Dannevirke camping ground a slice of paradise, visitors say

Wal and Sue Cooper from Waikanae, enjoying breakfast in their caravan at the Dannevirke Camping Ground. The couple have been visiting for six years. Photo / Christine McKay

Dannevirke's camping ground is a special spot to spend a long weekend, visitors say.

"We've been coming for four years. It's a brilliant camping ground and Kim [Spooner, manager] is excellent," Wal Cooper from Waikanae said.

"This is a great place to chill out. Until now we've both worked six days a week, but now we are in our 70s, so we're working just three days a week and enjoying time out in the caravan. We've done the hard yards and now it's time to play."

But Wal and wife Sue also like to get out in the countryside while they are here, taking to their tandem bike to tour.

"We take all the back roads and ride up to 100km on a trip," Wal said.

Sue and Wal Cooper of Waikanae, on their tandem bike heading out to tour Dannevirke during their stay at the camping ground. Photo / Christine McKay

For Sue, one of the advantages of caravaning is being able to pack up and take their life with them.

"We go away every second or third weekend and it's a great life/work balance," she said.

Spending time at the Dannevirke Camping Ground, with friends, Bruce and Helen Marsden, also from Waikanae, the Coopers said the experience is made all the better by spending social time with Kim and her husband Shane.

The Marsdens agree the Dannevirke Camping Ground is a beautiful spot, a slice of paradise.

Helen and Bruce Marsden relaxing at the Dannevirke Camping Ground over the long weekend.Photo / Christine McKay

"It's restful and we love blobbing and doing our own thing," Helen said.

"And we think Dannevirke has had the best weather of anywhere over this long weekend. It's great. We tiki toured around the area and visited local cafes and restaurants. It's a shame we have to go back to work."

The camping ground was full over the long weekend, with a group of 35 people from Wainuiomata, in 12 vans, with four families under canvas enjoying the peace and tranquillity.

Campers from Wainuiomata make the most of the beautiful surroundings at the Dannevirke Camping Ground. Photo / Christine McKay