Banks peninsula, New Zealand
THE WONDERFUL’S
25/4/23
While helping on a shoot for Will & Bear, I was invited to spend a few days in Banks Peninsula. I had never been to this little corner of the country and wasn’t too sure what to expect. 6 hours of driving later and we arrived at Camp Bay. We were told a buggie was the best option of transport to the hut and I started questioning whether “off grid” was just a nice way of saying there’s bugger all. After loading up our gear, we headed up the hill and were met with easily the best accommodation I’ve ever stayed at
The Fishermans hut was built during the depression in the early 1930's, clad in old pressed out Kerosene tins. Situated, well, about as close are you can to the ocean.
91 Toyota Corolla, 1.3L, 315,000
With a 1000 kilometre (621 mi) round trip, there was really no other option but to op for my other trusty stead. The Corolla tends to get 600 kms to a tank as apposed to the Land cruiser which… well it uses a lot
Originally an old fishing hut, the roughness and age of the place was by far the best part. From the kerosene tin cladding to the well used floor boards, this place clearly had more history than most. Wendy & Alex have been chipping away bit by bit getting this place back to its former glory, if not better. The attention to detail from the bench top to the light fittings, the painting of the pipe smoking old boy (a personal favourite).
We stayed here for a few days fishing, exploring the surrounding sights & collecting mussels off the rocks. Being able to harvest fresh mussels without getting wet is one of the many reason this hut is so special.
After eating our body weight in mussles we hit the hay.
Photo: @brookjames_
Mussel is the common name used for members of several families of bivalve molluscs, from saltwater and freshwater habitats. These groups have in common a shell whose outline is elongated and asymmetrical compared with other edible clams, which are often more or less rounded or oval.
Photo: @brookjames_
The following day, we ventured into the near by town of Lyttelton.
After getting our coffee fix we wandered the sloped streets taking in the sights. We were told about another hut on the property called the old school house. The issue, it involved a hike. Later in the day Alex let slip that he had a couple old farm bikes that if we started, we could take over the hill into the bay the schoolhouse was situated.
Half a can of brake cleaner, a couple screw drivers and running up the hill to try and bump start it we’d might as well just gone there on our own two feet. We gave it one final ditch attempt and the bike spluttered into life. What followed is one of the best rides I’ve done over rolling hills and sketchy farm tracks.
Cresting the last hill we looked down to see a ginger bread house sitting in its own private bay surrounded by hills with cargo ships scattered on the horizon.
Photo: @brookjames_
Dodging cow pats and deep channels cut from previous storms. We made it down to the bay and waited for the remaining party to arrive. After they arrived, the hut was opened, containing an array of bunk beds and solar powered lanterns. The school house was completely off the grid… this time, in the bugger all sense.
We woke to the sound of rain and the fresh storm rolling in off the sea. We decided we better hightail it out due to the deterioration of the tracks during heavy rain. We quickly packed our things into the bikes and made our way back over the hill, not without having some fun on the freshly groomed sand.
The ride back was pretty treacherous, with howling winds and slippery tracks we slowly worked our way across the hills. I was practically walking the bike at this point as the gusting wind was hell bent on seeing me roll back down to the bay.
After a few gate stops and some questionable riding we made it back to the hut. With the fire roaring and the wind making the chimney whistle like a flute. It was time for me to head back home.
The night was spent eating cheese and talking to Wendy & Alex about the plans they had, which there were no shortage. The School house was next up for the thoughtful love and care Wendy & Alex put into the Fishermans hut and by the sounds of it, its going to be an absolute treat.
The old school house, built in the 1883 for the settlers children. However it did teach me that I need to start packing more water.
Packing the trailer with our kit made easier with the Remote Projects canvas tarp to keep our gear safe from the rain.
Photo: @brookjames_
With bustling Christchurch in the distance we slowly made out way down the other side. Wind biting at our heels and dust burning our eyes, we were pretty keen on getting back to the hut..
“I’ll be back.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
A special thanks to Wendy, Alex and the kids for opening up their rugged paradise for us to explore and enjoy
