Kristen
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tokoroa ▷
Lake Maraetai Camping Reserve
4.5/5
Can't believe this campsite is free!
It isn't a huge space and a lot of larger RVs frequent the area, so i would say to arrive early. We got there around 4pm on a weekend and were able to snag the last lake front spot.
You can swim in the lake or rent kayaks from the small cafe that's onsite. It seems to be an area popular with families.
$2 showers (4 minutes) are available and the flush toilets were clean. There was also a large sink and a seperate small drinking water fountain availble.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
Waipu Caves
4.0/5
Arrived around 6pm and several campers were already set up, got full throughout the evening despite the listed 5 campervan restriction.
The parking area was large enough so it wasn't an issue.
Short walk to the cave and there were plenty of glow worms right inside the entrance - no reason to wade through the water unless you want the experience.
Toilets were decent and there's an open shower for washing your feet after the cave. Some people went to the cave in the morning around 9 or 10, but the tour groups show up then so I would recommend going at night.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Tapotupotu Campsite
3.5/5
Large camping area that filled up quite a bit throughout the evening.
Two toilet blocks (non-flushing) that were relatively clean. Two cold showers available. There are water taps available but needs to be boiled before consuming.
Pretty beach with nice views but frankly it's expensive for what you get.