EASTERN Bay of Plenty Hunt members spent the weekend at Manawahe rustic camping, eating great food, telling tales and playing guitars in the woolshed – as well as going for daily rides.

Matata farmer Brent Mountfort hosted the riders at his Herepuru Road property woolshed.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Hunt president Margaret Wright said 65 riders took part in the event, which started on Thursday and continued over the weekend.

“It was a good weekend, even if it was wet on the Friday,” she said.

“Not able to see much in the rain, we had to be extra careful riding.”

She said they were grateful for the support they received from Mr Mountfort and surrounding landowners.

The main camp was set up around the Mountfort woolshed, located among a nice stand of trees.

The visitors went off for rides each day, packing a lunch and staying out the day.

Linda Virbickas said they rode across three properties during their stay.

“They do a different ride each day – and from up there, the views were beautiful,” she said.

Her husband, Bernard, was responsible for the evening dinner with chicken, pig and lamb on the menu.

“We are famous for a few things, including the spit-roast meat cooked by Bernard over coals – it’s cobbled together with corrugated iron,” Mrs Wright said.

“He’s also set up showers in two old horse floats, with a Marshall heater.”