The net was always heavy with a huge swirling mass of fish which were sold to the campers.

Many years later Robin’s family had a bach at the northern end of the beach and Robin recalls bringing their pet lamb with them from Auckland. The lamb was devoted to Robin’s mother and followed her everywhere. It created quite a sensation when it insisted on swimming beside her in the sea.

Image: Robin’s family tent at Orewa was at the heart of wonderful summer holidays.

Museum News

Pioneer Village’s summer hours: December to February – 10am–3pm every day except Tuesdays. 1860 Chapel and gardens available for weddings. Annual Garage Sale – Saturday, February 12 (donations welcome)