Laurie
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Edgecumbe ▷
Matatā Campsite
4.0/5
Really nice DOC site, and the only one with hot showers that we encountered!
Sites were nicely laid out and organized (in some camps you just go find a space in an open field), with a few picnic tables scatter around.
Water spigots are located throughout camp with large basins for easy washing of dishes.
There is easy each access, and the beach is beautiful and completely uncrowded; hardly saw a soul out there. We don't fish or boat, just enjoyed walking on the beach and meeting fellow campers to share a glass of wine and some travel stories.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
Uretiti Beach Campsite
4.0/5
Each campground is different, and this one was great in it's own way: no assigned camp spots but instead you just drive around and find a place to park your van or put up your tent.
It's a quick walk to the beach, where there is excellent beach combing and exploring to be had. We booked in advance just to be safe, but it wasn't necessary at this time of year after all.
We did not use the cold showers, but found the drop toilets to be conveniently located and they also provided sinks outside the toilets for brushing teeth and cleaning up.
The camp host was very helpful in directing us to Ruakaka for some take-away fish and chips that the locals all buy, and then up to Waipu Caves, a 12 km drive to glow worm caves. You need to bring your own lights and sense of adventure for this one!
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Te Puru Holiday Park
1.0/5
We stayed in several holiday parks and DOC campgrounds during our stay.
We were in an unpowered campervan and were looking for good communal facilities and scenic location.
I would not recommend this park for tents or campers, due to the fact that it is geared toward semi-permanent trailers (they call cabins) that are owned and lived in. The grass camping area is back in a corner between the boat parking and fish cleaning station, and is far from the communal areas so not convenient for toilets or kitchen.
Of all the parks we've stayed in, this is the only one where the kitchen was not clean and appliances were in very poor shape. There is no lounge or dining area so it if rains you are confined to the tent. It was also very noisy late at night (from the cabins) and early in the morning (boats being taken out.)
On the plus side, the campsites are just a short walk from the beach and Te Puru River. You can also drive about 1 km up the road to some trailheads on the river, and to a swimming hole. Very lovely.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
5.0/5
We were in an unpowered campervan, so the communal facilities were our highest priority.
Showers were clean and well laid out; laundry room included soap with the load; kitchen had a covered deck and eating area, which was great during the downpour we had. The sites were fine for our small campervan, but large Kiwi-style tents might not fit so well. We felt the park was ideally organized for those of us in little vans or tents who needed communal facilities.
It is also ideally located to all that Waitomo has to offer. We were able to do our cave tour and then be back in camp in just a few minutes for a warm dinner and glass of wine on the lovely deck, which afforded us a chance to meet other travelers who were hiding from the rain.
The managers were fabulous and gracious and so helpful as we Seattleites tried to find a location to watch our football team in the Superbowl.
Thanks for a great stay.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Spaceships
4.5/5
We are from the northwest coast of the USA, where campervans and holiday parks are not common.
In fact we have only ever camped in a small tent, so Spaceships was our first experience with any kind of camper and it was PERFECT for our needs.
We rented the Rocket 2 for 10 days and completely enjoyed our home-away-from-home. It was outfitted with all the dishes and equipment that we needed, although we did rent the extra table and chairs, which is a must as there is really no easy way to eat in the van. The pop-out tent is extremely easy and quick to attach, and we used it every night, rain or shine.
The Spaceships staff were easy to work with and the check-out and check-in were both quick and simple. If we travel to NZ again we will definitely use Spaceships.
Thanks Laurie - We are pleased you had a great time in your Spaceship. Our ROCKET category is an excellent option of those looking for a affordable way to see and do everything in New Zealand. Excellent choice and thank you for booking with Spaceships Campervan Rentals. We offer 5% discount to our repeat and loyal customers. All the best!
Team Spaceships
Vicki Spaceships
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Paihia ▷
Waitangi Holiday Park
4.5/5
We stayed in several holiday parks and DOC campgrounds during our stay.
We were in an unpowered campervan and were looking for good communal facilities and scenic location.
Waitangi Holiday Park was a great experience. We had a site on the water; the kitchen and bathrooms were very clean and organized; showers were free; and the campsites were well laid out for easy access to facilities. It's just a few blocks from the beach, and not far from the Treaty Grounds. We did not walk to the beach but instead enjoyed our own water view of the little bay.
Check-in was easy and friendly, and the park was quiet although town was nearby. We would go back again.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Russell ▷
Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park
4.0/5
We stayed in several holiday parks and DOC campgrounds during our stay.
We were in an unpowered campervan and were looking for good communal facilities and scenic location.
This park is out of the way, not crowded, quiet, and surrounded by greenery. The wekas made their way around camp, along with other birds, which we enjoyed. We did not use the kitchen or laundry or lounge, only the showers, which were fine (and I think cost $1.00).
We got advice on things to see and do, and so made our way out to Otehei Bay for a day of kayaking and hiking. Absolutely lovely. We enjoyed our stay in such a calm place.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Bay of Islands ▷
Urupukapuka Island Track
4.0/5
We took the Otehei Bay Ferry to get the island.
It was a great ride through the Bay, and there is little café and some cultural events on the island.
Word of warning: the trails run through sheep pasture and are covered in sheep dung! You need good boots that you can thoroughly wash. Views are amazing, although we finally gave up on the dung and opted for a long kayak trip.