Pluto
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Orewa ▷
Laurie Southwick Parade, Gulf Harbour
4.5/5
This was one of our favourite freedom camping sites in our travels around NZ but there are a couple things you should know.
The signs clearly show the spaces where freedom camping vehicles are allowed (beyond the yellow line) but there were a number of campers parked outside of this (easily double the 10 spaces permitted), however we never saw any enforcement take place. The signage also says no trailers / caravans but there are several of them parked and some of them to appear to have been there quite some time and we assumed some are 'permanent' residents. The lighting overhead is quite bright so you will want to have good curtains to block it out while sleeping. The location is great, nice view of Auckland city in the distance at night and very quiet once the last of the ferry commuters leave. No issue with the washrooms.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
AH Reed Memorial Park, Whareora Road Carpark
3.5/5
Ok for a night but very close to a busy road (it quiets down at night but traffic starts up again pretty early.
Signage also extremely unclear about which sites freedom camping vehicles are allowed in - it says park between the arrows but there is only one arrow! The council website also specifically says 2 vehicles allowed but there are 3 spaces adjacent to the sign. We parked in the middle one just to be safe but never saw any enforcement staff. Also didn't notice the washrooms being locked at night since we went to bed early however they were unlocked early in the morning. The walk from here to the falls and Kauri trees was enjoyable and mostly level.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaeo ▷
Taupo Bay Holiday Park
4.0/5
Pretty good stay, nice level spot and decent price ($46pp for powered sites).
We also used the onsite laundry ($4/wash or dry). Didn't make use of the kitchen facilities but we peeked in and didn't see an oven only gas(?) burners. My wife didn't enjoy the unisex washroom / shower facilities however we did notice a separate women's washroom on the other side of the building as we were leaving. Beach is a short walk away.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Waipoua Forest Camping Area
3.5/5
Pretty basic / rustic but not bad for the price - $15pp for unpowered site.
They had powered sites (for an extra $2.50pp) next to the men's washroom but plugs were all together on the building so you better have a long cord if not parked in the closest spot. Kitchen was OK, electric stove/oven and kettle but no toaster. Washrooms need some repairs/ maintenance (and missing soap!), but usable and hot water for showers. Was nice to walk down to the river but not really close enough to campsite to enjoy beyond a quick visit. Bring a torch to find your way around after dark as there isn't much lighting (good for sleeping though!) Lots of mosquitos after dark also but have experienced this elsewhere in Northland so not surprising. Very quiet at night, there was only one other camper there besides us.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Ocean View Reserve Carpark, Dunedin
2.5/5
Only 11 spots, completely full by the time we arrived.
Watched two vans pull in just before us they didn't get a spot either. Contrary to previous reviews I didn't see anything regarding a certain number of spots for non-self contained or self contained. Beach is right there and looked nice, didn't check out the toilets.