Hangdog is,
and always was, a work-in-progress project set up with the intent to provide
cheap and easy camping to those climbers who don't mind living a little
rougher, a little dirtier, and might even cook their own meals once in
a while.
Its immediate proximity to the limestone crags of Paynes Ford (5 minutes
walk to the nearest cliff), makes it the perfect base for a day, week
or months long climbing holiday; and
there happens to be an awful lot of people out there who put the climbing
over comfort. To accommodate these folks the campground was created to
be, in two words, cheap and basic (was that three words??). The facilities
are minimal, the cost is minimal, the company is usually very entertaining
and the setting is unbeatable. Did we mention that there is a clear flowing
river with what has often been called "the best damn swimming hole
in NZ" less than a minute walk away? Now THAT'S luxury.
The camp runs
on an easy going honesty system- once you are signed into the books you
can stay as long as you like and its up to you to try and pay up once
a week or so. We really hate hassling people for money and considering
our rates, its not much to ask that you be honest and get yourself some
good karma into the bargain.
There are basically two options for staying at Hangdog:
Camping, or the Gay Carabiner Bunk House. The rates and facilities for
each are as follows:
Cost: $6.00
per night per person. Kids 12 and under are free.
The camping is a mix of open grass and tree-sheltered terrain, with much
carefully planted, planned and friendly foliage around for RESPECTFUL
use to tie up tarps, hammocks and other such ingenious inventions.
Facilities: There is a small cook shelter
if the weather turns bad, but try to bring something for this instance
as this shelter gets pretty cosy with 20 or more people. Cooking
facilities are NOT provided so you will need to be prepared. *NOTE:
The cooking facilities in the Bunkhouse are for Bunkhouse patrons ONLY.
There are two private toilets to be used by all, as well as a men's pee
shack. During peak summer madness these facilities can often become strained,
but extra loo's can be found in the Paynes Ford Reserve- a 5 min walk
away.
Onsite drinking water is pure and plentiful, so
there is no need to buy any. But as always we ask people to be respectful
of this precious resource.
There is a single shower available for a honesty charge of $1 to be
paid with your camping, please keep these brief as this is a popular
facility. The river is usually the first choice of most people for self
maintenance, although shampoo and laundry detergent in the river is
not encouraged by any means.
For those who like fresh food and cold beer, there are also a couple of
fridges on site that usually work most of the time; again when we are
busy space becomes VERY scarce in these so please be prepared to go without
for a while.
Other facilities include an awesome fire circle for cooking/ social entertainment-
now with a brand new grandstand for extra seating!! Thanks Tom.
Space for playing hacky, soccer, yoga etc, and there is a fantastic menagerie
of speedy push bikes that are free for use to take to Takaka and back-
BUT NOT FOR THE CRAG.
Reservations: There
are NO reservations for the camping. 90% of the year you are totally
safe to turn up and pitch your tent. Mid
December to late Jan can vary but you definitely want to have a back
up option if you are planning on coming at this time. If you turn up
unlucky there are a couple of options we will be able to suggest. BACK
TO TOP.
Cost: $14.00
per night per person. Kids prices to be negotiated.
Capacity: 11 to 14 people depending on how cosy folks want to get.
The Bunkhouse (fondly known as the Gay Carabiner) is a cute wee construction
near the entrance to the campground. Situated with a superb view of the
parking lot and a brilliant rain proof verandah, it has more comforts
than a self-titled drifter can shake a cat at. It is a popular choice
for the school groups who often stay here, any families with children,
and anyone not diggin' sleeping in a flooded tent when the weather packs
in.
Facilities: This luxury lodging is comprised of a central communal
kitchen, two dormitory style bunk rooms and a nifty upstairs loft area.
Free with this is a clean toilet, hot water shower and a very marginal
sounding piano.
Kitchen- Supplied cooking facilities, running hot and cold water
that is totally drinkable and rather yummy, a fridge/freezer and most
basic facilities needed to cook, eat and clean up afterwards.
Sleeping- Please remember that this is set up dormitory style and
there are no private quarters. Mattresses are provided, but sleeping bag/
sheets and pillow is up to you.
Sanitation- Basic toilet, hot water, gas shower and even a mirror!!
What more could you want..??
Reservations: We do take bookings for the
Bunkhouse, and we recommend this for all times of the year. Throughout
the year there are often school groups and others who prefer a warm
building to a tent on a cold winters night.
*A note- Partying in the Bunkhouse is often a lot riskier than
in the camp- there are usually respectable people trying to sleep and
the Manager's quarters are directly next door so if you are keen for some
drinks try the verandah or if that doesn't work, head to the fire circle.
BACK TO TOP.
The Office: The Office is a pretty important part of the camp: It's where you pay. It's easily found, being adjacent to the bunkhouse (on your left as you drive into camp). In here you will most like find one- or a combination of- Troy, Daphne, and Jayden- our most wonderfully friendly and capable camp managers. They will sign you in, get you comfortable, let you know what's up and hopefully answer any questions you might have. Also available in the office is a variety of products including: Climbing gear for hire, climbing guide books for the local crags, a few catalogues of top quality climbing and outdoors gear that can be ordered for great prices, some locally made organic honey, and a few idea givers for those who fancy a change of scenery.
Cars:
There is on site car parking at Hangdog, however, it is severely limited
and every season we are filling up more and more with traveller and
backpacker vehicles. We ask that people think twice about bringing their
vehicles to Hangdog, and please car pool when coming for the day. Hangdog
is conveniently located to most necessities- it's an easy 20-30 minute
walk to town, and we have a wild selection of free-for-use camp bicycles
that'll make every trip an adventure.
For those who are sleeping in their vehicles there a couple of nice
spots we try to keep reserved for you- but in summer... no promises.
Rubbish:
Rubbish is a big one for us and its simple: CONTAIN IT AND DEAL WITH
IT.
Council rubbish bags are available from the office for $2.00, and these
are collected once a week. Other than this, your rubbish MUST leave
with you. For those with a vehicle the transfer station is only a 10
minute drive away.
There is, of course, a fairly efficient recycling system going on for
glass, aluminium, plastic and paper that also gets delivered once a
week to the local depo.
Environment:
Hangdog is located on the edge of a conservation reserve in the heart
of what could be called one of the most scenic, alternative and eco
friendly communities in the country, and as such there is a very strong
emphasis on environmental conservation. Any outdoors person caught disrespecting
his or her environment will be doing the collective camp dishes for
a week. Water should be used sparingly, recycling is a must, living
trees are not firewood, and the ground is not your ashtray.
For more environmental info on the Paynes Ford reserve and the surrounds,
click
here.
Respect: Everyone is always looking to have a good time while on their holiday/ travels, but we all need to remember that one persons good time is another's really unsatisfactory sleep. Personal spaces can often become diminished over the busy season in camp, and everyone needs to do their part to keep it happy, friendly, fun and clean. When using facilities always try to "leave it how you found it", with others try to "treat them as you'd like to be treated", and please, if there's a problem, feel free to tell management. The river, nearby beaches and various pubs around make great alternatives to having a late night instead of keeping up those who'd rather be sleeping. BACK TO TOP.
Please:
NO DOGS- We love the things but they make a real mess. This is non-negotiable.
MUSIC- Past dark/10pm there is to be NO electronic music in camp. Any base frequencies are really annoying to the neighbors- camp and local alike. Bust out the guitar, triangle or coconut and have a ho-down but please, keep it respectful.
SPEED LIMIT- This is to be kept to 5km per anum (really really friggin slow) as there is often children, other vehicles and vacant minded hippies around every corner.
ALCOHOL/ DRUGS- Basically do what your gonna do but keep it respectful. We do not condone the use of any drugs in Hangdog, and if substances start getting out of hand, steps will be taken. However, the camp is often the home of many a social evening and everyone is encouraged to have fun.
Thanks and Enjoy!!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
