History – The joys of camping in 1898

Sadly, the Christmas weather may not have smiled on campers this year, yet in another time the early Albertland families, were often plagued by unwelcome weather when they discovered their own peaceful holiday beside the river and bush. They did not journey far. Instead, they loaded their boats with life’s small comforts and rowed quietly down the Oruawharo River, bound for a sheltered bay where time seemed to slow. There, days were spent fishing from the water’s edge, reading in the shade and wandering through familiar bush made new by adventure.

With no weather forecasts to guide them, these journeys depended on careful planning, watchful eyes on the sky, and cheerful spirits. Whatever the clouds might bring, there was always laughter, shared stories and the simple joy of being together in their own beautiful backyard.

On the morning of January 16 1898, the party rose at 4am to peer anxiously at dark, threatening clouds. Undeterred, they packed provisions and hurried to the punt waiting at Brooke’s Point. Their departure was delayed when Archie Brookes arrived racing down the beach with the tent on his back, while Ben Blackburn whistled and shouted in mock frustration.

They crossed to meet the Marsh family, whose preparations were just as chaotic. Harold and Jerome milked the cows while Ella packed food and dishes, glancing constantly at the sky. In their rush they forgot the butter and roast lamb, sending Jerome dashing back to the house. At last, with dog, gun, tents and carefully chosen supplies aboard – “everything but the kitchen sink” – the party also carried what custom demanded in turn-of-the-century New Zealand: a chaperone. This guiding presence was central to the excursion, safeguarding both the wellbeing and the reputation of the young travellers. The two punts set off together, taking turns to overtake one another along the way.

Reaching Motu Kumara, they walked half a mile around a small peninsula shaded by bush, peach trees and crimson pōhutukawa blossoms. Their campsite was a sheltered nook backed by a rock wall covered in ferns and creepers. After lunch, the group scattered – the girls gathered oysters while the boys hunted bait and fish. Soon they returned triumphantly with mullet, snapper and even a 60-pound stingray after a fierce struggle.

That evening they feasted on oysters, potatoes, pies and cake. Rain soon drove them into their tents, though sleep proved difficult. Archie and Harold were told to “shut up and go to sleep,” and eventually turned to composing dreadful poetry, while at midnight the whole camp awakened and rushed out to save the punt from rising water.

The next day dawned sunny, but windy. Some sketched, others gathered mussels or hunted rabbits. Hats blew into rivers, meals were cooked over open fires, and the evening ended with acrobatic displays on the beach. Singing and dancing again disturbed those who wanted to sleep.

On the third morning, calm and bright, the campers rose early, packed quickly and departed at six o’clock, giving three hearty cheers for Motu Kumara – “Hip, hip, hurrah!” – carrying home memories of rain, laughter and a holiday none would ever forget.