We stayed for 3 nights in a powered site.

I think the park is exceptional. The facilities are modern, clean, warm and very well appointed. Even the dump station was great, clean with handwashing facilities.

The reception staff were very friendly and helpful.

We had an amazing site with views across the lake.

We got a winter special rate for $41.50 2 people pn (min 2 nights) which we thought was reasonable for the area and good value for the facilities. (A caravan park at Manapouri was quoting $100pn at the same time!)

Reviewed 3 months ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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!

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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.

Reviewed over 8 years ago