Hawkes Bay Naturist Club

The International Naturist Federation describes Naturism as "...a way of life in harmony with nature, expressed through social nudity, linked to self-respect, tolerance of differing views together with respect for the environment."

Naturism is the practice of going nude, especially in a mixed social setting, and is a lifestyle choice. Another term for it is 'nude recreation'. It gives a feeling of freedom and, for many, social nudity is personally liberating. Through it, we come not only to accept ourselves but others as well.

Naturist clubs offer a safe, family-friendly environment for people of all ages to experience the joys of naturism. Like most clubs in NZ we allow newcomers several visits to get used to naturism. The expectation is that when suitable weather conditions prevail and you feel comfortable, you will shed your clothes. From a hygiëne aspect, naturist clubs do not usually allow bathing suits to be worn in the pool, spa or sauna, but once you have experienced the joy of swimming naked you won’t want to wear them anyway.

First time going natural
We at Hawkes Bay Naturist Club understand that for some people who have never dared to bare before, this can be a very nervous time for you.
Our advice to you is....RELAX!
We have all been there and know what it is like. Here are a few pointers to help and support you. After your first time, you may wonder what all the worry was about.

First timers FAQ…

Our 4.5 hectare property is named "Rapere", a composite NZ Maori name, [Ra = sun, Pere = Bell], in honour of our founding President Norman Bell.

Part of the land is flat and laid out in lawns with a clubhouse, lodge, swimming pool, games courts, children's play area and camping sites. The rest is rolling hills with lots of trees where members have permanent baches (cabins) and caravans with attractive views over our grounds and surrounding countryside.

Members and visitors are welcome at Rapere at any time but Sunday is a popular day when you will find many members enjoying the naturist friendship at Rapere. Right from our first years it has been the custom to gather in the clubhouse at 3pm on Sundays for a cuppa and a chat.

Hawke's Bay
Rapere is located in a quiet country setting in Hawke's Bay not far from Napier.
The Hawke's Bay is known for their orchards, vineyards and beautiful natural settings.
The largest city of the Hawke's Bay, Napier is known for their art deco, and the art deco festival mid February.

More about Hawke's Bay

See the Naturist vloggers "the Naked Wanderings" visiting our club and the Hawke's Bay wine region

The Hawkes Bay Sun Club was formed in 1962 by a group of families and individuals who used to meet regularly to spend the sunny days enjoying themselves all afternoon, either swimming or sunbathing at a riverbank in Hawkes Bay.

In October 1965, the local County Council offered for sale a roadman's cottage which had been vacant for months. After the members had inspected, Norman decided to risk his life's savings in the cottage with its 10 acres of undulating land. The club took over the grounds on 23rd December, 1965.

The grounds included a flat piece of land 4-5 feet high with weeds, a 5-roomed dwelling, a 2-bail cowshed, a fowl house and a concrete supply tank on a hill supplying water for the cowshed and the flush toilet in the house. Water was pumped from a well up to the supply tank.

There were only 11 adult members in those days and all they did each weekend was work, to provide screening and develop the grounds. In autumn 1966, a start was made on a grass tennis court and the first game was played in October that year, after 22 months of work.

The grounds have undergone continuous alteration and improvement over the years, as membership has increased, and now boast a clubhouse and swimming pools, built in the 70's, outdoor spa, outdoor entertainment area, manmade dam and much more. Water is now pumped from a bore and part of the ring road has recently been sealed.