Michelle Smit
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Trounson Kauri Park Campground
4.5/5
A very surprising DOC site with power, hot showers and a camp kitchen for $10pp pn.
Sites are organised gravel (a surprising bonus for us in the motorhome after we had a bogging experience at a previous spot). The bonus is the excellent 40 minute walk through the kauri forest. Many people wrote in the visitors book that they had seen a kiwi, but we weren't so lucky, despite 2 forays into the bush in the dark. Only half the sites are big enough for large motorhomes, so could be tricky if its busy. We stayed 2 nights and was quite busy both nights even though it was winter.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Waipoua Visitor Centre
1.0/5
We called in here hoping to get some information about the kauri forests, but there was virtually nothing.
It really was only a very bad craft shop. The most interesting thing was a logging record book, but it was at floor level and could easily be missed. Not worth the drive in.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Ahipara Holiday Park
4.5/5
This would have to be one of the best caravan parks we have stayed in.
Nice sites surrounded by gardens, the amenities are modern and spotlessly clean. The communal area is large and with a log fire at night is very cosy and welcoming. Secure with locked gates overnight. Free wifi, free hot showers. Very good value at $34.50 for 2 on a powered site with the Rankers discount voucher.
A bit of a walk (10 mins?) to 90 mile beach.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Whakatane ▷
Whakatane Holiday Park
2.0/5
Very run down, neglected park.
Grassy camp spots were wet and boggy (we were concerned that we might get stuck). Powered sites did not have sullage pits (as indicated in the specs). Toilets were very average. Showers hot and not bad value for 50cents for 5 mins. Although it was winter and the pool was closed it was green! Manager/owner was friendly and helpful, and park is handy walking distance to the shopping precinct. But, expected more for $40pn for 2 people.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Omokoroa ▷
Pahoia Domain
5.0/5
Fantastic spot right on the water.
Clean toilets. Brilliant for a free spot.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Maitai Bay Campsite
3.5/5
Camped in the upper area as the lower spots were taken and very wet.
All the spots are grassy and as it has been very wet we were quite concerned that we would get bogged (although others seemed to be okay). Beautiful area with lovely beaches and walks. Toilets in the upper area were partially closed and the one available toilet was filthy, so it was quite a hike to the toilets near the ranger station. No showers in the upper area.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Te Kaha ▷
Maraehako Camping Ground
4.5/5
Stunning spot right on the stony beach.
We had our one and only camp fire for the trip, which was a treat. Toilet block is quite a distance from the camping area, in good order and clean. A bit expensive at $15pp, but the location and the campfire was worth it.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Tapotupotu Campsite
5.0/5
Fantastic spot on the beach.
Lots of walks in the area. Was very wet when we were there, but managed to find a not boggy site. Our favourite camping spot on our North Island holiday. Road in was a bit hairy in a motorhome, but not too far on the steep gravel. Toilets a bit smelly. Left early from here to go to Cape Reinga and had the whole area to ourselves before the tourist buses arrived. Cheapest DOC site we have stayed in at $6pp pn.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
The Kauri Museum
4.5/5
We were told about this museum before we left home, so made a point of visiting.
We were not disappointed. It is a huge museum dedicated to the history of kauri logging and the pioneers of the area. It is a credit to the creators, all is in great condition and very informative. There is a lot to take in, so be prepared to spend the whole day, or even 2 days (which your ticket allows) if you want to get your money's worth.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Russell ▷
Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite
2.5/5
A very beautiful spot on the beach.
Unfortunately we had paid our money at the self registration station ($10pp pn) before we realised that all the grassy camping areas were closed as it was too wet (fair enough) and we had to camp in the carpark next to the rubbish bins. A sign at the self registration station advising this would have been nice!
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
Tinopai Community Camping Ground
4.0/5
A quaint community camping ground right on the water.
Manager is very welcoming and friendly. We were the only people there the night we stayed. Facilities are okay, but a bit dated, but in a funny way it adds to the ambience of the place. Good value for $12pp pn.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Waipu ▷
Waipu Caves Track
3.5/5
We only visited the caves, which were okay.
Be prepared to get wet feet (even to get to the caves through the paddock) and make sure you take a strong torch (my headlamp was only just good enough.) Glow worms were good, especially if you haven't seen them before. The karst landscapes are very interesting.
The road in from the southern end via Shoemakers Road was very narrow, only one lane for much of it, so not really suitable for motorhomes - we held our breaths praying we wouldn't meet another vehicle. The northern access was much more accessible. Presumably the paddock is normally used for carparking, but because it was so wet it wasn't usable. The carpark on the road was all but full when we were there.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Cornwallis Overnight Campervan Parking
4.0/5
A really nice spot in the carpark right on Cornwallis Beach.
Self contained campers only and bookings must be made through Auckland Council (which can take quite some time on the phone) and a security guard does check when they lock the gates. Its a very popular spot for dog walking so can be busy. Gates are opened early and the dog walkers arrive very early. Flushing toilets are clean, but a bit of a walk away from the carpark.
Note that the GPS co-ordinates take you to the Cornwallis Wharf, but that is not the approved camping spot.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Whakatane ▷
White Island Tours
5.0/5
We had read about this trip before we left home.
It got great reviews which we can only endorse. It was an incredible experience! How many people can say they have walked on an active volcano?!
The company was very professional and staff extremely friendly and helpful, allowing us to change our booking depending on the weather, rang us when they said to confirm the times, The lunch pack was generous and tasty.
The boat trip was great and the guided walk on the island was amazing!! Most importantly, our guide Hayden was excellent, knowledgeable, informative and personable.
It was the highlight of our trip to NZ.
Hi Michelle,
We're so pleased that you had such a great time visiting White Island with us. It was particularly pleasing to hear that you found our staff to be so helpful, accommodating and knowledgeable! Visiting White Island is a truly unique experience, one that we were so pleased we got to share with you.
Thank you for the kind review and recommendation - we hope you enjoyed the rest of your travels!
witmarketing
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Opua ▷
Hundertwasser Carpark, Kawakawa
3.5/5
We camped in the car park behind the amazing Hundertwasser toilets with some trepidation.
It looked like it was going to be a hooning spot later in the night, judging by the skid marks. But, we had a very quiet, peaceful night, and our fears were unfounded. Toilet access right next to the carpark (in addition to the Hundertwasser toilets which we think are closed at night) Ok for a free spot.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Ambury Park Camping Ground
4.0/5
Stayed in both the camping ground and the SCC car park.
Both must be booked through the Auckland City Council. Telephone available at the info booth. Booking process can take some time.
The camping ground costs $15pp pn and is through a locked gate. Toilets are average long drop, no other facilities.
The SCC is available to certified self contained campervans for $8pp pn. Park in the bus parking area between 3pm and 9am. Toilets are flush, and coin operated hot showers available. No rubbish facilities.
The park is a great facility, many nice walks in the area and, as it is an open access farm, there are lots of the usual farm animals to be seen.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Tikitere ▷
Hells Gate and Wai Ora Spa
4.0/5
Great thermal area to be able to explore at your own pace.
The mud baths and thermal spa is a must-do activity. The mud baths are not quite what we expected, muddy water with mud in a pot available to smear over yourselves, but fun to do all the same. The thermal spa pretty hot. Well run and organised, and friendly staff.
All in all a good day.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Whakarewarewa
4.5/5
Great tour of a living maori village.
Our guide, Robert, was very informative and entertaining, and gave us many insights into past and present maori culture. The cultural performance was wonderful, with the performers obviously enjoying the presentation. Excellent being able to see the geysers from there.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Hamurana ▷
Trout Pools Reserve
4.0/5
Free camping for self contained vehicles in the carpark only 15mins from Rotorua.
Toilet ok. Nice walks and views of the trout pools and falls. Sadly there is a lot of rubbish lying around.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Touchwood Camp
3.0/5
Very average small caravan park with basic facilities.
But the hosts are very friendly and helpful and the park is close to the city. Costs $4 to catch a bus into the city.
Showers are hot, camp kitchen facilities pretty basic (need all your own pots and utensils). Cost $48 pn for a powered site for 2 people.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Putaruru ▷
Little Waipa Reserve
5.0/5
Lovely large grassy, treed area right on the river.
Was very wet when we were there, but ground was still firm enough to take 2 motorhomes without bogging or digging up the grass. Long drop toilets were very clean. Signs indicate that a permit is needed to camp there, but we arrived late in the afternoon and didn't have a permit. No one approached us for the required info.
Very nice spot.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Tarawera ▷
Lake Ōkāreka Campsite
4.5/5
Lovely spot right on the lake, in gravel parking area.
Self registration booth, $10pp pn.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Matamata ▷
Wairere Falls Track
4.5/5
Excellent walking track, through rainforest, up many steps to the base of the falls.
Had been very wet before we arrived (and when we were there) but track was still in good order. Highly recommended.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Edgecumbe ▷
Matatā Campsite
4.0/5
Nice camping ground set behind the dunes and next to wetlands, with lots of birds.
Toilets clean, the one shower very rustic: an outside booth with coin slot set some way away. Plenty of taps and wash troughs, but told that water is only for use on site, not to be used to fill motorhome tanks. Good value at $7pp pn.