Jo and Neipa
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Waihao Box, Willowbridge
4.5/5
This is a great reserve that shows if you build it, people will respect it and look after it.
Short drive off SH1, sheltered from the wind, rubbish bins, very clean modern long drop, set out parking bays and turn around loop. The box is an interesting relic but do heed the warnings not to walk on it. Wish the council would put a donation box or publish a bank account as definitely be happy to pay for this being available. Stayed one night in a van, with our dog who was very happy rabbit spotting. Great place to break up the drive from Invercargill to Christchurch.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Patea ▷
Patea Dam / Lake Rotorangi
5.0/5
This was such a good find in the backcountry.
Yes the gravel road feels a bit dodgy with wandering stock and goats , especially after a recent cyclone but easily done in our self contained van when taken easy. There were couple people there with a large trailer camper, boats and jetskis. We took our kayak and dog down and went up a couple Kms up the lake. The ferns and Nikau palms are stunning. The toilet block is well maintained with hot water showers, plenty of soap and paper. We stayed one night but will definitely be back. It’s pretty cool you can walk on the earth dam. More than happy to pay $11 to the council, I’ve paid double that per person in some camping grounds with worse amenities. It’s a great place for people whose family member is a dog.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Putaruru ▷
Arapuni Landing
5.0/5
This is an amazing spot.
There were only 2 other campers there. So quiet at night, toilets with soap and toilet left by locals that flock there during the day with their boats and jet skis. My fav river spot .
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Cambridge ▷
Horahora Domain
4.5/5
Amazing spot!
We were unsure what it would be like for Xmas day but it’s very much a local spot. Very considerate campers with parking. Toilets clean. Lake nice to swim.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Patea ▷
Wai-inu Beach Domain
4.5/5
Stayed the night for the Sept long weekend.
Huge domain, loads of places to park, very quiet off season. 3 toilets, all very clean and well lit at night. A communal BBQ and clean water, not that we used. Grass was very wet in parts so much sure you check before you drive. We tucked up our little van behind a small hill as it was quite windy and it gave us some relief from the wind gusts. Nice walking on the beach and spotted two seals. Our dog Neipa loved it and no issues with other dogs around. Lots of quad bikes but they stop at night. Conflicting signs but we paid $11 a night to the district council per their website. Worth it for a wee break away and fair price given that the council makes it available.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Hastings ▷
Haumoana Domain
5.0/5
What a fantastic area, very clean and modern toilets, loads of space and super quiet.
Can be under trees or park up under the grass. Hasting District Council are great hosts. Great for our dog too.