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Devin
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
Tarewa isite
3.0/5
Decent spot, but considering that it is a parking lot in town it is not as spacious as one would like and it is right off the highway so it was a bit noisy on the Monday morning.
The downside is that there aren't many designated spots for overnight camping. I got a spot, but some people who showed up later ended up parking in non-designated spots. I didn't notice them having any issues. I recommend that you spend $2 and pay for the warm shower if you're wanting to bathe because it is cold water, especially in the morning.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Boundary Creek Track
5.0/5
Bring cash to pay at the admission box.
Site monitored by DOC officer in the early morning. Payed $8 per person. This spot has an amazing view of the lake and mountains. So pretty in the evening. The view of the stars here on a clean night is amazing.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Goldsborough Campsite
4.0/5
A smaller site that was $8 per person (bring cash as there is a deposit box monitored in the morning by DOC officers).
Lots of Weka that like to hangout as you cook breakfast in the morning, one even hopped in the car. Toilets are clean, with designated dishwashing area. There is also a bit of historical gold rush information displayed. Expect rain.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Raetea North Side Campsite
4.5/5
One of the most spacious spots that I stayed at on my trip that has a lovely view of a dense, tropical forest on the hills.
The bridge flooded a bit overnight, so walking to the bridge required some caution, mainly not to get wet in my case. This site is free and while the outhouse may smell it was cleaner than some of the public restrooms I've seen during this trip. The inconvenience is that it is a bit out of the way to get to the toilet.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Hawera ▷
Albion Street Carpark, Hawera
5.0/5
A good spot with access to clean toilets and good free wifi from the Library on the other side of the roundabout from the parking lot and toilet.
Flat, paved parking lot. Quite empty too when I stayed there. Nearby old watertower is the town's attraction and looks pretty at night.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Rotorua Family Holiday Park
5.0/5
Really have to give it up to the people running this place.
Called as they were closing, as we couldn't find a spot in the Rotorua area, and they waited for us to show up ~30 minutes after they had closed the reception area. Good facilities: kitchen with toaster, fridges, a bbq area outside. There was a TV room that I didn't get to try out, a playground, close to the lake with a gorgeous purple sunset. Hot shower and wifi included in cost of $12 per person. Wifi connection was good. Showers and toilets in separate buildings. I recommend for you to call and book with them.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Chamberlains Ford Recreation Reserve
4.5/5
Nice place with clean bathrooms and picnic tables.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Waitapu River Bridge
4.0/5
This site had fresh gravel poured over the entrance.
I noticed some cars getting stuck in the unsettled rocks so a couple guys had to push the car out. This site has rubbish and recycling bins, unlike most free spots, which was nice. Toilets were ok, most of the ground was uneven and as the sign says, it is an area prone to flooding. So don't camp out on the rounded river rocks or even near the river for the matter. Had no issues with this as we listened to the warning sign and it didn't rain. Nice view of the stars on a clear night. A bit noisy from the highway and bridge. Good for a night.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
Lumsden Information Centre
5.0/5
Lots of parking available on flat, paved surface in town.
Highway not too nosiy. Toilets were very clean. There's a playground and also picnic tables and a place to wash dishes.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Poaka Campsite
4.0/5
Stayed two nights here.
Lots of room. Some picnic tables. Beautiful view of the stars of a clear night. One night was cloudy, the other was clear. Good view of the mountains. Lake looked nice. Road along the canal was rough to get to the site. but other than that it was good.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Te Aroha ▷
Paeroa RV Centre
3.5/5
Friendly staff, $2 hot showers for 5 minutes, which was in a clean bathroom.
The setting seems like people live their permanently with some travellers coming and going (a woman in a motorhome had plants and a cat). Wifi connection was poor and had issues staying connected. We were shown to a spot along the fence that wasn't a designated camping spot even though we called to check that there was space available. $12 per person. Kitchen space was fine for me.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Hipapatua / Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve Free Campsite
3.0/5
Fills up fast.
Ended up arriving late afternoon and got a spot that was a bit up the hill on uneven ground, but at least we got a spot. The other campers in the flatter area take up a lot of space, perhaps more than they needed. I didn't get the chance to use the toilets pictured here as they are in the recreational area that is closed to vehicles after 8 or so, but still accessible by foot. There were very dirty portapotties as well that seemed like they may not be for the campers, but for workers as the site was under some repair or expansion. The place is still decent in general due to its free status and proximity to attractions along highway 5, just dirtier and more used than other free campsites I stayed at. There's a nice view of the river from this spot too.