There's not many freedom campsites in Golden Bay.

This is one is. on the road in/out. You're basically up in the mountains so it's cold. Good overnighter site if you can get one of the few spaces.

Reviewed about 1 year ago

Very basic but safe and clean space.

If good westher, nice walk with amazing view. Very friendly young weka:). No tap and only dry toilet- clean. Few people stopping there in the morning to walk to the lookout- quite busy!

Reviewed over 1 year ago

Does the job as a free camp site.

The view from the lookout is quite something.

Cons: The parking is really not level.

There was like 200 flies in the toilet.

Reviewed almost 2 years ago

Great spot, awesome views from the lookout (5min walk).

Toilet was quite smelly, but not dirty per se.

Reviewed about 2 years ago

Surprisingly hidden from the road.

Minimal road noise didn’t bother us. Toilets very close however extremely stinky and heaps of flies. We were the only ones there for the night. Toilet gets quite a few visits throughout the afternoon and night as it’s a public toilet. Didn’t bother us. Would stay again. Phone reception was good. Enough space for 6 vans.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

I've stayed here a few times over the years.

For some.reaosn, the passing trassic really bothered me this time. Maybe the road is busier? 4g signal was good although dropped a few times. I have no idea what people are going on about re it not being flat, they make it sound like you're parked on a hill. I looked and couldn't even find where the incline was. I felt safe, 3 other campers there in June. Toilet isn't the best but not as bad as some are making it out to be. Overall, a good spot. And visiting the woodshed cafe 5 minutes up the road is a must! Great cogfe and food and animal petting/feeding 🙂

Reviewed 6 months ago

Useful stopover when driving down from the North end of Abel Tasman NP.

Space for at least 6 vans. The toilet was clean and the short walkway to the lookout has plenty of nice views.

Reviewed about 1 year ago

Convenient place to stay for a night on your way up to Abel Tasma/Collingwood.

Beautiful view from the lookout.

Not much space but not too busy.

Only dry toilets quite dirty, no water or dump station.

Reviewed almost 2 years ago

Small but very nice spot!

Only a few places available but with a superb view and very quiet, even with the road beside!

Reviewed almost 2 years ago

Great spot with awesome views (short walk required).

Surprisingly quiet given you are next to the road. We were the only motorhome!

Reviewed over 2 years ago

A great wee place to park up for the night.

We were actually the only ones too yay! There is a cute wee walk that you can do to an amazing lookout. It has a toilet which was so nice & clean. Only con would be next to the main road & noise but saying that it wasn’t a biggy. You can’t see any of the vehicles and they can’t see you. Fantastic wee spot!!

Reviewed almost 4 years ago

Nice remote sites with a short walk to a stunning lookout over the valley below.

The parking area isn’t big so you might have neighbours. Avoid the toilet if you can.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Close to the roadway for lots of loud traffic, very crowded and little parking, people were loud with music and TV.

Bathrooms were filthy and strong odor of ammonia.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Beautiful location, the lookout is quite stunning at sunset.

The toilet is dire so we didn't use that. The lot seems to be on a slope which was a bit annoying. It wasnt busy at the time we visited (we were the only ones there!). Note the sign says to vacate by 9am.

Reviewed over 5 years ago

The Hawkes Lookout Carpark itself is nice, especially the lookout which is 5 min away!

But the toilet is disgusting!

The awful smell reached our car at the carpark - and there was like a 40m distance between our car and the toilet... you can tell, the toilet definitely needs a clean!

Reviewed over 5 years ago

Small car park for staying overnight, approximately 15 spaces if everyone is parked tightly.

Carpark is also for the lookout so there is a chance that the cars/campervans in the carpark are going to the lookout and not staying the night. Toilets were relatively clean and very close to the carpark. 10 minute walk to Hawkes Lookout, very convenient

Reviewed almost 6 years ago and experienced in November 2018

08Oct18.

Stopped here on the way over to Takaka. It is as described with a short walk to the lookout. Is was sunny and clear so the the view was great. While we were there a couple who live in Nelson appeared. It was their first visit and were amazed at the view. Worth going to.

The Ngarau Caves and lookout is a bit further along the road. The lookout looks a slightly different direction so is also worth a stop. Went to the caves in 2006. It is a paid for place. Hourly guided tours into the caves. Can’t say what it is like now but prob worth visiting.

Reviewed about 6 years ago

Possibly the worse toilets I've ever seen in my life.

Wasn't even able to use it as the smell was so bad it made my eyes water! This needs sorting out!!!

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

Quite a windy drive to get there but well worth it.

The views from the lookout were stunning, as were the stars. There is only space for about six campervans and no tent areas. It’s fairly close to the road but noise wasn’t a problem. Toilet was absolutely foul which is the only reason it doesn’t get a 10, don’t even bother trying to use it, we did and regretted it. Worst we’ve ever experienced! Aside from that, brilliant free place to stop.

Reviewed about 7 years ago