Man at the front desk wasn't very friendly, although he did offer us some milk for free...We stayed in a cabin here which had a bit of a dingy feel to it.

It was nice enough, just felt rather old and outdated. However, crockery and cutlery was included as was linen. They have a pool here however it is closed because of earthquake damage, not sure when it will reopen. Not close to the beach, but a fine place to stay on the way from Christchurch to Kaikoura.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

A great little spot just a short drive from central Hanmer Springs.

They've got two trampolines, a playground, lots of grassy spots to park your van as well as two toilet/shower blocks. The kitchen is rather small but comes with crockery and cutlery. These guys have a sweet deal: if you book for more than two nights, you get free bike rentals! This includes the helmet and the lock. Really awesome as it's just a little bike ride into town and there's plenty of bike trails around the campground. You can also borrow badminton rackets and birdies to play as they've got a net set up.

The cabin we stayed in got quite cold at night but they have an electric heater in the rooms. Cutlery and crockery also included in here. Linen hire so bring your own if you can.

We found that this was the cheapest spot out of all the Hanmer Springs accommodation options. Feels a bit older but overall an enjoyable stay. We would stay here again.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Supreme.

One of the best museums we've been to in all of NZ. The staff working in the I-Site were incredibly helpful and friendly with great advice for both paid and free activities as well as for camping. Cool interactive display that allows you to explore the activities and accommodation in the atrea yourself and print it off...for free! Library was right there, free wifi...I'd say the Puke Ariki I-Site is the best in all of New Zealand.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Gravel parking lot with washrooms at the end of the road.

Amaaaazing views back to Mt. Ruapehu and of the stars at night. Due to altitude gets chilly and windy at night so be prepared!

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Friendly locals around.

Beautiful views of Kapiti Island and even South Island in the distance. The singing toilet is entertaining. Excellent spot to walk along the beach. However, not very private.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Stinky porta-potty.

Beautiful alpine place to camp. It goes quite a ways back so you don't need to park right by the highway. Just a short drive out of the village. Many walks around. The train runs by on the other side of the campground which is cool to see. Simple. A great little gem.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Really well-organized.

Good maps and information. Gets very busy. We had a couple misleading things told to us, but otherwise great suggestions offered by friendly staff.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

A bit more pricey than we typically would like (it was $18pp for a non-powered site)...but it was definitely, 100% worth it!

The owners are sweet as. So friendly, easy-going and accommodating. The kitchen is spotless and a good size with plenty of counter space. Lots of tables around to eat, music playing in the showers...it's a good atmosphere. Showers cost $0.50 for every 5 minutes. The entire place was spotless. When the campsite is busy, they clean the facilities twice a day!

Right on a beautiful beach, grassy areas, a trampoline...wonderful.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

$8 for two people for a non-powered site - great deal.

Sealed road all the way from the highway. Friendly owners who came around in the morning and get you to sign their guestbook. A short walk to the beach. No stores around so stock up before heading here.

Toilets, coin-operated laundry and showers are included. The shower is a bit funky, but loads of hot water. Drinking water is available but shower water is non-potable, most likely iron which had a slight smell to it.

Feels a bit like you're camping out in someone's backyard...has a sort of homey-type feel to it.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Free camping right on the beach access to Te Arai.

Long drive down rough gravel road but well worth it to have a huge beach almost all to yourself. Public washrooms.

For a free site it is well maintained.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Brilliant.

Probably our favourite campsite. Secluded, down long dusty gravel road, but well worth it. Well maintained, newer DOC facilities The nicest beach we’ve visited in New Zealand. Really good value for your money. Highly recommended!

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Large field to park/tent in.

Cold showers. Clean toilets. Drinking water available. Just a short walk to the beach. Good location for just $5 a person.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Awesome free campsite on the boat launch of a busy marina.

You’re allowed to park on the grass to get away from the parking lot. The view back to Auckland is spectacular, and the location is close to the ferry if you want to skip the traffic. Public toilets to use.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Rather pricey to stay the night (we paid $17 per person per night) plus $.50 for every 7 minutes of hot water.

Parking lot style campground leaves little privacy. No internet. On the bright side...the kitchen is really beautiful. Big and spacious with large windows. Location is ideal as it’s just a short walk from the marina where scuba and snorkel trips leave from to explore Poor Knight’s Island.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Just off the motorway so the campsite can be rather noisy, due to traffic.

Probably the best maintained DOC site we’ve been to with several rangers living on-site who were very friendly. Short drive to the extremely cool Waipu caves. Right on a beautiful beach. Nude beach around so look out for the sights :)

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Reasonable price, great value for what you pay for.

Big kitchen, lots of fridge space. Showers weren't timed nor do you have to pay extra for them. Nice rec room with a book swap, ping pong table, foosbal table and comfy couches.

Nice in that it was a site that was busy but didn't feel busy - plenty of space between you and your neighbours.

Beach is just across the street.

Must mention - there is a little pizzeria across the street that is amazing. So delicious. Grab a pizza (very reasonably priced!) and go eat it on the beach. Awesome way to spend an evening.

Great place to stay.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago

Very affordable for the area (we chose to stay here in Papamoa rather than right in Mount Maunganui) and short walk to Papamoa beach just across the road.

Clean basic kitchen and showers on a timer. Small amount of Wifi included with your stay.

Looks to be very few visitor spots as almost all of the Park is dominated by caravans that have not moved for many years. This combined with the unique characters we met gave it a feeling that you are intruders in the park.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago

$8 per person, per night.

It didn't smell - yay!

Right on the lakefront, great view and awesome swim spot. Facilities include clean toilets, a BBQ, picnic tables and a playground for kids. Nice sandy beach.

Got rather busy in the evening, but plenty of space and flat areas to park your vehicle. Just try to get there earlier rather than later to ensure you get a spot during the busier seasons.

Overall, great place to stay for a reasonable price just outside Rotorua.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago

Probably just a summer thing, but when we were there they had a campervan-cafe open that sells chips and drinks.

Definitely bring all the supplies that you need before heading up to this camp, it’s a rather long drive to get up here.

Lake was crystal clear and beach was white sand - amazing!!

Shame about the deforestation in the area, but overall it’s still a nice spot.

Reviewed over 11 years ago

Great *free* place to stay for vehicles - especially if you're not self-contained.

Close to a delicious fish and chips shop and a short drive from the Miranda Bird Sanctuary. Nice site right on the ocean. There wasn't a big sign, so keep your eyes out for it.

Limited facilities (just toilets) but they were clean. Plenty of space to park your vehicle, and there were trees and picnic tables around the site. Not too busy.

Thanks Boat Club!

Reviewed almost 12 years ago