Holly Martorana
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Napier ▷
Mangatutu Hot Springs Campsite
4.0/5
Amazing campsite that is well worth a visit.
A bit of a bumpy road to get in that would be better suited to a 4WD but did see a couple of other car types there that made it in.
Free, clean hot pools with a brilliant view. Little nooks along the path to camp in for a more private site. One of the most incredible rivers I have ever seen, however quite hard to get down to at the moment. Can tell there used to be a better path but rain has washed away a lot of the steps and both routes down from the campsite (the marked one and then another sneaky one about 3 mins long down from the right of the hot pools) are now quite tricky and can’t really be classed as access to running stream water easily. Wouldn’t want to carry anything up or down (water containers, dishes) as need your hands to hold on to things going down, but once your down it is a beautiful spot to swim in.
Will definetely go back.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Opotiki ▷
Boulders Campsite
4.0/5
Great campsite!
Went two years in a row, hard to get down without a 4WD but have seen some other cars manage it.
Usually a quiet campsite which is lovely, not a lot of space so feels crowded quickly when more than 2-3 groups turn up.
Beautiful river to swim in, great short walks near by and a reasonable condition long drop. Highly recommend if you get the chance.