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Just like camping on Mars!
This drive is not for the faint hearted - a rough gravel with the odd stream crossing so definitely watch the weather - and the capabilities of your vehicle!
But.......if that all lines up, you will never have such a beautifully bizarre nights stay. I can imagine Nasa coming here to train before the Mars landing.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Central North IslandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village |
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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. |
Campsite Managing Organisation |
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Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Maximum Stay Duration |
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Maximum Stay DurationHow many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 4 nights You are permitted to stay at this campsite for up to four nights in a row. Four nights maximum in a single calendar month, between 5 pm and 9 am the following day, from 1 November to 30 April inclusive. |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. |
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. |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs. |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Restricted Freedom Camping Site Department of Conservation Restricted Freedom Camping Sites are for Self Contained Vehicles only with restrictions over length of stay. Some of these locations may have a toilet, but this can't be expected. |
WiFi Internet |
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WiFi InternetWhat type of WiFi internet access is available? No WiFi There is no WiFi access available. |
Campfire Rules |
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Campfire RulesWhat are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted. |
✓ Great views
✓ Adventurous spot
✓ Feels safe
✓ Beautifully quiet after dark
𐄂 Road in bad condition
𐄂 Access for 4WD only
Awesome place to visit or stay.
Rating depends on the weather.
Amazing spot and really adventurous!
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 4 |
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50% |
9/10 | 1 |
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13% |
8/10 | 1 |
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13% |
7/10 | 1 |
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13% |
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 | 1 |
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13% |
5.0/5
Amazing spot and really adventurous!
but 4wd is a must have! It gets windy and cold in the night
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
We did not go all the way in but stopped somewhere that looked nice.
It is a great spot. Great views. We had our three kids with us and felt safe. It is just by a mimutary zone and we hade helicopters hovering and shooting sounds untill a little after dark. Then it was beautifully quiet. It gets really cold when dark.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
Absolutely beautiful place to camp, right under the mountain, gets cold and windy so be prepared, easy drive up as long as it hasn't rained in a few days, it floods easily.
No facilities, yet the solitude and the quite is worth it. Great hike up to the ski field club houses as well 6.5km from the camping spot
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful location with stunning views of the mountains, very weather dependent though.
The entrance off the main road comes up very quickly so keep a sharp eye out. 6-7km up a gravel road, keep going until you cross a stream and then keep going further until you see the sign in the picture. No facilities so you need a self contained van but worth it for peace and silence away from roads and other people.
Feels a bit like another world, could be on the surface of the moon!
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.0/5
Rating depends on the weather.
Be aware of the fact that there is nothing and nobody around you apart from the mountains. Nice views if weather is good. No facilities at all. Tough gravel road to get there.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
3.5/5
If you struck good weather this would be an interesting place to camp one night.
If the weather is not good I wouldn't bother travelling down the road-you will just see mist.
Reviewed almost 10 years ago