Mereti
North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
2.5/5
Waiomu bay is beautiful to look at and there are lovely pohutakawa trees providing lots of shelter.
However, the freedom camping spot is a gravelly spot at the end of the road and there are only a few spots there. Also it is not a swimming beach too many rocks, and you cant pick pipis or any other seafood Now if you dont know that you can only park overnight in one of 7 spots which are bunched up like sardines you may likely get a $400 fine. I was one of those people, and there were others. I was parked in the same area of the freedom camp part,.It wouldve been nice if I hadve been warned the night before when the Council ranger came around but no I was going to get a coffee and ice at the cafe but instead promptly packed up my van and got out of there. I wont be spending any of my hard earned cash in the area. You have to be aware that people in campervans spend their money where they stay and they are not criminals. Not impressed.
North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Palmerston North ▷
4.5/5
This was a practice run for me in preparation for a long road trip.
I loved that I could park and set up my gears right by the river. It would be a place to swim if warmer. Lovely birdsong beautiful fresh air. Oh and private. Perfect for freedom camping. I'd go back.