Cromwell The Rotten Apple
After months of traveling and living in a foreign country, you start to immerse yourself in its rhythm, routines, and unique lifestyle. After nearly nine months in New Zealand, we've covered countless miles, settled into housesitting gigs, worked, and enjoyed the warmth of being welcomed. However, all that changed recently when we set foot in the small town of Cromwell.
Cromwell is essentially a fruit paradise. Each year, it produces vast quantities of delicious fruit, harvested primarily by seasonal workers, many of whom are on working holiday visas and often include a significant number of Latin Americans. Although we arrived in Cromwell, our primary goal was not to join the fruit-picking frenzy but to finalize Lety's book. We needed a town with free camping—there's a beautiful campsite just outside Cromwell where you can stay for three nights—and reliable Wi-Fi. While the local library lacked free Wi-Fi, a Spark cabin in town offered 1GB of free data daily, which was manageable.
Understanding the Local Library: A Mixed Bag of Amenities
To our surprise, the first visit to the library revealed a rather questionable practice: they charged $2 for plugging in electronic devices. This fee was explicitly aimed at backpackers, according to the librarian’s own words. Speaking with an elderly lady at the library, we learned that this "fee" was a necessary measure due to the overwhelming number of backpackers that flock to the library during the busy Cromwell season.
It's worth noting that most backpackers come to Cromwell for work, and the town isn’t quite the traveler’s paradise that keeps you wanting to stay longer. With the library opening at 10 AM and closing at 5 PM, one wonders when we would be "abusing" the power outlets. Even in Auckland, where backpackers are plentiful, we had never encountered such a penny-pinching policy! Charging for computer charging? Or turning away young travelers who are only here to work in the fields? It left us feeling unwelcome.
A Community Divided: The Backpacker Experience
While it’s important not to generalize, our experience in Cromwell left a bitter taste. We felt out of place not only in the library but also at the i-Site, where you would expect a little courtesy alongside free maps and information. It would be beneficial for Cromwell to follow the example of other welcoming towns we’ve visited and strive to be more friendly towards travelers instead of risking becoming the “bad apple” in the welcoming context of New Zealand.
As we left, we encountered a letter that confirmed our feelings about being less than welcomed as travelers outside the fields. Luckily, not everyone in Cromwell shares the same sentiment; we met a wonderfully kind elderly lady working at New World who brightened our day.
Practical Information for Travelers in Cromwell
For those considering a stop in Cromwell, here are some practical tips:
- Where to sleep: The best option in Cromwell is the campsite located about 3 kilometers outside in Louburn. It boasts ample space, well-maintained facilities, shaded areas, and a lovely lake for morning swims. However, be mindful that staying longer than three nights is against the rules, as we were informed by the ranger.
- Free Wi-Fi access: Look for a Spark cabin near the public restrooms; there are also several cafes that offer Wi-Fi in exchange for a small purchase. Opting for a coffee is a better deal than paying $2 to charge your device in the library!
- What to do in Cromwell: If you have some time, visit the Old Cromwell town. While it’s just a charming street with a 'Wild West' vibe, it's a pleasant spot for a stroll.
Ultimately, our experience in Cromwell serves as a reminder that not every town will be a perfect fit for every traveler. The beauty of New Zealand lies in its diversity, and while some places may not resonate, others will surely capture your heart.
For a deeper understanding of the dynamics between travelers and locals in small towns like Cromwell, consider checking out this insightful video that delves into the experiences of backpackers in New Zealand.
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