One of the stops we made along the way was Waikawau Bay on the Coromandel. Living in the Far North, Coromandel is a long way away, but the drive along the winding coastal road rivals any part of New Zealand for scenery and it screams "Fish!!" Around every corner was another bay with wash lapping on rocky outcrops, birds wheeling and diving; small wonder it is such a popular destination for campers and fishers alike.
After the drive along the western shore of Coromandel, we went up and over the ranges with three tonne of boat barely slowing our progress, geez my Jeep can tow!
When we arrived at our pad in Waikawau, Kerren and Dave who had gone ahead greeted us at the gate with a Lion Red in hand and a grin from ear to ear "You've got to check out this place bro!" Kerren was talking about the Woolshed that we'd be staying at on the Denton's family farm. From the outside it looked just like a woolshed, it even smelled like a woolshed, that unmistakable lanolin smell with a hint of dried sheep poo odour. But inside it was no ordinary wool shed; it was the ultimate man cave.
Walking through the roller door the first thing you notice is the paraphernalia - rugby posters, fishing photos, hunting photos and maybe a hundred pig jaws filled up every available bit of wall space. The pool table, dartboard and table tennis table provide entertainment, and a huge double door beer fridge keeps the essentials cold. The only thing that looked a little out of place was the laptop loaded with hundreds of songs that powered the pumping sound system; I bet there have been some ripping parties here! Outside is a big deck with plenty of seating that overlooks the two fish smokers, filleting bench and cattle yards. The remarkable thing about this shed is that it is still a working woolshed, and it is has obviously been passionately converted into its other purpose by a good keen man. You could see the sparkle in the eye of the proprietor, Paul as he leaned on a bar leaner, beer in hand, and reluctantly regaled us with hunting and fishing yarns that we'd coaxed him into telling us. His land must be worth millions, but I bet you won't see him sell up; he's living in paradise already.
There are the most amazing people and places out there, and fishing is a great way to get to know the characters and country, so get out there.
Keep ‘em tight
Matt Watson
