Visited Arohena Campsite on 26-28 Mar 2021.

Grounds were clean and tidy, with plenty of room for kids with bikes. 4x flush toilets near entrance were clean, includes 2x disabled. Separate washing up area of 3 sinks with cold water. Must boil water before drinking. There were 2 tap hoses on grounds for use. Campsite allows dogs, need to apply for permit with DOCS Te Kuiti office - kiwi aversion training not required. Campsite grounds are terraced, with bulk of camping sites on same level of toilets while rest of campsites are on uneven hill terrain towards the lake. There are bollards to break the sites up into bays. Sites against the hill are more private and sheltered from the wind, while sites that will get epic views are far more exposed. Lake water was clean and cool with mix of sandy and rocky bottom, shallow for little kids along the shore but deepens within a few metres. DOC warden is on-site and will do spot check of new arrivals. Recommend booking online in advance. There are concrete fire pits dotted around, as well as fixed picnic tables. Boat ramp was busy with boats and jetskis on Saturday. Found the jetskis on Saturday afternoon were noisy. Likely locals, as they left before dark. Didn't have issues with other campers, their kids or dogs, everyone was happy - but we deliberately went on a quiet weekend. Easter weekend or the popular school holidays will have a different vibe to the zen one we had. Expect your vehicle to end up covered in dirt from the road. We arrived after 9pm on Friday and the view of the lake as you snake around the entrance, was stunning. The lake glistened in the moonlight on a cloudless night. Was my first time staying at a DOC campsite, chose this one specifically as they allow dogs without Kiwi training. I'd definitely stay there again.

Reviewed over 3 years ago