North River Bank
Otaki Beach - Overnight Campervan Parking
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North River Bank
Overnight parking for up to 6 self contained campervans that can stay a maximum 2 nights at the Otaki River North Bank, Otaki Beach.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Kapiti Coast District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Otaki |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Freedom Camping
Nearby
Reviews
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3.5/5
Wow a spot without street lights and piercing srcurity lights.
Vicious humps on route and gps is totally confused. Signage for the first signuficant
hunp was deceiving and orange cones are needed as 15k speed was on sign at the
hump of 109 rangiuru or riverbend rd was too short a time to indicate in a heavy vehicle...
I would of been going pethaps 30k as nearing.. But very short abrupt hump.... Resulted in my loft bursting open on the impact. So on my experiences freedom camoing has cost me in physicsl money and time.
In hindsight i had a wonderful view of night
sky at this location. Grateful. A local also had said Otaki doesnt want us there.
D![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(48,107,18)" /><path d="m 150 635 Q 117 183 -335 150 Q 117 117 150 -335 Q 183 117 635 150 Q 183 183 150 635 z" fill="rgb(93,197,72)" /><path d="m 150 330 Q 193 107 -30 150 Q 193 193 150 -30 Q 107 193 330 150 Q 107 107 150 330 z" fill="rgb(162,58,183)" /><path d="m 150 255 Q 272 28 45 150 Q 272 272 150 45 Q 28 272 255 150 Q 28 28 150 255 z" fill="rgb(207,148,237)" /></svg>)
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2.0/5
Great spot for sunsets.
Peaceful place, but be careful of rogue aggressive camping “officers”. They can be rude for no apparent reason. If they approach you with a bad attitude, are filming you in an awkward manner and you’re using a certified self contained van, get their names, photograph their ID and don’t talk to them. File a complaint with Kapiti District Council; happy travels to all.
BS![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(92,7,120)" /><path d="m 150 557 Q 62 238 -257 150 Q 62 62 150 -257 Q 238 62 557 150 Q 238 238 150 557 z" fill="rgb(201,39,106)" /><path d="m 150 383 Q 56 244 -83 150 Q 56 56 150 -83 Q 244 56 383 150 Q 244 244 150 383 z" fill="rgb(54,216,149)" /><path d="m 150 145 Q 156 144 155 150 Q 156 156 150 155 Q 144 156 145 150 Q 144 144 150 145 z" fill="rgb(163,248,135)" /></svg>)
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4.5/5
Lots of space on the gravel beach, many campers here but even if you would arrive late you should find a spot to park your camper van easily.
Toilets are well maintained. What is a little annoying is that many campers make fire on the beach a just let it burn over night which generates a lot of smoke. So you should consider the wind direction when choosing your spot.
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4.5/5
We came in late and was a Bit confusing on location, think the actual spot is the beach (dont go down the lane), we camped behind the dune/hill near lookout n toilet.
Lots of campers on beach, three near us. Toilet was clean n flushing with toilet paper. Great location n views.
W![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(74,197,40)" /><path d="m 150 590 Q 121 179 -290 150 Q 121 121 150 -290 Q 179 121 590 150 Q 179 179 150 590 z" fill="rgb(150,162,20)" /><path d="m 150 363 Q 248 52 -63 150 Q 248 248 150 -63 Q 52 248 363 150 Q 52 52 150 363 z" fill="rgb(105,93,235)" /><path d="m 150 283 Q 73 227 17 150 Q 73 73 150 17 Q 227 73 283 150 Q 227 227 150 283 z" fill="rgb(181,58,215)" /></svg>)
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4.0/5
Beautiful ocean location to sit with a glass of wine watching the sun set.
Very busy - lots of campers and fishermen but still had a pleasant quiet night. Was too windy in the morning to boil a kettle out the back of our camping car!
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3.5/5
Long and beautiful beach with lots and lots of space (easily 10 vans in June and still looked empty).
Quite exposed in bad weather. No toilets indeed: there is a sign but i couldn't find them. Many people fishing and many vehicles moving around but it stopped when dark. In summary, i would say it's a great place for selfcontained vans if people don't mind a bit of local vibe.
/!\ Some spots look gravely but, watch out, just hiding the sand underneath: risk of getting stuck
R![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(138,90,237)" /><path d="m 150 634 Q 200 100 -334 150 Q 200 200 150 -334 Q 100 200 634 150 Q 100 100 150 634 z" fill="rgb(114,201,99)" /><path d="m 150 462 Q 162 138 -162 150 Q 162 162 150 -162 Q 138 162 462 150 Q 138 138 150 462 z" fill="rgb(141,54,156)" /><path d="m 150 297 Q 249 51 3 150 Q 249 249 150 3 Q 51 249 297 150 Q 51 51 150 297 z" fill="rgb(117,165,18)" /></svg>)
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3.5/5
Not the easiest to find.
Drive to Marine Parade like the other reviewer said. Heard voices at 2 or 3am, eventually was harmless but still creeped me a bit. Pretty cool view to wake up to though.
C![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(226,143,173)" /><path d="m 150 660 Q 90 210 -360 150 Q 90 90 150 -360 Q 210 90 660 150 Q 210 210 150 660 z" fill="rgb(198,13,26)" /><path d="m 150 414 Q 288 12 -114 150 Q 288 288 150 -114 Q 12 288 414 150 Q 12 12 150 414 z" fill="rgb(57,242,229)" /><path d="m 150 250 Q 200 100 50 150 Q 200 200 150 50 Q 100 200 250 150 Q 100 100 150 250 z" fill="rgb(29,112,82)" /></svg>)
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4.0/5
Beautiful spot with heaps of room - far greater than the number stated.
Lots of fisherman along the beach to watch and I’m told the fishing is great here
F![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(26,123,209)" /><path d="m 150 735 Q 232 68 -435 150 Q 232 232 150 -435 Q 68 232 735 150 Q 68 68 150 735 z" fill="rgb(201,200,18)" /><path d="m 150 392 Q 47 253 -92 150 Q 47 47 150 -92 Q 253 47 392 150 Q 253 253 150 392 z" fill="rgb(54,55,237)" /><path d="m 150 350 Q 146 154 -50 150 Q 146 146 150 -50 Q 154 146 350 150 Q 154 154 150 350 z" fill="rgb(229,132,46)" /></svg>)
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4.0/5
A truly fantastic, off the grid, back to basics place.
The road in is a little rough, but fine if you slow down and take your time. Great fishing especially at the river mouth.
MF![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(130,63,105)" /><path d="m 150 621 Q 164 136 -321 150 Q 164 164 150 -321 Q 136 164 621 150 Q 136 136 150 621 z" fill="rgb(48,122,51)" /><path d="m 150 471 Q 273 27 -171 150 Q 273 273 150 -171 Q 27 273 471 150 Q 27 27 150 471 z" fill="rgb(207,133,204)" /><path d="m 150 198 Q 298 2 102 150 Q 298 298 150 102 Q 2 298 198 150 Q 2 2 150 198 z" fill="rgb(125,192,150)" /></svg>)
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2.0/5
This place not really good for the Motorhome!
and all your stuff you have inside the vehicle “ glass and cooking stuffs and food will fall down.
It is big place but need many of work to by really nice place and beach for the Otaki community and tourist.
I hope to back again and see all will be greatfull.
Otaki and NZ deserve.
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4.5/5
Beautiful spot.
It was peaceful but pretty windy which was nice though the night. Lots of space and easy access. I would only go in decent weather as in my van i prefer to have doors open to cook under cover and i think my awning might get shredded 🤣
I![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(88,148,129)" /><path d="m 150 508 Q 161 139 -208 150 Q 161 161 150 -208 Q 139 161 508 150 Q 139 139 150 508 z" fill="rgb(164,186,29)" /><path d="m 150 477 Q 154 146 -177 150 Q 154 154 150 -177 Q 146 154 477 150 Q 146 146 150 477 z" fill="rgb(91,69,226)" /><path d="m 150 265 Q 262 38 35 150 Q 262 262 150 35 Q 38 262 265 150 Q 38 38 150 265 z" fill="rgb(167,107,126)" /></svg>)
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5.0/5
Tent camping Saturday night near the Estuary Otaki River, there were heaps of campervans/motorhome/vans/bus/Utes sit up for the night along the sea shore area, brilliant weather, friend & I went for a
walk along the sea shore watching fishermen/women fishing along the way, we walked beyond the Surf club, we took our seats near the campers to watch the sun sit & to hear a Kōauau (flute) while the sun was just disappear behind Kapiti Island magic.. On Sunday went for a morning walk on the other side of the Estuary, yes there is a rubbish bin & toilet closer to the camp site on Kapiti Ln Rd Picnic park I knew about this beach camp area my friend use to renovate batches/houses on Marine Parade it was so nice & handy. Enjoy & Respect the whenua -
Kp![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(99,107,253)" /><path d="m 150 730 Q 268 32 -430 150 Q 268 268 150 -430 Q 32 268 730 150 Q 32 32 150 730 z" fill="rgb(12,150,190)" /><path d="m 150 460 Q 185 115 -160 150 Q 185 185 150 -160 Q 115 185 460 150 Q 115 115 150 460 z" fill="rgb(243,105,65)" /><path d="m 150 261 Q 278 22 39 150 Q 278 278 150 39 Q 22 278 261 150 Q 22 22 150 261 z" fill="rgb(156,148,2)" /></svg>)
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3.5/5
Rankers is wrong not only for 6 vehicles can park any where in a huge area beach or lake or river spots No toilets closes would be back at main beach so need to be self contained .Very scenic area can
see kapiti island from beach from other side as was in Parapariki beach 2 days if there good biking at Queen Elizabeth regional park but have to stay in holiday park there only rated it
a 7 as no toilets
L![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(181,154,10)" /><path d="m 150 623 Q 198 102 -323 150 Q 198 198 150 -323 Q 102 198 623 150 Q 102 102 150 623 z" fill="rgb(105,23,164)" /><path d="m 150 496 Q 189 111 -196 150 Q 189 189 150 -196 Q 111 189 496 150 Q 111 111 150 496 z" fill="rgb(150,232,91)" /><path d="m 150 273 Q 269 31 27 150 Q 269 269 150 27 Q 31 269 273 150 Q 31 31 150 273 z" fill="rgb(74,101,245)" /></svg>)
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4.5/5
Place is great.
Awesome views. Will need to be self contained as there are no facilities around. For the view and vibe I would give it a 10.
P![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(162,72,207)" /><path d="m 150 675 Q 102 198 -375 150 Q 102 102 150 -375 Q 198 102 675 150 Q 198 198 150 675 z" fill="rgb(10,9,84)" /><path d="m 150 396 Q 186 114 -96 150 Q 186 186 150 -96 Q 114 186 396 150 Q 114 114 150 396 z" fill="rgb(245,246,171)" /><path d="m 150 119 Q 141 159 181 150 Q 141 141 150 181 Q 159 141 119 150 Q 159 159 150 119 z" fill="rgb(93,183,48)" /></svg>)
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5.0/5
Came with my 7m caravan and managed to get car stuck in the sand.
No worries, within three minutes two helpful souls were there to help. Just needed to uncouple, set up van and hand maneuver a little for departure next day. Beautiful place by the sea to relax and watch the fishers. Next time will go further down by the river mouth.
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(185,13,24)" /><path d="m 150 710 Q 108 192 -410 150 Q 108 108 150 -410 Q 192 108 710 150 Q 192 192 150 710 z" fill="rgb(171,72,102)" /><path d="m 150 381 Q 163 137 -81 150 Q 163 163 150 -81 Q 137 163 381 150 Q 137 137 150 381 z" fill="rgb(84,183,153)" /><path d="m 150 319 Q 50 250 -19 150 Q 50 50 150 -19 Q 250 50 319 150 Q 250 250 150 319 z" fill="rgb(70,242,231)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(232,29,154)" /><path d="m 150 735 Q 184 116 -435 150 Q 184 184 150 -435 Q 116 184 735 150 Q 116 116 150 735 z" fill="rgb(130,124,98)" /><path d="m 150 332 Q 89 211 -32 150 Q 89 89 150 -32 Q 211 89 332 150 Q 211 211 150 332 z" fill="rgb(125,131,157)" /><path d="m 150 323 Q 118 182 -23 150 Q 118 118 150 -23 Q 182 118 323 150 Q 182 182 150 323 z" fill="rgb(23,226,101)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(142,5,188)" /><path d="m 150 699 Q 225 75 -399 150 Q 225 225 150 -399 Q 75 225 699 150 Q 75 75 150 699 z" fill="rgb(101,211,140)" /><path d="m 150 329 Q 215 85 -29 150 Q 215 215 150 -29 Q 85 215 329 150 Q 85 85 150 329 z" fill="rgb(154,44,115)" /><path d="m 150 245 Q 89 211 55 150 Q 89 89 150 55 Q 211 89 245 150 Q 211 211 150 245 z" fill="rgb(113,250,67)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(197,27,141)" /><path d="m 150 696 Q 196 104 -396 150 Q 196 196 150 -396 Q 104 196 696 150 Q 104 104 150 696 z" fill="rgb(17,83,243)" /><path d="m 150 494 Q 101 199 -194 150 Q 101 101 150 -194 Q 199 101 494 150 Q 199 199 150 494 z" fill="rgb(238,172,12)" /><path d="m 150 231 Q 88 212 69 150 Q 88 88 150 69 Q 212 88 231 150 Q 212 212 150 231 z" fill="rgb(58,228,114)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(20,174,160)" /><path d="m 150 510 Q 78 222 -210 150 Q 78 78 150 -210 Q 222 78 510 150 Q 222 222 150 510 z" fill="rgb(64,255,65)" /><path d="m 150 365 Q 256 44 -65 150 Q 256 256 150 -65 Q 44 256 365 150 Q 44 44 150 365 z" fill="rgb(191,0,190)" /><path d="m 150 152 Q 193 107 148 150 Q 193 193 150 148 Q 107 193 152 150 Q 107 107 150 152 z" fill="rgb(235,81,95)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(164,73,16)" /><path d="m 150 694 Q 54 246 -394 150 Q 54 54 150 -394 Q 246 54 694 150 Q 246 246 150 694 z" fill="rgb(215,235,222)" /><path d="m 150 436 Q 266 34 -136 150 Q 266 266 150 -136 Q 34 266 436 150 Q 34 34 150 436 z" fill="rgb(40,20,33)" /><path d="m 150 279 Q 119 181 21 150 Q 119 119 150 21 Q 181 119 279 150 Q 181 181 150 279 z" fill="rgb(91,182,239)" /></svg>)
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3.5/5
Wow a spot without street lights and piercing srcurity lights.
Vicious humps on route and gps is totally confused. Signage for the first signuficant
hunp was deceiving and orange cones are needed as 15k speed was on sign at the
hump of 109 rangiuru or riverbend rd was too short a time to indicate in a heavy vehicle...
I would of been going pethaps 30k as nearing.. But very short abrupt hump.... Resulted in my loft bursting open on the impact. So on my experiences freedom camoing has cost me in physicsl money and time.
In hindsight i had a wonderful view of night
sky at this location. Grateful. A local also had said Otaki doesnt want us there.
D -
2.0/5
Great spot for sunsets.
Peaceful place, but be careful of rogue aggressive camping “officers”. They can be rude for no apparent reason. If they approach you with a bad attitude, are filming you in an awkward manner and you’re using a certified self contained van, get their names, photograph their ID and don’t talk to them. File a complaint with Kapiti District Council; happy travels to all.
BS -
4.5/5
Lots of space on the gravel beach, many campers here but even if you would arrive late you should find a spot to park your camper van easily.
Toilets are well maintained. What is a little annoying is that many campers make fire on the beach a just let it burn over night which generates a lot of smoke. So you should consider the wind direction when choosing your spot.
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4.5/5
We came in late and was a Bit confusing on location, think the actual spot is the beach (dont go down the lane), we camped behind the dune/hill near lookout n toilet.
Lots of campers on beach, three near us. Toilet was clean n flushing with toilet paper. Great location n views.
W -
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4.0/5
Beautiful ocean location to sit with a glass of wine watching the sun set.
Very busy - lots of campers and fishermen but still had a pleasant quiet night. Was too windy in the morning to boil a kettle out the back of our camping car!
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3.5/5
Long and beautiful beach with lots and lots of space (easily 10 vans in June and still looked empty).
Quite exposed in bad weather. No toilets indeed: there is a sign but i couldn't find them. Many people fishing and many vehicles moving around but it stopped when dark. In summary, i would say it's a great place for selfcontained vans if people don't mind a bit of local vibe.
/!\ Some spots look gravely but, watch out, just hiding the sand underneath: risk of getting stuck
R -
3.5/5
Not the easiest to find.
Drive to Marine Parade like the other reviewer said. Heard voices at 2 or 3am, eventually was harmless but still creeped me a bit. Pretty cool view to wake up to though.
C -
4.0/5
Beautiful spot with heaps of room - far greater than the number stated.
Lots of fisherman along the beach to watch and I’m told the fishing is great here
F -
4.0/5
A truly fantastic, off the grid, back to basics place.
The road in is a little rough, but fine if you slow down and take your time. Great fishing especially at the river mouth.
MF -
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2.0/5
This place not really good for the Motorhome!
and all your stuff you have inside the vehicle “ glass and cooking stuffs and food will fall down.
It is big place but need many of work to by really nice place and beach for the Otaki community and tourist.
I hope to back again and see all will be greatfull.
Otaki and NZ deserve.
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4.5/5
Beautiful spot.
It was peaceful but pretty windy which was nice though the night. Lots of space and easy access. I would only go in decent weather as in my van i prefer to have doors open to cook under cover and i think my awning might get shredded 🤣
I -
5.0/5
Tent camping Saturday night near the Estuary Otaki River, there were heaps of campervans/motorhome/vans/bus/Utes sit up for the night along the sea shore area, brilliant weather, friend & I went for a
walk along the sea shore watching fishermen/women fishing along the way, we walked beyond the Surf club, we took our seats near the campers to watch the sun sit & to hear a Kōauau (flute) while the sun was just disappear behind Kapiti Island magic.. On Sunday went for a morning walk on the other side of the Estuary, yes there is a rubbish bin & toilet closer to the camp site on Kapiti Ln Rd Picnic park I knew about this beach camp area my friend use to renovate batches/houses on Marine Parade it was so nice & handy. Enjoy & Respect the whenua -
Kp -
3.5/5
Rankers is wrong not only for 6 vehicles can park any where in a huge area beach or lake or river spots No toilets closes would be back at main beach so need to be self contained .Very scenic area can
see kapiti island from beach from other side as was in Parapariki beach 2 days if there good biking at Queen Elizabeth regional park but have to stay in holiday park there only rated it
a 7 as no toilets
L -
4.5/5
Place is great.
Awesome views. Will need to be self contained as there are no facilities around. For the view and vibe I would give it a 10.
P -
5.0/5
Came with my 7m caravan and managed to get car stuck in the sand.
No worries, within three minutes two helpful souls were there to help. Just needed to uncouple, set up van and hand maneuver a little for departure next day. Beautiful place by the sea to relax and watch the fishers. Next time will go further down by the river mouth.
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4.5/5
Beautiful spot right on the beach front.
No facilities, but this is nature at its finest! If you are not self contained, do not stay here. This is a gem of a location and we need to keep it (don't poo on the beach!)
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4.0/5
A lovely spot right on the ocean.
Was a pretty quiet exposed area on pebble/sand. Not too windy (December). About 7 vans/campers stayed overnight. No toilet or water as listed. A few families visit for the day surf fishing. A sweet spot.
M![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(234,48,7)" /><path d="m 150 596 Q 152 148 -296 150 Q 152 152 150 -296 Q 148 152 596 150 Q 148 148 150 596 z" fill="rgb(26,105,82)" /><path d="m 150 472 Q 257 43 -172 150 Q 257 257 150 -172 Q 43 257 472 150 Q 43 43 150 472 z" fill="rgb(229,150,173)" /><path d="m 150 200 Q 291 9 100 150 Q 291 291 150 100 Q 9 291 200 150 Q 9 9 150 200 z" fill="rgb(21,207,248)" /></svg>)
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