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Explore the Dawson Falls area from this great base. A feature is one of New Zealand's oldest operational power generators.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC TaranakiCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mt Taranaki |
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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. |
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. |
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. |
✓ Stunning views of Mt Taranaki
✓ Beautiful hiking trails
✓ Plenty of space for parking
✓ Friendly visitors center staff
✓ Safe atmosphere with other campers
𐄂 Toilets can be dirty
𐄂 Cold and damp at night
Amazing place!!
Epic spot!
Bathrooms were unkept, no potable water there.
No complaints from us.
A nice carpark with a good view of the Taranaki.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 9 |
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43% |
9/10 | 9 |
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43% |
8/10 | 1 |
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5% |
7/10 | 2 |
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10% |
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% |
4.5/5
No complaints from us.
As you’d expect. Toilets clean, no smell, floor dirty. Need to be self reliant for drinking water. About 7 other vans here and some cars- no occupants, presumably hikers out and about. Great setting. Adequate space. Got windy in evening but we felt relatively protected.
2a 2c 1 night motorhome.
Reviewed about 1 month ago
4.5/5
Legendary spot.
Staid there with 7 more vans, plenty of space (space for 50 maybe). Toilets were disgusting though. Do watch the stars at night.
Reviewed 9 months ago
3.5/5
Bathrooms were unkept, no potable water there.
Park and hiking trails nearby are beautiful.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Epic spot!
Wonderful views with a bunch of very pretty hikes through goblin forests with a bunch of waterfalls. Cold and damp at night, even in summer, but gorgeous stars when the clouds clear. Carpark is pretty flat with plenty of space but it does get busy. Toilets clean but basic. Visitors center worth a quick visit with friendly staff.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
3.5/5
Nice place to stay next to Dawson falls, lots of campers when we were there so it made it feel safer.
A few boy racers turned up in the night with full beams on and revving engines which lasted around half an hour.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Nice place to stay overnight with public toilet.
Could be windy and cold.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
A nice carpark with a good view of the Taranaki.
There is a lookout point just 1 min wall from the carpark. Toilets are oké and close to the carpark. A nice visiters centre and enough space. There was only one other campervan. It was Saturday night and there were a few teenagers with cars. But they left at 12pm and didn't make a lot of noise.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Nice spot, I would recommend it!!.
It was winter… windy, frogy, raining and cold but nice place to stay some nights and take nice pictures frim Mt, Taranaki. Toilets and always there are others campers around it.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
To get here was a windy drive on a sealed road through a tunnel of cloud forest which was like an enchanted forest.
Winter review:
We had the entire place to ourselves so chose the upper car park- nearest view of Mt Taranaki. Lower carpark had closer access to the toilets.
Many walks from this base- we did a winter suited walk that enjoyed different views of Mt Taranaki.
The forested walks all around were unexpected & entirely enchanting as was waking up to the misted magical view of Mt Taranaki.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
Easy 10 stars for this stunning location.
Our family of four stayed a night in a campervan in late June with no issues at all (18 months & 3 year old). Toilet is ok clean, surrounding areas feel very safe. There were two other campervans in a large car park on the night we stayed. Enjoyed amazing view of snow peaked mt Taranaki & a big full rainbow after the rain side by side after our brekkie, unforgettable memory!
Unfortunately we missed out on any walk due to leaving straight after breakfast. But I would come back for another night and do some walks next time. My kids loved running around in the huge flat carpark with My Taranaki as a backdrop
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
Wonderful spot near the base of Mt Taranaki.
Public fishing toilets open 24/7 and reasonably clean.
Information centre open Thursday to Sunday.
We were the only freedom campers. There are bookable lodges nearby all run by DOC.
Dawsons Falls is stunning. One of my favourite walks, it has such a variety of native plants and trees and moss lined paths, with twisted tree roots and stones, it has an enchanted forest look about it. Take the longer loop track walk to really enjoy or go direct to the falls via the road.
The road is sealed all the way but it is narrow and windy for the last 6km trip so might be best to drive during the day.
Lovely and peaceful, spotted several Kereru (wood pidgeon) and heard Ruru (Morepork) at night.
Views of the Maunga were stunning despite us going in summer when there is relatively no snow.
Good coffee at Coffex coffee roasters in Hawera.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.5/5
No complaints from us.
As you’d expect. Toilets clean, no smell, floor dirty. Need to be self reliant for drinking water. About 7 other vans here and some cars- no occupants, presumably hikers out and about. Great setting. Adequate space. Got windy in evening but we felt relatively protected.
2a 2c 1 night motorhome.
Reviewed about 1 month ago
4.5/5
Legendary spot.
Staid there with 7 more vans, plenty of space (space for 50 maybe). Toilets were disgusting though. Do watch the stars at night.
Reviewed 9 months ago
3.5/5
Bathrooms were unkept, no potable water there.
Park and hiking trails nearby are beautiful.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Epic spot!
Wonderful views with a bunch of very pretty hikes through goblin forests with a bunch of waterfalls. Cold and damp at night, even in summer, but gorgeous stars when the clouds clear. Carpark is pretty flat with plenty of space but it does get busy. Toilets clean but basic. Visitors center worth a quick visit with friendly staff.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
3.5/5
Nice place to stay next to Dawson falls, lots of campers when we were there so it made it feel safer.
A few boy racers turned up in the night with full beams on and revving engines which lasted around half an hour.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Nice place to stay overnight with public toilet.
Could be windy and cold.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
A nice carpark with a good view of the Taranaki.
There is a lookout point just 1 min wall from the carpark. Toilets are oké and close to the carpark. A nice visiters centre and enough space. There was only one other campervan. It was Saturday night and there were a few teenagers with cars. But they left at 12pm and didn't make a lot of noise.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Nice spot, I would recommend it!!.
It was winter… windy, frogy, raining and cold but nice place to stay some nights and take nice pictures frim Mt, Taranaki. Toilets and always there are others campers around it.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
To get here was a windy drive on a sealed road through a tunnel of cloud forest which was like an enchanted forest.
Winter review:
We had the entire place to ourselves so chose the upper car park- nearest view of Mt Taranaki. Lower carpark had closer access to the toilets.
Many walks from this base- we did a winter suited walk that enjoyed different views of Mt Taranaki.
The forested walks all around were unexpected & entirely enchanting as was waking up to the misted magical view of Mt Taranaki.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
Easy 10 stars for this stunning location.
Our family of four stayed a night in a campervan in late June with no issues at all (18 months & 3 year old). Toilet is ok clean, surrounding areas feel very safe. There were two other campervans in a large car park on the night we stayed. Enjoyed amazing view of snow peaked mt Taranaki & a big full rainbow after the rain side by side after our brekkie, unforgettable memory!
Unfortunately we missed out on any walk due to leaving straight after breakfast. But I would come back for another night and do some walks next time. My kids loved running around in the huge flat carpark with My Taranaki as a backdrop
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
Wonderful spot near the base of Mt Taranaki.
Public fishing toilets open 24/7 and reasonably clean.
Information centre open Thursday to Sunday.
We were the only freedom campers. There are bookable lodges nearby all run by DOC.
Dawsons Falls is stunning. One of my favourite walks, it has such a variety of native plants and trees and moss lined paths, with twisted tree roots and stones, it has an enchanted forest look about it. Take the longer loop track walk to really enjoy or go direct to the falls via the road.
The road is sealed all the way but it is narrow and windy for the last 6km trip so might be best to drive during the day.
Lovely and peaceful, spotted several Kereru (wood pidgeon) and heard Ruru (Morepork) at night.
Views of the Maunga were stunning despite us going in summer when there is relatively no snow.
Good coffee at Coffex coffee roasters in Hawera.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
5.0/5
Amazing place!!
Plenty of room, clean toilets and really peaceful. Next day we woke up eith the best views of Mt taranaki and did great walks for 6h. :)
Reviewed about 4 years ago
5.0/5
Excellent place to park overnight with good loos and fabulous views of Taranaki.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
4.5/5
Amazing views, flush toilets, car park was not full although high season, lovely walks, there was rumor at night around 1 am, sounded like locals.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Perfect place to stay with your camper.
Amazing location with the best views to the Tongariro summit. Plenty of space for a lot of people. Best is to go to the upper parking where less people and couple of dining tables. Best star gazing of NZ!! Great toilets open 24/7 as they are at the I-Site centre. One of the best campgrounds of our entire 28 days trip around NZ!!
Reviewed about 5 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful place, at the end of a 6 km dead end street, with only the sounds of birds and wind and beautiful scenery/lookout.
Nice walks with beautiful vegetation.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful scenery of the Mt Taranaki.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
4.5/5
Visited the car park.
Again a wonderful location and opportunity to camp for free on the mountainside. However, we stayed over at North Egmont where there were a few more facilities.
[2 senior Scots, 4 week trip, mainly overnight stops, self-contained, Autumn]
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
Nice spot to start your hike into the region of the mountains.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in April 2013
4.5/5
I reckon that 2 days here is a must.
Heaps of walks, long and short, take your pick. Remember a warm hat as this place is at high altitude. Which makes for great views, but remember that in winter it snows up here. To say that the native bush here is mature, is an understatement - it feels prehistoric. A must in the Naki.
Reviewed over 11 years ago