We spent March 2013 travelling around North Island in a large self-contained camper van.

We visited a lot of different camping places and holiday parks and we’ve reviewed them all for Rankers. We judged them by different criteria from most people. We weren’t interested in playgrounds, paddling pools, trampolines, or all the other facilities for children. Instead we wanted peace and tranquillity, a beautiful location, clean and accessible facilities, and a decent amount of space between sites. We used the holiday parks mostly for one night stops and did not consider them as holiday destinations in their own right. Please read the following review with this in mind.

One of the best sites we found during our NZ trip. It was quiet and peaceful and the wildlife in the area was fascinating.

Kiwis are not “running around everywhere” as another reviewer has said, they’re too shy for that, and anyway they’re nocturnal, but they are there and you can see them if you take care. You can certainly hear them at night. The whole area is a kiwi and weka protection zone.

There were lots of weka on the site, and they’re fun to watch as they chase each other around.

Facilities are very good.

Russell (only 3km away) is a charming little town and well worth a visit. From there you have easy access across the bay on a regular passenger ferry to Paihia, which is much more touristy and a good access point to the Bay of Islands and all its attractions.

Be aware that to get to the holiday park you have to take a vehicle ferry across from Opua (or drive a very long way around), but don’t let this put you off, it only takes 5 minutes and it’s worth it !

Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in March 2013

We spent March 2013 travelling around North Island in a large self-contained camper van.

We visited a lot of different camping places and holiday parks and we’ve reviewed them all for Rankers. We judged them by different criteria from most people. We weren’t interested in playgrounds, paddling pools, trampolines, or all the other facilities for children. Instead we wanted peace and tranquillity, a beautiful location, clean and accessible facilities, and a decent amount of space between sites. We used the holiday parks mostly for one night stops and did not consider them as holiday destinations in their own right. Please read the following review with this in mind.

Our first ever holiday park, chosen because it’s far enough out of Auckland to get away from the city and the airport, and convenient for our first overnight stop on our way to Coromandel and the Pacific Coast Highway.

The camp was very quiet, and it suited us for our first night, but we wouldn’t want to spend more than a quick stopover there. Facilities adequate.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in March 2013

We spent March 2013 travelling around North Island in a large self-contained camper van.

We visited a lot of different camping places and holiday parks and we’ve reviewed them all for Rankers. We judged them by different criteria from most people. We weren’t interested in playgrounds, paddling pools, trampolines, or all the other facilities for children. Instead we wanted peace and tranquillity, a beautiful location, clean and accessible facilities, and a decent amount of space between sites. We used the holiday parks mostly for one night stops and did not consider them as holiday destinations in their own right. Please read the following review with this in mind.

It’s a big place and it was pretty crowded, especially the beachfront sites, of which we had the last one that was available. Right on the beach. A lot of not well looked after permanent caravans rather spoil the place, but the facilities were good and we spent a pleasant night by the water.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in March 2013

We spent March 2013 travelling around North Island in a large self-contained camper van.

We visited a lot of different camping places and holiday parks and we’ve reviewed them all for Rankers. We judged them by different criteria from most people. We weren’t interested in playgrounds, paddling pools, trampolines, or all the other facilities for children. Instead we wanted peace and tranquillity, a beautiful location, clean and accessible facilities, and a decent amount of space between sites. We used the holiday parks mostly for one night stops and did not consider them as holiday destinations in their own right. Please read the following review with this in mind.

The holiday park occupies a small peninsula so all the sites are right on the water and when we were there it was quiet and we were able to choose our own site, but in high summer season it’s probably very crowded. The facilities were good, and the kitchen (which we didn’t use) is set right on the shore.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in March 2013

We spent March 2013 travelling around North Island in a large self-contained camper van.

We visited a lot of different camping places and holiday parks and we’ve reviewed them all for Rankers. We judged them by different criteria from most people. We weren’t interested in playgrounds, paddling pools, trampolines, or all the other facilities for children. Instead we wanted peace and tranquillity, a beautiful location, clean and accessible facilities, and a decent amount of space between sites. We used the holiday parks mostly for one night stops and did not consider them as holiday destinations in their own right. Please read the following review with this in mind.

Well situated and well laid out, but the sites are like spaces in a car park. Marked out in straight lines along parallel roads. Little shade or shelter. No screening between sites. But it’s a big place with a wide range of options for accommodation, and the facilities are extensive, very good, and well maintained. A good overnight place, but not really outstanding.

Reviewed almost 12 years ago and experienced in March 2013