Hilary Murphy
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Taumarunui ▷
Taumarunui Holiday Park
2.5/5
Despite booking and paying $50 online for a powered site x 2 pac we arrived just after 5.30 to find office closed, no envelope with instructions.
Admittedly there had been a lot of rain recently so the grass sites were soggy and we were concerned we might get bogged over night. The two men’s and ladies toilets are in seperate blocks to the showers, both very basic and need updating. The kitchen although a reasonable size and had enough cooking tops and sinks had no power points to charge phones etc and a hot water tank was in place for hot water. Also be prepared for an interrupted night as close to the highway.
Our opinion was that due to the location and a captive audience with no other place around to stay after a long days drive the price was too high for the quality of facilities being so poor.
If desperate stay, if you have time, drive on.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Tapu Creek Campervan Park
1.0/5
It sounded idyllic but reality was not!
Paid $40 cash for a $34 pitch but owner had no change to give us. Our site was up against a wired fence between an old empty van and a long term resident in a temporary ‘home’. The 2 toilets and one shower for ladies and the same for men were very basic with towels on the floor to soak up the water spillage. The kitchen was just an open sided shelter with no water or cooking power. There was a pizza oven but no wood to cook with. It was however in a very quiet location.
A misleading review, which needed updating.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Hicks Bay ▷
Te Araroa Holiday Park
1.5/5
When ‘cash is king’ Bill charged $40 for a very basic grass site in a soggy area.
The kitchen had gas top cookers but no gas and the electric two burner hob took ages to warm up. Surfaces needed cleaning down before using but the kettle worked!!
Showers were very basic as were toilets with no soap in dispenser or paper towels.
There were a few people camping in mobile homes and caravans, one got bogged, and remaining sites had long term temporary residences.
Considering this was the only place to stay on the drive around the east coast it was a necessity but be prepared for a unique experience.