Christian Dozzler
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Te Kuiti ▷
Rora Street North
2.5/5
Basically about 100m worth of extra wide street parking across from the Warehouse, dedicated for campers but slanted towards the curb.
Good, large supermarket just steps away. A couple of picknick tables and conveniently located next to fancy public toilets -which are inconveniently locked overnight! Pretty useless, honestly. Yes, there is traffic noise, I recommend earplugs. If you are planning to go up to Marakopa Falls, I recommend staying in the Natural Bridge parking lot instead. Picknick area and drop toilet nearby, and in the middle of nature.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Taumarunui ▷
Te Maire Carpark
5.0/5
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this free spot.
Although, there is no indication that it actually is an official camp site. Picturesque trail head parking on the edge of the bush. Very rustic drop toilet. Extremely quiet except for nature sounds. It is small, but if everybody plays along, you could probably fit at least 4 small camper vans in there. I was alone that night. Would actually count this among my top 10 favorite free spots after 40+ years of van camping on 3 continents.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Taumarunui ▷
Tangarakau Gorge
0.5/5
This spot is now the home of a brand-new cell phone tower with a permanently running diesel generator.
Does not qualify as an overnight camp site anymore.