Izzy
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
3.5/5
Like the other reviews say this is an alright spot.
Conveniently located by two main highways it makes a fine stop off for one night to break a journey. Because of this location though it seemed very popular with lots of people, especially families, using it as a loo break. The public toilets were very clean and there were bins outside too. There was also a water fountain nearby as well as there being several petrol stations and shops within easy walking distance. The parking spaces are on a slight slope but that didn’t bother me. Due to the loos there were people/cars coming and going all night, but it still felt pretty safe to me - I was parked in the spot at the end and no one came close to me. There were street lights which stayed on all night so good curtains are required. I stayed on a Saturday night in January and I was the only camper there.
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Warkworth ▷
4.5/5
Stayed for 1 night on a Monday in January, the dedicated camping spots in the larger car park down the road was full by the time I arrived but this car park was empty, though another two campers did show
up. It was a beautiful spot, right by the beach and with a picnic table and bin right nearby. There was a loo and an outdoor shower in the larger car park which was only a 5 min walk away. No water fountain though that I found. Was a super quiet spot and felt very safe
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
4.0/5
This is a good parking spot in the outskirts of Tauranga.
There are loos and a water fountain and it’s set in a nice little park and near to a nice walk around the marsh. The sign says that there is space for 8 vehicles but it is just one large box which is dedicated to campers so it can be a bit of Tetris to get everyone to fit. You could easily fit 6 vehicles for sure but 8 might be a bit of a squeeze! Everyone was very happy to move around though to make space for new comers. There was also one van which parked outside of the box who didn’t seem to get in trouble when the council came round to close the toilets at night.
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
5.0/5
I would say this is a perfect freedom camping spot!
It’s right by the beach and it has toilets (which are locked after around 10pm), a cold shower, water fountains, bins, BBQs and a playground! I stayed for two nights at this spot and it was lovely. The council are very strict on checking on freedom campers though as there is one area in which 2 vehicles are allowed and one area in which 1 vehicle is allowed. The area for 2 can easily fit 3 cars in though and the first night I stayed there a car asked to fit in but at around 10:30pm the council came round and asked that third car to move on. Also one night there were some kids hanging out and listening to music at the play area but they were very happy to turn the music down when they realised we were trying to sleep there. Honestly such a nice location, I would definitely stay there again!
North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whangamata ▷
5.0/5
Beautiful spot right by the beach.
Very clean public toilets and an outdoor shower to use. There were also bins and a playground. No water fountain there but there was one a short walk away in Williamson park. 4 spaces which all filled up pretty early the day I was there, by about 5pm. Super handy to be able to rent kayaks or do a tour to donut island from the same car park. It was quite windy in the evening but died down over night. Very quiet car park, wasn’t disturbed at all.