Leet
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Te Kuiti ▷
Kakaho Campsite
2.5/5
We booked via the Docs site for this spot on a Saturday night.
Winter review:
Due to torrential rains the days before, the few kilometers of gravel road to the large but uneven grass site (which was a short steep descent into) was riddled with water filled pot holes.
Upon arrival at dusk, there were some locals in 4WD getting set up for a night- sawing branches for a bonfire and giving off an unwelcoming air.
We decided to leave them to their peace and headed back out (after a quick use of the basic drop toilet) as we were also worried a bit of rain may find us bogged there.
A shame we couldn’t experience the nice things other reviewers said about it.. could have just been our bad luck
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mt Taranaki ▷
Dawson Falls Carparks
5.0/5
To get here was a windy drive on a sealed road through a tunnel of cloud forest which was like an enchanted forest.
Winter review:
We had the entire place to ourselves so chose the upper car park- nearest view of Mt Taranaki. Lower carpark had closer access to the toilets.
Many walks from this base- we did a winter suited walk that enjoyed different views of Mt Taranaki.
The forested walks all around were unexpected & entirely enchanting as was waking up to the misted magical view of Mt Taranaki.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Kawhia ▷
Oparau Roadhouse and Bills Backpackers
5.0/5
Plenty of grass (with gravel areas for the bogging averse), elevated with a view across some of the classic NZ rolling green farmlands this, we couldn’t believe the unpowered space was free.
Winter review:
A welcoming space outside of Kawhia, we arrived here at dusk mid July after visiting the Te Puia/ Kawhia hot water beach
The owner was so friendly and the toilets (around the back) was clean.
Great to have shop next door to buy basics as well as get hot food & coffee. Petrol also!
It’s by the SH31 so some car noise is normal.. but there wasn’t much traffic in the heart of winter so it was a most peaceful place to stop
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tokoroa ▷
Lake Maraetai Camping Reserve
4.0/5
Lovely peaceful spot beside the lake close to public toilets.
Winter review:
We arrived on a Saturday night in mid July and were the only ones there so It was a little unclear where to park our campervan.
There were some signs around saying ‘no camping/motor homes’ so we decided to park where there were no such signs- so parked in the carpark next to the gorgeous Bus stop Café.
Some cars drove by throughout the night (so didn’t feel so private) but other than complete peace.
Were able to have a coffee from the lovely Bus Stop Café in the morn. 2 cute cats live there.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Kapowairua Campsite
5.0/5
Spirits Bay itself was a beautiful, most peaceful & magical place a short stroll away.
Winter review:
Arrived early July along a 13KM gravel road in and had the entire place to ourselves
What a beautiful spot
Sprawling grass site with picturesque rolling hills as a backdrop dotted by horses now & again through our stay
Modern & clean amenities (drop toilet & showers)
Blanket of stars at night
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Edgecumbe ▷
Matatā Campsite
4.0/5
The manager on site was so lovely & helpful.
Winter review:
Here in the heart of winter (July)
Gorgeous spot by the wild ocean
Despite wild wind, the area was very protected
Our campervan had road tires that easily bogged but, despite the downpour of rain, the grass was firm & we were bog free
Basic amenities (flush toilets and a hot shower for $1)
Booking online via Docs is a must
Absolutely loved it.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Napier ▷
Perfume Point Carpark, Napier
3.5/5
Winter review: Only 4 marked spots here easy enough for us to get a spot arriving on a Saturday afternoon on the first day of school holidays in July Pretty view of bay Public (flush) toilets right
next to carpark
An easy base from which to explore Napier though it’s a solid 30-40min walk (km) to Marine Parade and all the Art Deco buildings
A bit cheek by jowl with cars but it’s a carpark so that is to be expected
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Anglers Lodge Motels & Holiday Park
5.0/5
Picturesque spot & amazingly friendly & helpful staff.
We were here in the heart of winter on a heavy, rainy NZ eve.
Loved the design of the cabins and the hot showers, super clean facilities, spacious seating areas with gorgeous views of the water were all lovely on a cold rainy night & day
Highly recommend and thank you for a stay!
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Cuba Street Motorhome Park
3.0/5
Location is the highlight of this place.
Winter review:
If you want to gallery hop/shop/sample the many bars, cafés, restaurants this is the spot for you
Smack bang in the very cool Cuba St the many eateries & shops are at your doorstep.
This is a carpark in the heart of the city though so, arriving on a weekday morn, all camperhome spots were occupied by sedans.
We parked nearby for the day & returned around 4.30PM to secure a spot for the night.
Cheapest rate was $35 from 4PM check in to 8AM.
Payment via a website so internet connection needed.
Self contained vehicles only with nearest toilet a 6 min walk away at
This is a city spot so the usual city noises applies.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mt Taranaki ▷
North Egmont Carparks
5.0/5
The view of Mt Taranaki on the north side drive along Egmont Rd was stunning and, arriving at the North Egmont Docs Visitor Centre carpark, it opened up to be the ultimate view.
Winter review
9 spaces for self contained campers marked in yelllow, we were only one of two vans, with the most stunning view of Mt Taranaki.
The Docs bathrooms are opened 24hrs with sensor lights and was spacious & clean (& a warm respite in the heart of winter)- a friendly note to request motorhomes to not use the sink as a kitchen sink
DOCs 1/2 hour free WiFi available around toilet block
Amazing info at the Centre describing history, geology, flora, and fauna of the Taranaki region
Lucky us, we woke up to a perfect rainbow over a perfect clear view of Mt Taranaki.
Some amazing walks from here & the staff at the Docs Visitor Centre was the most friendly & helpful of our entire trip- helping with our walk in Taranaki (Veronica loop) as well as other journeys from there.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve
4.0/5
A concrete car park by the picturesque Waikato River next to the Aratiatia Rapids.
Winter review:
Easily accessible from a main road.
Us and only a handful of campervans.
Peaceful & quiet.
A simple drop toilet.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Holdsworth Campsite
4.5/5
There’s something about a place that feels like it is loved and well cared for.
Winter Review:
It’s in the smalll touches
Clean flush toilets with hooks installed to hang your belongings, benches under shelter, easy payment at steel ranger at entrance.
Even on the most wet day in July where we were the only campervan on site (after an easy access on 15km of sealed roads), the campsite had a warm feel.
The start of many incredible looking trails, were we on a hiking trip & rain wasn’t so torrential we definitely would have loved it as a base to explore surrounding trails.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Trounson Kauri Park Campground
4.5/5
Winter review: Here at the beginning of July one cold eve, sealed roads in, super easy to access Limited space for campervans were it busy (powered & unpowered) but we had it all to ourselves Stars
blanketed the sky
Lush thick neighbouring forest, Bird song at dusk & dawn, lovely walk through Kauri forest in the morning
Spacious kitchen & great amenities
Didn’t use showers but they were available
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Mangahuia Campsite
4.5/5
Set into a private space bordered by bushes, this is a lovely site for a campervan with a view of Mt Ruapehu visible from some spots on a clear day.
Winter review:
We arrived on a Friday in mid July on a cold night and there was only one other van there, despite a huge throng of people in Whakapapa village the next day after snow fell.
Basic drop toilets.
Other reviewers complain about the price.. but for us, the privacy, the views of the tip of Mt Ruapehu and being a short drive away from Whakapapa village and walks and in Tongariro NP itself in the presence of 3 magnificent volcanoes .. it really was a small price to pay.