Camping is good, caves are incredible.

Amazing place to see glow worms for free. As mentioned in previous comments once in the cave go left, cross the river 3 times and stop once you get to where the river goes under a section you would have to wade through. This part has the best glow worms. You can duck and wade through the river to the next cave for an added adventure but the glow worms are less in the next cave. Good toilets and cold shower. Highly recommend you add this onto you trip. We loved it so much we are doing a full YouTube video on just the caves!!!

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Fantastic spot.

They no longer allow tents in this area so campervans can park in those spots some of which have picnic tables. We had a great spot for two nights with trees so we put our hammocks up. Good toilets and drinking water. People keep arriving late as there is so much space but otherwise really quiet and peaceful. We will be staying here again on our way back up the North Island for sure!

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Cute place.

Lovely beach on the other side of the dunes. Popular and fills up quickly. They do come around and check you are parked in the correct space. A bunch of people had to move on when security showed up because there wasn’t enough space for them to fit in so be sure to follow the signs. Good toilets. Nice and close to Matapouri.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

One of the best places in town to stay.

There are 8 designated spots at the corners of the car park. Nice and close to walk into town. No parking in the one corner when the market is on (Friday night till Saturday early afternoon). 24hr toilets are a bit of a walk away so he sure to use the closer ones before they close (between 8-830). Nearby there is a cool glass blowing studio to check out and a free outdoor gym to use.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Lots of cultural history here.

Take the time to read the posted signs to learn about the area which includes no food or drinks allowed for cultural reasons. Very busy place with lots of tour buses coming by. Worth the walk to the light house to see where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Nice park and cafe with slow wifi.

Not a great sleep as the neighbours across the street have a dog that barks all night. Also on a busy road and allocated spots are on a slope. Use the isite to get info but try and get a spot to sleep at another one of the sites in town.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Amazing to see the largest kauri tree.

Short walk from the road. Be sure to clean your shoes properly at the station on the way in and out of the walk to help stop the spread of kauri die back disease. Toilets across the toad as well as awesome fresh fruit ice cream. Worth the stop along the way.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Tons of space!

Probably the largest freedom camping space we have seen yet. It does get busy with the best spots filling up early, but you can arrive anytime and find a spot to park there must have been 50+ campervans and buses there. A lot of the larger trailers and vans at this location because of the space. As mentioned there is only one drip toilet so expect a short line and night and in the morning. Very windy but it was a nice change from the heat. Close to town and great sunsets over the lake.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Lovely waterfalls.

We were there in summer so it was great for swimming below the falls. We also did the walk down the path to the fairy pools to swim there too. Well worth the visit.

Reviewed over 4 years ago

Lovely views.

Steep short hike. Well worth it. We went when it was dry which was great. Wouldn’t want to do it when wet. Also not great if you aren’t good with heights or agile as it has very steep sections at the end for the summit. Small parking area for regular sized vehicles only (normal car park spot size). Definitely recommend taking the time to stop here.

Reviewed over 4 years ago