Alyssa
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Hipapatua / Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve Free Campsite
3.5/5
Really the only freedom camp if you want to stay near central Taupo.
The lower half of the campsite is closed off right now with the nicer toilets, but they have two sets of porta loos in the upper lot. We didn’t use them because we assumed they’d be disgusting. The lot is still a good size and everyone seemed to find a spot even when arriving late at night. If you stop by the visitor center and ask about FC they will also show you some of the free 24 hour lots in town, so those are always an option despite not being listed on any of these apps!
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Pemberton Park
2.5/5
Designated spot is very small.
We were the second camper to arrive (at 2pm) and the first people had just left their giant pull-behind in the middle of both parking spots so they were the only people able to stay for the night.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Marton ▷
Vinegar Hill Reserve
4.0/5
Tons of land and not many other campers staying in march.
Free during the off months. Toilets were fine and it looked like they had cold showers but we didn’t use them. Land was kinda wet and you could tell it had recently flooded but our van didn’t have any issues getting out.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Barnett Street Carpark, Wellington
3.5/5
A little confusing because there are 5ish large yellow marked spots for motor homes, but there were loads of other campers in the lot.
We assumed those spots were for massive motorhomes and we could just park anywhere, but you had to use the pay station in the middle of the motorhome section to purchase a 24 hour pass. It’s $30 which is a steal for Wellington parking, and walkable to TSB and Cuba street. No toilets though, we read the other reviews and planned on going elsewhere before returning to the van for the night. Though I think there is a toilet in the petrol station down the street 24/7. Drinking water at the nearby skate park. Showers for $3 at the aquatic center a short drive away.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Evans Bay Marina Carpark
4.5/5
Lots of spots but they still all fill up fast!
Get there before 4pm if you want a guaranteed spot, even during the week.
Decent amount of road noise. Two toilets were nice and decently clean, but there was almost always a line to use them. 10 minute walk to grocery and laundromat. Hot showers for $3 at the aquatic center about a 5 min walk away.