K & F
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Russell ▷
4.5/5
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 !
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
2.0/5
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.
Wonderful location, excellent facilities, and we managed to get a beachfront site. But the place was just too big and too crowded, and this was not even the main holiday season. Too many people packed in too close together, and even the beach and ocean view was densely populated by walkers, joggers, and dog walkers from very early morning until dark.
Despite the consistently high marks given in other reviews, we were disappointed.
North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
3.5/5
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.
We were lucky to get a site which was very private and secluded, screened from other sites by trees and bushes, and looking out onto the almost deserted tent camping area, giving us the impression that the whole holiday park was just as quiet. But it wasn’t. In some parts of the park it was quite crowded, but even then the sites were still generously large.
The facilities were adequate, but nothing special. The main attraction is the “Thermal” part of the park’s name, but we didn’t sample those so no comment on that subject.
The Te Puia Maori Cultural Centre is very close by. Worth it just for that. Don’t miss it.
Hello, Thank you in your lovely feed back.
Your feed back is of value to us. We are currently going threw up-grades due to new Management and ownership of Park.
I hope you visit us again.
Kind regards Clare Ngatai (New Management)
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
3.5/5
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.
North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Mahia ▷
2.0/5
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.
Beautiful location and very quiet at the time we were there, but the holiday park itself is old and tired. Needs a bit of renovation and maintenance. Good for a quick overnight stop, but no reason to linger. Facilities adequate.
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
3.5/5
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 last night in NZ, so easy access to the airport in Auckland was important for the following morning. It was very quiet when we arrived and we had a choice of sites so we found a good one in the shade. But it was the evening before a holiday weekend and after we settled in the place filled up fast, mostly with people coming into their permanent caravans.
Good facilities and direct access to the beach.
Thanks for reviewing your trip on Rankers. We are pleased you enjoyed your stay in NZ and were able to find great spots of tranquillity like ours.
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Hokianga ▷
3.5/5
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.
Beautiful location with panoramic views, but access is a bit difficult. About 1.3km of gravel road off SH12 with some scary corners on the final approach. Easy enough in a normal vehicle but difficult in a big camper. Also a bit difficult to manoeuvre around the site. But worth it for the views and the peace and quiet. Very good facilities.
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Raglan ▷
3.0/5
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.
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
3.0/5
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 camp seemed to be very busy and very crowded, so we chose to go to the other side of the road where there was plenty of space, not many other campers, and the possibility to choose our own site. The facilities there may not have been as good as in the main camp but they were adequate.
An easy drive of about 75km to Cape Reinga.
North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Palmerston North ▷
3.5/5
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.
We had the impression that the camp was a bit overcrowded with permanent caravans, not all in particularly good condition, giving a bad impression at first, but we had a free choice of sites and found one which was relatively secluded but still handy for the excellent facilities. Probably the best quality showers and toilets we saw anywhere, and really they deserve a 10, but the general feeling of the place wasn’t up to the same standard, so the score is lower.
Thank you for giving us your thoughts re your stay...we appreciated your feedback.
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Clevedon ▷
1.5/5
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.
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Warkworth ▷
2.5/5
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.
North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
4.5/5
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.
Wonderfully quiet and secluded but with easy access to the town if needed. A clearing in the forest by a river with only a few hook-ups and a couple of cabins. We had a completely free choice of site and were the only camper van there.
Very well maintained by people who care about the place but don’t charge anything like what it’s really worth. The facilities (showers, kitchen, and so on) are very good.