Claire Jones
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Kaiate Falls Scenic Reserve
2.5/5
Beware no access for larger campers.
Based on the description we headed up to the overnight camping. It was dark, a steep winding road. We were desperate to find a camp spot after spending 2 hours looking for one in Tauranga area but they were all full. We have a Sprinter so not huge. Location given on Rankers was not accurate. We had to cross a one lane bridge over the top if the waterfall and then couldn't make the sharp turn left into the narrow dirt road leading to the car park. We never got to see it. I had to revetse 100 metres in the dark next to a ravine and then do a 12 Point turn to head back down the mountain. So small vsns access only but I'm sure it woukd have been beautiful!
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Wairakei ▷
Wairakei Thermal Valley Campground
4.5/5
Open and operating as cafe, bar, camping, animal farm and geothermal walk.
Got hit very hard by recent storms and lots of trees down. In the process of clearing up. Powered and unpowered sites. $30 pp for unpowered. Basic kitchen. Toilets and showers. Hot water heated by an ingenious wood stove created by owner John. A brilliant geothermal wall, you are really in the middle of the thermal activity here. Alpacas, sheep, pig, chickens, duck, peacocks. So many delightful creatures. And John makes a great coffee and makes great conversation. Don't be put off by the strange road leading up to the site. It feels like you are on a logging road, but keep going.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Marine Park
2.5/5
After driving around for 2.5 hrs to find free camping (unsuccessful), and being too late to find paid camping, a kind local took pity on us and escorted us here to Port Sulpher Point.
It is a massive marine car park for cars and their boat trailers. Nice being next to the water. Some train noise and traffic and industrial noise can be heard. Clean toilets although a bit of a walk. Lovely park next door. About 10 spots for free campers.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Huntly ▷
'The Point' Ngaruawahia Domain
3.5/5
Absolutely idyllic location with park, toilets, river on 2 sides.
Only a few official spots for free camping self contained and it was full so we camped outside designated area as did a lot of other people and no authorities arrived. When we first parked we realised the campervan next door was dealing drugs with 2 big dogs for protection. We moved once we realised. There were a few cars coming in and out and I didn't feel safe/comfortable all night but the spot is certainly beautiful.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Cambridge ▷
Moanaroa Reserve
4.0/5
We stayed 3 nights.
Gorgeous view of the river. Very popular with boats and jetskis and waters King which make for a bit of noise but entertaining viewing. Traffic right next door is quite loud. Toilets big and clean.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Juno Hall Backpackers and Camping
5.0/5
Friendly staff.
Great common room with good atmosphere to hang out, fireplace, lounges, TV, warm, inviting with reception there to answer questions. Nice kitchen. Outdoor undercover bbq. Laundry with washers and dryers. 4 unisex showers plus 1 in the ladies and gents toilets. Rooms available. Powered site $17 pp and unpowered $17 pp. Heated pool, tennis court, deer.Would definitely recommend.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Tye Park
4.0/5
Gorgeous spot in the Bay.
You can see the sunset from the edge of the park. Mangroves, 2 x bbq, picnic tables, play ground, toilets, but lots and lots of seagulls. Only 2 spots and we got there at 6.30pm and missed out but we cooked our dinner and moved on.