"Boxing Day was magical for us in the little piece of paradise that is the Tamaki Reserve. On our arrival we were all charmed by the antics of a pair of kereru feeding in the trees at the site.
"Our children, Karen, with husband Jason and children Joel and Carli, Mike and his wife Amanda and children Campbell, Carter, Katie and Sophie, and our son James were all over from Australia and really enjoyed getting together to relive the Tamaki barbecues we used to have when they were little.
''It was wonderful for the whole family to be together. This happens very rarely as Karen lives in Melbourne, Mike lives in Worongary on the Gold Coast and James in Perth.
"They all remarked on how great it was to walk through the bush and explore the wilderness without any fear of snakes."
The reserve is a lovely spot, the Shaffers said, but they feel it has been under-utilised since access was compromised by Cyclone Bola in 1988.
"It would be great for this to be improved and made safer for young and old alike," Mary said.
Her husband agreed.
"The walk in is short but crossing Dry Creek isn't easy for everyone, especially when carrying in picnic and barbecue supplies,'' Yurgen said.
''But the amenities are great - a four-bay rotunda with tables and seating and flush toilets a short distance away with running water and hand basins.
''The spot is very sheltered and pretty with a large grassed area surrounded by native bush," Yurgen said.
"Dannevirke is fortunate to have such a facility a short drive from town."
The Shaffers' youngest son, James, along with residents Dave Seatter and Bill Veale, put in some hard work in preparing the site for the family day out.
"I do hope the site receives more care and attention, including the track going in and out of Dry Creek," Yurgen said.
The Department of Conservation has a monthly maintenance schedule for Tamaki Rd and Allanah Irvine, DoC's Manawatu operations manager, said the Tamaki Rd end is a great place for people to access the Eastern Ruahine Forest Park.
"From the road end people can take a pleasant walk through native forest along the Rokaiwhenua Stream walk, while more advanced trampers can access the Ruahine Forest Park to visit places such as Stanfield Hut."
The grassy area at the road end is used by members of the public as a picnic area and a camp site and while people could previously get to the grassy area by vehicle, the washout a few years ago means vehicle access is no longer possible.
"We appreciate the efforts of the community to maintain parts of this area and look forward to identifying further opportunities to work with the community at this and other conservation sites."
Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said she would like to see the area feature more in promotion of the district and she was looking forward to her own visit to the reserve.
* The Palmerston North DoC office welcomes suggestions and feedback. The best way to do this is to email manawatu@doc.govt.nz or phone 06 350 9700.