Celeste
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Government Gardens Thermal Area
4.0/5
After reading some reviews for the two free camping sites in Rotorua we went straight to Hatupatu carpark as recommended by others.
It's not entirely clear if it's a freedom camping spot as there were no signs related to camping, but it was very busy there with at least 30 campervans and motor homes plus two tents. The coastguard drove through around 8:30pm but didn't take any notice of all the parked vehicles. The toilets were close and open when we needed them (20:15 and 07:00) and didn't appear to have been closed during the night. In the evening we had no trouble with bugs but there were swarms of them in the morning. It's a beautiful place to park up for the night and we would recommend staying here if you're looking for a site near Rotorua.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud ▷
West Bay Campsite
4.5/5
Fantastic site!
Each site is semi-private with trees separations between. The sites are relatively flat and all are close to potable water. The toilet block looks new, is really clean and has flush toilets with running cold water and soap. The showers are cold water only but you can hang up a solar shower bag, they've got a bench with hooks and there's some separation between the "wet" and "dry" areas. There's also a dining shelter with sinks for doing dishes, a bench for sitting at and a stainless steel surface for cooking on, all enclosed with doors that could be shut in bad weather. You need to register either at the Visitors Centre (5 minute drive away) during their opening hours or with the site warden (friendly volunteers who do 1-2 week stints at the site). From the site you are right at the start of several walks and have easy access to the beautiful lake. One of our favourite campsites in NZ so far! Just make sure you have bug spray with you to discourage the sandflies!
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Lakefront Carpark, Rotorua
4.0/5
After reading some reviews here we went straight to Hatupatu carpark.
It's not entirely clear if it's a freedom camping spot as there were no signs related to camping, but it was very busy there with at least 30 campervans and motor homes plus two tents. The coastguard drove through around 8:30pm but didn't take any notice of all the parked vehicles. The toilets were open when we needed them (20:15 and 07:00) and didn't appear to have been closed during the night. In the evening we had no trouble with bugs but there were swarms of them in the morning. It's a beautiful place to park up for the night and we would recommend staying here if you're looking for a site near Rotorua.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Woodville ▷
Woodville Ferry Reserve
3.5/5
Campsite well maintained with plenty of space, situated on the banks of a river.
The grass had been recently cut, there were benches and an outdoor bbq as well as signs with information about the local history and conservation efforts. The entrance is just before a road closure which is scheduled to last until 2025 (according to Google) but doesn't affect reaching the campsite. The toilet block with three drop loos is relatively new but unfortunately was not in a good state on our visit and was full of flies and mosquitoes. Better to use your own campervan facilities or stop off in town which has two clean, flushing toilet locations (one open 7am-7pm and the other with a 24h toilet). There is local wildlife so please be responsible with your rubbish and don't leave it outside your vehicle at night.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Hutt Valley ▷
Belmont Regional Park
4.5/5
Great campsite!
Found this after all the places in and around Wellington were full. Lovely area with plenty of space. Flush toilets were clean, spacious and had running cold water as well as soap. Additional potable water tap outside. Note that the fees envelopes and box are next to the toilet block.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve
4.5/5
Really enjoyed our night at this spot!
It's by a beautiful beach and the sunset views were fantastic. There's a cafe across the street (pizza for NZ$22 if you don't want to cook), bbq, bins and playground. Nearby there's a grocery store (15 minute drive) and a petrol station with a dump station and potable water (20 minute drive). The toilet block is spacious, clean, well stocked and well lit with a cold water shower on the outside of the building. There is limited space, we arrived at around 3pm and the site was already more than half filled. Unfortunately we made a tasty meal for some mosquitoes so make sure all doors and windows are fully closed at night.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Beachfront Reserves, Cooks Beach
3.5/5
Beautiful area, worth staying here just for the beach!
Limited space available for overnight campers and this space is reduced further still as you're requested to leave a 3 meter gap between vehicles. There were quite a few mosquitoes. Toilets with a handwashing sink only approximately 3 minutes walk.