Jayne UK
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
5.0/5
Our second Gem on our recent NZ trip.
This site is only 1.5 hours from Auckland. it is 30 mins N of Waiuku, follow the signs to Manukau Heads, then to Awhitu, Orua Bay is signed from there. A small family site, owned by a delightful gentleman, he lives in the beautiful clapper board house adjacent to the site. Jane and her husband manage and run the site and everything is immaculate. Adjacent is a small play area to ensure that children can play without disturbing others. Its a site for the discerning visitor, peaceful and quiet. Within yards is a very attractive beach and many water birds and others can be seen and photographed. Although small, you are not shoehorned in. The drive to the site has outstanding views.
The owner told me he will be constantly reveiwing all facilities to keep them really top notch.
They do have a few very attractive cabins available.
When we were there in February we saw few people, obviously this is somewhere not yet discovered.
If we get back to NZ it will be on our itinary.
Thanks for your fantastic review!. Its great you see us as one of your Gems. We enjoy sharing our piece of Paradise with others.With Winter upon us we are currently involved in camp upgrades. We all look forward to seeing on your next trip to NZ.
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Cable Bay ▷
5.0/5
This little Gem of a site is 9km N of SH6 and 23Km E of Nelson.
The site is small about 18 slots in total, and beautifully laid out. The facilities are immaculate and all 'work'. The views outstanding and its adjacent to a pebble beach. The drive from the main road from where it is signed is magnificent. Barbara the delightful lady who runs the site may just extend it by a few extra slots. This place is for the discerning visitor, it is peaceful and beautiful. The walks over the back drop of are so fabulous, we visited in 2009 and just had to go back this February 2013. Not ideal for very small children as the beach shelves and has large pebbles. The walks over the hills I would not recommend for small children. In busy periods its probably best to book, but if you discover this one, like us you will be back
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
4.5/5
I rate this site 9/10 mainly on where it is.
The site itself is a little tired. The facilities are very clean. I hear it is under threat of closure as the council would like to build on this very valuable site.
The slots are great and a slot on the front is lovely with a great view. (Slots 9/10/11 especially).
The main attraction is that you can catch a bus from just up the road to Devonport (1/2 hour ride) and then immediately hop on the ferry 15 mins to Downtown Auckland. This is great for the tourist as it saves all hastle of trying to take an RV into Auckland.
We stayed here in 2009 and again in 2013. I hope it remains. Takapuna is a lovely place and went worth a visit.
North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Opotiki ▷
4.5/5
When we drove into this site we were not sure.
We eventually found 'Glenys' - he was cleaning (HIs name is a joke I think, ) and he gave us a very friendly welcome. The buildings are quite old, don't be put off by that. Glenys, obviously does an excellent job, everything is pristine. The notice relating to 3 minute showers ignore, that is there to ensure children do not waste water and the showers are great. A three minute walk, across the site takes you to a beautiful beach, lovely for bathing fishing and bird watching.
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Fairlie ▷
4.5/5
This inland site is very pretty.
The facilities are good and we were most impressed to find that 'everything' was included, with one exception, the dryer had to be paid for $2 for 20 mins. We did not need this as there are plenty of washing lines. To find that wi-fi was included, was excellent. If you are away from home you need this. Hopefully other sites might 'wake up' and realise this.
North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
2.0/5
A lovely welcome to a very pretty site.
Sadly the facilities were a dreadful let down. Tired, worn out. The mens showers are good, just replaced, but the rest - desperate for upgrade which is 'apparently' going to happen. I gather its about to go on the market. Perhaps the new owner will have lots of enthusiasm and its true potential will be restored.