Wairarapa campsite quiet but fun

C'EST VRAI: Pierre Gentile (back left) and Julie Ledanois from Brittany, France, with their Guide for Frogs of New Zealand and peanut butter.

The usually "chokka" Mount Holdsworth campground was quieter this summer, according to its new live-in ranger.

Department of Conservation ranger Henry Campbell thinks the weather played a part in keeping holidaymakers away.

"New Year was our busiest but it has been relatively quiet," he said.

Mr Campbell, who was previously at DoC's field base on South Rd, moved to Mount Holdsworth last September and will be there for a minimum of two years.

"Previous years have been chokka," he said.

Despite low numbers, Mr Campbell has still been involved in a rescue.

On New Year's Eve, seven trampers set out for the Atiwhakatu Hut on a day trip and were not back at 11pm.

A friend of the trampers alerted Mr Campbell, who loaded up and found the group about 1km in at the Donnelly Flat picnic and campsite.

The group had been dressed in T-shirts and day clothing, but all made it back.

Holidaymaker Rod Gully has been camping at Mount Holdsworth since Sunday, with his two daughters and their friends.

"We try and get out here every year. It's the best place for kids," he said.

"It's just a really nice spot and it's really well looked after."

French travellers Pierre Gentile and Julie Ledanois were making their way around New Zealand campsites when the Times-Age caught up with them.

They decide where to go using a French guidebook to New Zealand.

They said they were surprised by the amount of wind at Mount Holdsworth but were also enjoying the sun.

The pair had just come from Castlepoint on Sunday.