Little Waipa Reserve
Lake Karapiro
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Little Waipa Reserve
Little Waipa reserve is on the banks of Lake Karapiro and accessed via Horahora road, it’s a popular spot for day-trippers. It is slightly elevated with great views of the lake and a lovely grassy area leading down to a boat ramp at the lake shore and river inlet.
Self-contained caravans and campervans can stay the first two nights free then a camping permits is required for a longer stay. Camping in tents and vehicles required a camping permit. This requires a camping permit which can be purchased from the South Waikato District Council offices or the district’s Information Centres. Click Online Booking Button above.
https://my.southwaikato.govt.nz/do-it-online/events-bookings/CampingPermit?ed-step=1
Details
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Organisation |
South Waikato District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Putaruru |
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Freedom Camping
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
We stayed on a Friday night for 1 night.
We arrived at dusk and there were lots of other campers in caravans, tents and canpervans which made us feel safe. Lots of space along the river to park up. There are two toilets and two showers. Also a few free bbq stations with picnic benches and some rubbish bins. Lots of trees for shade. Nice location. I imagine it would be lovely in the summer to have a swim in the river. There were a few access points for swimming as well as the boat ramp. We will go back to this camp spot.
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2.0/5
We have been coming here for years but have noticed the deterioration because of Homeless / Permanents people living here.
Facilities have been vandalised and are not clean.
It is a beautiful spot with plenty of parking
if you can find a hood spot. Showers and toilets are available but not in good condition
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4.5/5
Beautiful campsite by the river with lots of space!
There are free hot shower which is awesome but smelly long drop toilets. It can be a bit noisy as there are often big gatherings of people but it's alright. Nice spot to go to Hobbiton the next day (20min drive).
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5.0/5
Wow what an amazing location along the river, 2 clean long drop toilets, 2 fabulous showers, plenty of space and a great River Trail to walk or cycle.
2 days freedom camping permitted or get a permit for longer stays.
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5.0/5
Loved it, toilets and shower was nice and clean.
Lots of space and trails to walk!
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4.5/5
Amazing campsite with lots of space on grass.
Toilettes are flush and clean but a bit too far away from the car (depends where you want to stay). Campsite offers nice view to small river.
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4.0/5
This was a beautiful campsite.
The view was amazing, quite campsite and bins. However, the showers were not working due to vandalism.
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4.5/5
I agree with all the good reviews this site has received.
In addition:
+ there are even bins
+ some 8 vans in the middle of the winter and still plenty of room
- one can still hear the traffic from the road a bit
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3.5/5
Gut für einen Zwischenstopp, wenn man die blue springs anschauen will, da es in der Umgebung sonst eher weniger Stellplätze gibt.
Einfaches Klo aber ein Grill und schöne Lage am See und man hat Netz.
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5.0/5
We stayed on a Friday night for 1 night.
We arrived at dusk and there were lots of other campers in caravans, tents and canpervans which made us feel safe. Lots of space along the river to park up. There are two toilets and two showers. Also a few free bbq stations with picnic benches and some rubbish bins. Lots of trees for shade. Nice location. I imagine it would be lovely in the summer to have a swim in the river. There were a few access points for swimming as well as the boat ramp. We will go back to this camp spot.
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4.5/5
Beautiful campsite by the river with lots of space!
There are free hot shower which is awesome but smelly long drop toilets. It can be a bit noisy as there are often big gatherings of people but it's alright. Nice spot to go to Hobbiton the next day (20min drive).
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2.0/5
We have been coming here for years but have noticed the deterioration because of Homeless / Permanents people living here.
Facilities have been vandalised and are not clean.
It is a beautiful spot with plenty of parking
if you can find a hood spot. Showers and toilets are available but not in good condition
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5.0/5
Wow what an amazing location along the river, 2 clean long drop toilets, 2 fabulous showers, plenty of space and a great River Trail to walk or cycle.
2 days freedom camping permitted or get a permit for longer stays.
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5.0/5
Loved it, toilets and shower was nice and clean.
Lots of space and trails to walk!
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4.5/5
Amazing campsite with lots of space on grass.
Toilettes are flush and clean but a bit too far away from the car (depends where you want to stay). Campsite offers nice view to small river.
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4.0/5
This was a beautiful campsite.
The view was amazing, quite campsite and bins. However, the showers were not working due to vandalism.
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4.5/5
I agree with all the good reviews this site has received.
In addition:
+ there are even bins
+ some 8 vans in the middle of the winter and still plenty of room
- one can still hear the traffic from the road a bit
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3.5/5
Gut für einen Zwischenstopp, wenn man die blue springs anschauen will, da es in der Umgebung sonst eher weniger Stellplätze gibt.
Einfaches Klo aber ein Grill und schöne Lage am See und man hat Netz.
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4.0/5
Beautiful scenery can park up wherever you want only downside is the long drops.
Out of cell phone coverage which is really good to switch off
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3.5/5
Site très agréable et joli.
Douche chaude mais pas propre.
Toilette pas propre.
Faible couverture réseau.
Beaucoup de places de disponible.
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4.0/5
Clean toilets, plenty of space and nice view on the river.
No signal. And the showers are unfortunately closed due to vandalism…:(
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4.5/5
Clean toilets.
Shower. So much space.
Not many people. Very low reception and i ternet connection.
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3.5/5
Great place to stay with the family.
Could do with a couple more toilets for the summer period and the showers are cold but other then that, lots of room to spread out and is free
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3.5/5
toilets clean, but some people used them for damping their toilets.
A nice spot on the river bank, but it was overcrowded on weekends, a lot of dogs and some not on the lash,
Hot showers were unexpected nice surprise.
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5.0/5
Have stayed here for 5 nights now.
The info on rankers says it costs but it is actually free. You can stay for 2 nights, if longer apply online for a free permit. The toilets are clean, there are hot showers and the river is wonderful for swimming - easy access and sandy bottom. This is a 5 knot max speed area for boats so NO water skiing, NO jet skis. Lots of big trees for shade, friendly campers, quiet. We love it
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4.5/5
Awesome spot right on the river with lovely shade trees.
We had river views through every window in our caravan and the numerous swans and ducks swimming by made it particularly picturesque. The track for cycling or walking starts from the camp area providing a great activity spot. There is a boat and kayak launch site as well. There are shower facilities, recycling and very clean toilets (non flush). Stayed 2 nights and will definitely be back again.
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5.0/5
Under the site’s description it says no showers.
We have just stayed there and yes there are showers. Great place to stay. Loved it. We freedom camped in our camper.
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5.0/5
Amazing the new facilities at this camp now has showers (Cold but refreshing) and BBqs The facilities were as usual spotlessly clean.
Lawns mowed and now showing signs of the hot weather. It has to be my favourite camp site on the Waikato river.
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5.0/5
Beautiful spot.
20+ MHs plus caravans & tents but tons of space. Very peaceful even though a lot of people there. No cellphone cover but is that a bad that’s not a bad thing.
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4.0/5
Lovely place at riverside and pretty well equipped (toilets and BBQ).
Will soon get showers and a 2nd BBQ.
Easy and fast application for free permit via website
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3.5/5
Cute little spot next to the river.
Very peaceful and quiet. Two long drop toilets. Watch out for sandflies.
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1.5/5
Beautiful location but didn't end up staying the night because of other park guests.
Did not feel safe.
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4.5/5
Amazing location and family friendly.
We spent two nights over Waitangi Weekend and it was amazingly relaxing. For those into mountain biking the trails around are fantastic including a crazy long boardwalk area. Bring toilet paper!!
Only downside is no water but other than that was a sensational spot.
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5.0/5
Spaceous campground.
Stayed here in January, I guess there were about 30 vans and cars around but it didn't really feel crowded. Longdrops are very clean and no need to take your waste with you. Very close to Hobbiton!
Superfriendly Dutch (Frysian) campwarden lives at the end of the road, came by to say hi to all campers when I was there. Since I was travelling alone he told me that I could always come see them if I needed any help, that made me feel really safe.
Nice views on the lake, easy to find. One of the best free campgrounds I encountered in NZ.
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5.0/5
We stayed two wonderful nights in out family tent on the water-front.
Quiet all night - expect for the birds and fish jumping [fantastic]. We had a great time kayaking and walking the river trail., No trouble launching kayaks in the water by the ramp at the north end of the camp. We are experienced, so have wheels for the kayak because you never know how far you have to launch from the car, but if you don't you could always drive your kayak up to the ramp. Happy to have the Warden there, so rules are obeyed and there is no issues to deal with. Camping by permit although a few days you can stay without before you require this. Other guys with boats, but just for fishing etc, because there is a strict 5 knot speed limit. Little bit of water weed around the banks but a few areas you can swim near the boat ramp. Didn't see any free roaming dogs, except for some self contained pets that were well managed, self contained, and not an issue for anybody. Couldn't find any fault with this site. Remember to pack enough water for the duration of your stay.
