Clifton Road Reserve

Clifton Road Reserve

Freedom Camping

88 Rankers Reviews

6 Face-to-Face

1 Te Awanga

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Clifton Road Reserve

There is a donation box near the toilet block and a suggested donation of $3.00 per person is welcomed.

Beachfront free-camping! We love it. If you're a certified self-contained vehicle, this spot is a wee gem.
Wake up to the sunrise and the waves at Te Awanga, a hop, skip and jump from Cape Kidnappers where the gannets live. Leave the place as you found it and enjoy the surrounds!

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Hastings District Council

Council organisation

Location

North IslandHawkes BayTe Awanga

Categories

  • Activity__freedom_campingFreedom Camping
  • Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-39.6191770272664

176.960649490356

Latitude
-39.6191770272664
Longitude
176.960649490356

Nearby

Reviews

    ✓ Beautiful beachfront location

    ✓ Spacious with plenty of room

    ✓ Clean and accessible toilets

    ✓ Convenient water access

    ✓ Close to shops and amenities

    𐄂 Occasional rubbish issues

    𐄂 Noise from nearby cars

    • Thisnis stunning apot right next to see.
    • We stayed for 3 nights and found it very good.
    • An awesome spot but SO busy.
    • Big space and walking distance to wineries.
    • Beautiful.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 40
    45%
    9/10 25
    28%
    8/10 15
    17%
    7/10 3
    3%
    6/10 4
    5%
    5/10 1
    1%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 0
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 5.0/5

    Our favourite freedom camping spot on north island, been here so many times.

    Good toilets & signal, beautiful beach and plenty of room

    Reviewed 6 months ago

  • 4.0/5

    Awesome spot to stay, was worth the short drive out of napier.

    Lots of parking spots right next to a beautiful beach, clean toilets and rubish bins. Would of rated this spot a 10 but unfortunately some campers have let this spot down by dumping there rubish in the bushes instead of using the bins supplied and although this spot had clearly staighted on the sign that it was for self contained vehicles only there were several cars and non self contained vehicles here. We still felt safe and enjoyed our stay here.

    Reviewed 7 months ago

  • 4.5/5

    Such a beautiful spot right by the sea.

    Had a dip in the afternoon and morning, water was really nice. Toilets are what you expect. Water fountain and tap outside which is good. 6 min walk to a four square! Lots of spaces with shelter or by the sea! Highly recommend

    Only downside is you can hear cars driving past, but it’s not too bad.

    Reviewed 10 months ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great spot right by the beach, beautiful views in the morning.

    Nice clean toilets and clean water available.

    Reviewed 12 months ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great spot.

    Can be busy but there are lots of little nooks in the trees to tuck into. Washrooms aren’t the cleanest but they are new, just well-used. Right on the beach, would recommend!

    Reviewed 12 months ago

  • 5.0/5

    great spot, really beautiful scenery and loads of space.

    2 toilets with toilet paper.

    Reviewed about 1 year ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great place we have stayed here before Very nice toilets Windy on front so suggest parking between trees Nice walk to clearview estate winery - who have great food and the wine is not bad

    Reviewed about 1 year ago

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing place to stay!

    Arrived around 1300 and found a spot right on the beach nestled between some trees. Though there were lots of other campers, it felt private and was quiet throughout the night. Toilets are clean but would recommend bringing your own toilet paper (both bathrooms ran out during my 24hr stay) and hand soap (none in the bathrooms). Doesn’t appear to be a physical donation box any more, but donations can be made through CamperMate :)

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Another beautiful Nz spot.

    Lots of other campers staying. We are family of 4 touring Nz for a year with a dog. This spot has plenty of shelter from wind, good river down the road and lots of beautiful local produce. Locals are friendly and helpful. 4square is walking distance up the road and is well stocked, the bar is a good place for a beer and a chat with the locals. The beach has awesome stones perfect for skiming.

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This place was great!

    Had lots of space around 30th Dec. Water and public toilets available. Lots of people walking, running in the mornings though so maybe don’t park near the footpaths etc..

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

  • 4.0/5

    Amazing campsite with lots of little nooks to park your campervan or put up your tent.

    Lots of space too so people arrived throughout the evening and found enough space to still give everyone privacy!

    2 disabled toilets which are ok. Take your own soap/hand sanitizer as there is no soap in the bathrooms.

    Good location near to shops and awesome view to wake up on the pebble beach!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

    SF's avatar

    SF

  • 3.0/5

    A great place right beside the sea.

    Perhaps avoid weekends as there are numbers of young dirt track bikers using the reserve for their fun. They speed around the area without regard to adults, children and pets.

    Reviewed over 6 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Our favourite freedom camping spot on north island, been here so many times.

    Good toilets & signal, beautiful beach and plenty of room

    Reviewed 6 months ago

  • 4.0/5

    Awesome spot to stay, was worth the short drive out of napier.

    Lots of parking spots right next to a beautiful beach, clean toilets and rubish bins. Would of rated this spot a 10 but unfortunately some campers have let this spot down by dumping there rubish in the bushes instead of using the bins supplied and although this spot had clearly staighted on the sign that it was for self contained vehicles only there were several cars and non self contained vehicles here. We still felt safe and enjoyed our stay here.

    Reviewed 7 months ago

  • 4.5/5

    Such a beautiful spot right by the sea.

    Had a dip in the afternoon and morning, water was really nice. Toilets are what you expect. Water fountain and tap outside which is good. 6 min walk to a four square! Lots of spaces with shelter or by the sea! Highly recommend

    Only downside is you can hear cars driving past, but it’s not too bad.

    Reviewed 10 months ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great spot right by the beach, beautiful views in the morning.

    Nice clean toilets and clean water available.

    Reviewed 12 months ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great spot.

    Can be busy but there are lots of little nooks in the trees to tuck into. Washrooms aren’t the cleanest but they are new, just well-used. Right on the beach, would recommend!

    Reviewed 12 months ago

  • 5.0/5

    great spot, really beautiful scenery and loads of space.

    2 toilets with toilet paper.

    Reviewed about 1 year ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great place we have stayed here before Very nice toilets Windy on front so suggest parking between trees Nice walk to clearview estate winery - who have great food and the wine is not bad

    Reviewed about 1 year ago

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing place to stay!

    Arrived around 1300 and found a spot right on the beach nestled between some trees. Though there were lots of other campers, it felt private and was quiet throughout the night. Toilets are clean but would recommend bringing your own toilet paper (both bathrooms ran out during my 24hr stay) and hand soap (none in the bathrooms). Doesn’t appear to be a physical donation box any more, but donations can be made through CamperMate :)

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Another beautiful Nz spot.

    Lots of other campers staying. We are family of 4 touring Nz for a year with a dog. This spot has plenty of shelter from wind, good river down the road and lots of beautiful local produce. Locals are friendly and helpful. 4square is walking distance up the road and is well stocked, the bar is a good place for a beer and a chat with the locals. The beach has awesome stones perfect for skiming.

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This place was great!

    Had lots of space around 30th Dec. Water and public toilets available. Lots of people walking, running in the mornings though so maybe don’t park near the footpaths etc..

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

  • 4.0/5

    Amazing campsite with lots of little nooks to park your campervan or put up your tent.

    Lots of space too so people arrived throughout the evening and found enough space to still give everyone privacy!

    2 disabled toilets which are ok. Take your own soap/hand sanitizer as there is no soap in the bathrooms.

    Good location near to shops and awesome view to wake up on the pebble beach!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

    SF's avatar

    SF

  • 5.0/5

    Loved this place, we came back for a second night in a row even though we were planning on driving to the next spot.

    Plenty of space during this time of year. Nice toilets and drinking water. Situate yourself on the rocks near the ocean and your set!

    Reviewed over 2 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing beachfront spot.

    Toilets are good. They have water tap for drinking. Also there are bins for rubish and recycling.

    Reviewed almost 3 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Stunning beach front location, off-lead beach exercise area for doggo, 2 clean toilets.

    Plenty of parking sites.

    Amazing place to watch the sun rise over the water right from the camper 🖤

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    First time staying here very large area right by the ocean new toilets will be back

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Great spot by the sea, lots of space and nice clean toilets with drinking water, recycling and landfill!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great spot to stay for a night or two when visiting Hawkes Bay.

    In walking distance to a four square and takeaway shop. You can also walk to the Elephant Hill winery and cycle to other wineries. We stayed here as we had an early start the next day for the gannet tour. Would highly recommend.

    Reviewed almost 4 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Nestled in the bushes right on the beach with a surf board seat/table provided.

    Couldn’t ask for much better. Lots of space for campers. 2 toilets. Stiff doors so needs a wee push/pull. Best to bring some toilet paper as it ran out first thing in the morning. They are maintained daily as well as the bins. Went for a swim. Later found out there are rips out there 😬.

    Reviewed almost 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Two clean toilets, drinking water, beach side sites as well as grass and more shaded sites.

    Highlight: PLENTY OF SPACE! Great to wake up with the smell and views of the ocean!

    Reviewed almost 4 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Nice area (mix of grass and gravel) by the sea but get crowded quickly.

    2 flush toilets and recycling bins.

    Reviewed about 4 years ago

  • 3.5/5

    I have been here about six times now and usually stay one night.

    Yesterday after noon a local decided as they were leaving to speed off and sprayed me van with shingle. The night before someone was hooning around. It seems to happen Everytime I go.

    Reviewed about 4 years ago

  • 4.0/5

    Lovely spot to freedom camp by the sea.

    Note that’s it’s quite boggy in most spots after rain so take care! Two toilets onsite that are open 24/7 (you’ll need a torch at night) with waste and mixed recycling bins. There is quite a bit of noise from traffic during the day and in the evenings.

    Lots of locals pop by in the morning, often with their dogs. Take care not to park in the dog poo that they’ve left behind 😉😉

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Thisnis stunning apot right next to see.

    Can get very bussy..better to arrive early to have the best spot. Can be windy. Clean toillet and water source

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Great place to stop for the night.

    Right by the ocean, can park between trees if you need some privacy. Toilets clean with lots of toilet paper and running water. No drinking water, but great freedom camping spot

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 4.0/5

    Very large site, masses of space for everyone, mostly gravel / dirt - not much grass.

    Lots of trees / bushes to separate campers. Clean toilets. Drinking water. Road was intermittently noisy with fast cars but not many during the night. Stones and then a sandy beach with rolling waves breaking. Recommended.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    We loved this place so much, wish we could have stayed more than 2 nights.

    Tons of parking, can’t see how it would fill up. Varied spots among the bushes, along the beach, and set back. Lovely waves crashing and beautiful beach (pebble beach). 2 flush toilets with no lights, also no toilet seat, but cleaned regularly.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing site right next to the sea.

    Little pockets of hedges and trees means you can fine a secluded spot for the night. Great toilet block and drinking water facilities. A little out of Napier but we found this to be considerably better than the free camping sites found there that were crowded and bad toilets. Worth the drive. For those looking for showers we found some for $3 next to the iSite in Napier, excellent facilities.

    Reviewed about 5 years ago and experienced in September 2019

  • 4.5/5

    A lovely spot for an overnight stay.

    Quite popular, but we found a nice spot between two trees, which was sheltered. There are only two toilets, which were clean and well maintained. Pebble beach and nice views. The shop, pub and chippie are a short walk away. Pub and chippie are closed on Monday, we could not partake - perhaps next time. Prices at Four Square were very reasonable.

    Reviewed about 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Beautiful.

    Little pockets among trees gives privacy if preferred or park in open area closer to see. Little shopping area has everything you would need. Lovely cafe a bit further up the road....highly recommend any time of year

    Reviewed about 5 years ago