Madge
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Albert Town Camping Ground
3.5/5
I'm not sure what people expect for $10pp p/n but this is an OK substitute to freedom camping.
The drinking water sign is the campsite covering themselves and saying be careful. The toilet flushing isn't great but on my second attempt it was easy mastered with a bit of patience, something a lot of people lack these days. There is a dog issue making a mess but, again, what do you expect for $10. It's a fabulous base to explore a very nice part of Otago (in my opinion) 🙂
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tokoroa ▷
Lake Whakamaru Reserve
4.0/5
There are showers at the site now and the reserve has more grass than shown in the existing photos.
Hole in the ground toilets are basic but the hot shower and cooking facilities make up for it. I haven't searched the whole site but no water supply seen, although I suspect the lake water, once bolied, is OK.
I stayed at Mangakino Lake reserve the previous night ( I don't think they encourage freedom camping there anymore) and I wished I came here. Facilities better and no speed boat humdrum 🙂
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tokoroa ▷
Lake Maraetai Camping Reserve
3.0/5
The Taupo council implies freedom camping is on a piece of land a stones through away from Mangakino reserve and not on the reserve itself.
However the access to this spot has a chain across it. They have proposed complete removal of freedom camping on the reserve in July 2023. There is a lot of boat activity here and I guess that's the reason why. My suggestion would be to go 10km down the road, 1km beyond Whakamaru dam on SH30 as the this reserve is as scenic, much larger and has showers. Needs booking in advance
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Hamilton ▷
Porritt Stadium, Hamilton
0.5/5
I'd read the reviews and arrived with scepticism.
Before I could finish cooking some eggs, a car was repeatedly doing handbrake turns and two cars parked oddly on the grass and did some sort of exchange before disappearing. These and the two wrap bags on the car park floor convinced me to move on. Note - overnight parking is permissible on any street that doesn't have timed parking or restrictions here in Hamilton. I found a ideallic spot by a 24hr toilet 50m from the river and picnic area. More than perfect.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Carlton Street Reserve
4.0/5
Limited space in Freedom camping zone as large caravan taking up a slot.
It wasn't used the night I was there. About four spaces in total I'd guess. Someone parked elsewhere in the car park overnight and as the park wasn't busy I'd guess I'd do the same if there was no room at the inn. Peaceful apart from the trains but there was only 2 or 3 rumbles that I can remember. I'm a light sleeper and the trains were no worse that the odd traffic noise. Nice clean toilet. If it was locked overnight, I didn't notice.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Te Aroha ▷
Morrinsville Recreation Ground freedom camping area
5.0/5
Car park easy to find.
I used this site as Hamilton had such bad reviews. Fully automated toilets, even the toilet roll dispenser. Disposal with easy access. I suspect the pool and playground make this site busier in the summer.