Adam Millar
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Ohakune ▷
Mangawhero Campsite
3.0/5
Great spot just out of town, good view of the mountain.
As the photos show, the first site is just a little cul-de-sac with taps, a sink and a long-drop. The 2nd site just up the road seemed intended for tent campers. Great bush trail nearby. The toilet, however, was super grim -- poo piled up almost to the top, overwhelming ammonia stench, and flies everywhere. But hey, it's well located and only $6pp.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whangamata ▷
Wentworth Valley Campground
5.0/5
This is a DOC site?
You wouldn't know it by the amenities. Sure, long-drops, but there're plenty of 'em and they're pretty clean. Hell, they even have air fresheners. Free cold showers, $2 for a hot 5mins. Quiet, plenty of shaded spaces, river, swimming holes, nature walks, lots of trees and wildlife, and only 15mins out of town. Great spot for $10pp.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Putaruru ▷
Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel Camp
5.0/5
Great spot near Hobbiton.
Friendly staff, heaps of room for camping, even a small field for sports. Fairly old facilities, but perfectly functional: clean toilets, hot shower, kitchen with power points and electric stove top. The pub adjoining the hotel is great, with good food, well-priced beers, a couple of pool tables and welcoming locals. Well worth the $10pp.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Mangaweka ▷
Mangaweka Campground
5.0/5
Great site, gorgeous riverside views of big white cliffs, easy to find off SH1.
Plenty of places to set up camp without feeling crowded. Decent facilities: flushing toilets, showers, washing-up hut with power points, all reasonably clean. Thought it so nice we visited twice, both on the way from Taupo to Wellington and on the way back. Excellent value for $7pp.