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Freedom camping for self-contained campers at Dotterel Point in Puekehina
Freedom camping beachside at Pukehina Beach... Self-contained and certified campervans and motorhomes can stay here for up to three nights, at Dotterel Point Reserve at the end of Pukehina Parade.
Swimming in the surf by day, fish and chips at the beach by night, life is good!
There is a 3 night maximum stay in any 4 week consecutive period at this site. The 4 consecutive weeks begin from the first overnight stay.
This choice spot is shared with you by locals and the Western Bay of Plenty Council. Show the love back - keep your site clean, obey all signage, and get into holiday mode and give the locals a wave when you see them.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Western Bay of Plenty District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Te Puke |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? ![]() Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? ![]() Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must display the "Responsible Camper" sticker. |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? ![]() Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Maximum Stay Duration |
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Maximum Stay DurationHow many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 3 nights You can only stay at this campsite for up to 3 nights in a row. There is a 3 night maximum stay in any 4 week consecutive period at this site. The 4 consecutive weeks begin from the first overnight stay. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
✓ Beautiful surroundings
✓ Abundant wildlife and birds
✓ Close to the beach
✓ Friendly people
✓ Large open space
𐄂 No toilets or showers on site
𐄂 Noisy in the morning
Gorgeous spot to stay.
What everyone else said.
Stayed two nights as it Was perfect!
Beautiful spot.
Beautiful place, tons of space.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 16 |
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50% |
9/10 | 8 |
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25% |
8/10 | 7 |
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22% |
7/10 | 1 |
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3% |
6/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
Beautiful place, tons of space.
Quite noisy in the morning. And we had a group of drunk lads coming to party and annoy the campers in the middle of the night.
There are plenty of portaloos.
Reviewed 5 months ago
4.0/5
Quiet beach to walk along, and some interesting bird life out towards the point in the dunes.
Some nice shells, and maybe a swim in the summer??? Too cold when I was there.
No toilet or shower, 2 mins drive up the road for toilets.
A few cars/cans moving around in the night.
Nice little takeaway in town.
Reviewed 11 months ago
5.0/5
Visited on 12/04/23 but the area was closed off due to ground works/renovation.
The building works supervisor was very friendly and apologised, saying it will be open for use to park and camp once the works are finished.
Still giving a 10/10 as doesn't deserve a bad review for being improved. The spot looked like it would have been a fantastic overnighter if it was open.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
Good spot for a night or two in a car park right between the ocean and estuary.
People arrive 7am onwards to surf and fish — great for breakfast entertainment, but not so great if you like a sleep in and privacy in the morning.
No toilet and shower facilities right now as the spot is under development. Gotta go a ways down the road for toilets now. Would have been a 10/10 if there were facilities right at the site.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
Great spot!
Lovely beach on two sides, dogs allowed on a lead, clean toilets and outside shower and bins at surf club. There was only 3 other overnighters when we were there. Would stop again
Reviewed over 1 year ago
5.0/5
What everyone else said.
This is a beautiful spot and I will definitely be back.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful spot.
Bins and bathroom supplied, outdoor shower was alot warmer than I was expecting for the winter! Stunning sunsets and so many birds. Water either side. Would love to come back next time I am on the coast.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
5.0/5
Gorgeous spot to stay.
Only 2 campers during our stay, we have a large caravan and there is plenty of room for large vehicles to maneuver and park. Beautiful beach both sides. Great spot for fishing.
Reviewed about 3 years ago
5.0/5
WOW what a beautiful beach and place to stay, toilets are right close by and 3 other freedom campers and feel safe.
If I didn't buy pizza I would be trying the takeaways just down the road. Lovely beach both sides. So beach view from the front and from the back of my van. I will be back
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.0/5
Basic facilities, public and not clean.
Fantastic sea view. There can be a lot of action on the parking lot in case of an event of the nearby surf school.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful place, tons of space.
Quite noisy in the morning. And we had a group of drunk lads coming to party and annoy the campers in the middle of the night.
There are plenty of portaloos.
Reviewed 5 months ago
4.0/5
Quiet beach to walk along, and some interesting bird life out towards the point in the dunes.
Some nice shells, and maybe a swim in the summer??? Too cold when I was there.
No toilet or shower, 2 mins drive up the road for toilets.
A few cars/cans moving around in the night.
Nice little takeaway in town.
Reviewed 11 months ago
5.0/5
Visited on 12/04/23 but the area was closed off due to ground works/renovation.
The building works supervisor was very friendly and apologised, saying it will be open for use to park and camp once the works are finished.
Still giving a 10/10 as doesn't deserve a bad review for being improved. The spot looked like it would have been a fantastic overnighter if it was open.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
Good spot for a night or two in a car park right between the ocean and estuary.
People arrive 7am onwards to surf and fish — great for breakfast entertainment, but not so great if you like a sleep in and privacy in the morning.
No toilet and shower facilities right now as the spot is under development. Gotta go a ways down the road for toilets now. Would have been a 10/10 if there were facilities right at the site.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
Great spot!
Lovely beach on two sides, dogs allowed on a lead, clean toilets and outside shower and bins at surf club. There was only 3 other overnighters when we were there. Would stop again
Reviewed over 1 year ago
5.0/5
What everyone else said.
This is a beautiful spot and I will definitely be back.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful spot.
Bins and bathroom supplied, outdoor shower was alot warmer than I was expecting for the winter! Stunning sunsets and so many birds. Water either side. Would love to come back next time I am on the coast.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
5.0/5
Gorgeous spot to stay.
Only 2 campers during our stay, we have a large caravan and there is plenty of room for large vehicles to maneuver and park. Beautiful beach both sides. Great spot for fishing.
Reviewed about 3 years ago
5.0/5
WOW what a beautiful beach and place to stay, toilets are right close by and 3 other freedom campers and feel safe.
If I didn't buy pizza I would be trying the takeaways just down the road. Lovely beach both sides. So beach view from the front and from the back of my van. I will be back
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.0/5
Basic facilities, public and not clean.
Fantastic sea view. There can be a lot of action on the parking lot in case of an event of the nearby surf school.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Stayed two nights as it Was perfect!
6 bays, on both nights five Campervans...
Clean Toilets and cokd showers.
The Beach with High waves on one side, the other side the calm bar, perfect to swim for the children. Very calm even during the day (February)
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Very nice place to stay.
It’s a bit windy but the shower is very good, toilets are open 24/7 (no light in girls toilets), the view is amazing. It’s very peaceful and quiet.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Great spot!
Close to the beach. Toilets and outside cold shower. Filled up halfway the afternoon. Two other free campsite's on the samen road.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Great location.
Apart from the sound of sea music, very quite at night. Cold water tap and 24hr WC. 9 Marked bays. Long sandy beach.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
3.5/5
Really nice spot right on the coast.
Public toilet and outside cold water shower. Great spot for fishing. No dump station or water supply. 4 other Campervans here in car park. Came at about 6pm.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.0/5
Lovely spot with sea and lagoon on each side of us.
+ toilets open 24/7.
- parking space very cramped in summer only 8 spots.
This is worth a look and a stay.
Reviewed about 6 years ago
5.0/5
A real top spot, nicely located on a parking between the beach and a lagoon at the opposite side.
Room for 9 campervans, self contained. Clean toilets nearby. Nice beach for a long walk or a swim in the surf.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
4.5/5
Extremely beautiful spot.
We were lucky enough to be alone. A bit much asphalt but the views are truly fantastic. Furthermore there is a toilet, 1 cold shower and picnic tables. What's more to want on a free spot.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
5.0/5
This is sooo close to being my top camping spot in NZ!
Level car parking spots, easy to find and clearly marked. Clean toilets right there and steps from the beach. Beautiful views, quiet spot, friendly locals on the beach walk the next day. Thank you for having this free spot.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
4.5/5
Absolutely beautiful spot on the beach, next to lifeguard base.
Great long beach, sadly too fresh to swim. We were 2 campers, stayed in December! Toilet & cold shower outside. One of our favourites!!
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.0/5
Stayed for one night, a long way through town to get to this windy point.
But a great spot to stay. Only maybe 8-10 spaces but there were just 4 of us in mid December. Self contained only and some people came to check but I think there are some toilets too. Right on the beach with a few friendly locals around. Isolated - in a good way.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.0/5
Simple car park with flush toilets.
Right on the beach.
Much better than staying in normal campsite stuck like sardines.
We were lucky and saw 2 orcas just off the shore during our breakfast.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
5.0/5
Great parking space just next to the sea and beach.
It is a simple place with space for several campervans, but only self-contained ones, although there are toilet facilities. Quiet and one of our favourite spots!!
Reviewed almost 10 years ago
5.0/5
One of our highlights.
Self-contained freedom camping in small car park with sandy beach on one side and lagoon/estuary on the other, and picnic tables. Well worth the easy drive from main road although at first looks alarmingly residential – but residents did smile! Toilets open all night and check-up patrol at least once on our overnight stay. Very good fish and chips 1.8 k back down the road, with bar and small store.
[2 senior Scots, 4 week trip, mainly overnight stops, self-contained, Autumn]
Reviewed almost 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
Site surrounded on 3 sides by sea.
Stunning views all around. Toilets close by. Excellent free site.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
4.5/5
Maybe the best free campsite!
We were alone with the ocean and birds.
Reviewed about 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
4.5/5
We stayed here for 3 (very windy nights) but loved it.
+ Toilets are clean and open all night,
+ Fantastic location, 1 side is beach the other is lagoon,
+ Free!!
+ Lovely benches overlooking the sea.
+/- It is a car park that is frequently visited by dog walkers and people looking at the view.
Reviewed about 11 years ago and experienced in June 2013
4.5/5
really nice freedom camping, nice beach and bird watching, picnic tables at the beach, toilet facilities are good
Reviewed over 11 years ago