There are around 10 or 11 roadside grassy areas dotted along Ormond drive between Opoutama Beach Reserve Freedom Camping and Mahia Township.

Look for the Camping sign at each one. Each site isn't very private as you can expect cars to be driving past your campervan very regularly. They're also generally pretty tight spaces without much room. But as there are so any of them, there's a good chance you could get one of these spaces to yourself.

I'd personally check out Opoutama Reserve less then 1km to the west of here. But if you're looking for a point of difference away from others at Opoutama Reserve, then it might be worth a looksy here. If you park parallel to the road, with your door pointed toward the beach (away from the road), then it will improve your privacy for sure :)

No facilities. You need to be fully self contained.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

This is an updated review since the recent flooding mid 2021.

The details around this Responsible Camping location is likely to change, when the council chooses its next move, but here's where it's at in late 2021 and into early 2022.

We've stayed here for around 15 years in between hopping on and off the ferry. It's always been a location of choice due to proximity to the Ferry and the fantastic location (Fishing / Surfing / Swimming and the rest).

This new change has pulled the location away from the ocean, so it's more of a walk to where we like to be. Plus the camping area isn't nearly as nice as the places closer to the beach. But in saying that, we greatly appreciated laying our heads down in this location after departing the ferry very late in the evening.

Thus I still give it a 7/10, but it's worth considering the Rarangi and Whites Bay DOC sites nearby, which are very close to the beach and have a much nicer vibe. Check the app for details. Chur.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

The road in was in pretty condition and we chose this site due to quick access to the Pinnacles walk in the morning.

There's other campsites that look a little more picturesque, but this one did the trick for us nicely. We were up early to experience the goodness of the Pinnacles walk before all the other walking groups (of which there were a reasonable amount) arrived.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2020

This walk is a beauty.

One of the best day trip walks in the north island for sure. Follow the trails of the old Kauri loggers up through great country to the plateau which reveals fantastic outlooks, even before you climb the Pinnacles. The kids loved the challenge of the steps along the final push to the summit. We enjoyed a quick dip in a serene rock pool on our way down. It's pretty busy, but we didn't find it too much and it's for good reason.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2020

This was completely un-expected.

I like trees. I like birds. And I appreciate being able to be with them, without a crowd. All those boxes ticked :) It's a very short walk and we had tame North Island Robins following us for most of it. The tower climb got us into the canopy and it quickly became all about the trees and the plentiful (and boisterous) kaka. They really made themselves known. Without the birdlife, this walk wouldn't rate as highly, but I get the feeling that there's so many of those playful Kaka hanging about, that our experience wasn't a one off.

NOTE - The access is narrow and not very suitable for larger campervans. There's very few pull over areas should some-one be driving the other way. Luckily not many people seem to visit this place.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2019

Set back from the beach on some grassy dunes.

It's a short hop over the dunes to the most stunning sandy beach, which happens to pump when the swell is running. - Lots of interesting coastline to fossik and explore nearby too.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2018

Nestled in the shelter of Fiztroy.

Easy access point to the walks up to Mt Hobson and Coppers Castle, plus the many walks to the south of the island. Good place to take shelter if the weather isn't great. Swimming is OK - but not the best on the island by any means. Only go at high tide and make sure you wear your shoes. Nearby fishing club is worth a visit for a the locals alone.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2018

A basic shelter set back from the beach.

Scotts beach isn't too far away and that would be my choice as a nearby place to stay. But you could be in worse places all the same :)

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2018

Walking and Kayaking access - I give Coquille Campsite a 7 due to its close proximity to the start of the track and yet is quite private due to being a small walk off the main path - plus it also sits

right by the beach. The beach itself is far from the best in the National Park, but is nicely sheltered if you're kayaking and the sea breeze is strong. If you're really short on time and are looking for an overnight camping experience, then you could do alot worse. Evenings are often golden here once the day time water taxi traffic has slowed :)

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2018

I give it a 7 for access.

Both to the main road and then nearby access to the plethora of walks dotted around this area. Good for car campers. Free with the Conservation Campsite Pass - bonus. I first visited here 20 years ago to have a crack at ice skating. So you get the drift, it's shaded and cold in the cooler months. Good sun for at least 6 months of the year though.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2018

There's alot to like about this Freedom camping spot.

It faces south and when the sea breeze is blowing in summer, Kaiti Beach is super protected. The view is stunning, looking down to Young Nicks Head and Mahia in the distance. It's close to the city (just a 5 minute drive, or a 20 minute stroll down past the wharf). There's some great walking tracks on Kaiti Hill itself also. The only downer is the busy logging port that operates most of the day and into the night. But if you don't mind the buzz of a working port, then this place is a goody.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in December 2016

Great location, close to all the action on Marine Parade.

This playground has several areas to suit different aged kids. Lot’s variety and interesting things to do. Can get mighty busy though. There’s also a fun mini, stop / go roadway next door for young wheelers too.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016

Levin used to be the sort of town that you couldn’t look forward to driving through quickly enough.

If you’ve got kids on board, then this notion has well and truely changed, cos the Levin Adventure Park is epic. So much to do and the Flying Fox is fantastic.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016

If this walk was located on the main tourist trail, it would be super busy.

Luckily it's off the beaten track and is one of the great short walks in NZ. The river here is so clear, it looks like it's come straight of a spring. Which is fitting as the geology has created cave systems so the water changes between a flow above and below ground. Many of the waterfalls seem to originate directly from a rock face. TIP - Don't stop at the Falls. Keep walking around the Cascades and further toward the Outlet as there's plenty to discover past the main falls. The most epic swimming holes in crystal clear water are a huge bonus on a hot day.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

One of the two excellent Freedom Camping offerings near Opotiki.

The outlook faces north and is stunning. Watch the locals dig for pipi's at low tide (or even join them :) The only downside is lack of privacy and road noise due to being right next to a busy state highway.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

My fav camping spot on this lake with a long name that's hard to pronounce.....Ash Pit comes into it's own over summer.

Swimming, boating, fishing. Let the good times roll.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

We visited on the first sunny day after opening and it was so busy we didn’t get to have a decent go, but the kids are fired up for a return visit.

I’ve since heard fantastic feedback from locals telling me it's by far the best playground in the bottom of the North Island. So I've given this a score of 10 based on this local feedback and will re-visit to quantify :)

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

Here's where new school takes a leaf out of old school and the result is fab.

The wooden 'sculpture' is visually stunning. But the kids don't care about that, they're more interested in the new direction to an old school net set up. There's also a fresh take on a water pump feature. The kids were pumped.....sorry

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in September 2016

It’s not the biggest and it doesn’t really have the best feng shui either.

But what’s in here is really good. Our kids (ages 3 - 10) always have a awesome time at this playground (and they're the best judges). The plane slide is a hoot and not to be underestimated. Now that it’s been fixed, it’s super duper fast and a pretty tight squeeze up the top too. A perfect travel stop.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in August 2016

Town Basin is the place to be in Whangarei City, so what better excuse than to pop down with the kids and then perhaps enjoy and bite or a tipple from one of the nearby cafe’s or bars.

Ooooh yeah.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2016

One of the least used Abel Tasman campsites due to it not having it's own beach and being close to the Torrent Bay village (privately owned holiday houses).

Walking

But is very quiet as a result. Cleopatra's Pool is a great little freshwater swimming bonus that's just a shortish walk away.

Kayaking

Not recommended unless you time the high tide for arrival and departure. You'll have sore arms by the time you drag your kayak up here!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

Lot's happening here in summer.

Walking

If you like company then this is where you'll find most likely it. Lot's of facilities here at this popular campsite.

Kayaking

Anchorage is generally the busiest kayak pick up point within the Abel Tasman Park. So access and the facilities are very good with a shelter for cooking, fire pits and lush, flush toilets!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

Just a 45 minute stroll from the western start / finish point of the Heaphy Track.

It's a real beauty spot and the night we stayed, the sunset set my eyes alight. I would give higher than an 8 if it wasn't for the sandflies, who never stopped in their hunger for my blood. Insect repellent a must! Once the sun started going down, the sandflies quietened enough for a magic early evening on the beach that I still haven't forgotten.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

12 years as a kayak guide in the Abel Tasman and this is my fav campsite of them all.

Walk and Kayak

Isolated and stunning. Nearby Seal Colony and Separation Point a very worthy side trip. Kayak access is limited here as hired kayaks generally aren't allowed up this far. But if you have your own kayak or are walking, do pop in here for a looksy :)

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

After a walk through sand dune country and a very different landscape than is usual for NZ, there's the long Twilight Beach and the remote Twilight Beach campsite.

It feels like the middle of no-where, but only a few hours from SH1. Magic.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

Set back in the bush, up high, this campsite is a little different to most others in the Abel Tasman, but there's something about it and the beach below is a real beauty.

Generally much quieter than nearby Awaroa and Totaranui. Flush toilets too!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

Little used due to being so close to the start point of the Abel Tasman.

Walking and Kayaking

So once the sun starts going down, you'll find it's generally pretty quiet here. The campsite is situated right on the beach, under the shade of some large pine trees, and overlooks Adele and Fisherman's Islands.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

This campsite sits at the most popular start point for the Heaphy Track.

Not as visually attractive as many other campsites along this great walk, but very well situated for an early start up to Perry Saddle the next day. Flush toilets too!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

A cute little campsite that's sits at the end of a long cove on Lake Waikaremoana.

Great views up to Panikiri Bluff. Nearby there's some fun walks up to Lou's Lookout and the Onepoto caves. Or fancy a spot of fishing? Plenty to do if you stay for a night or two.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

Good facilities, but unless you need to stay in the hut, there's other beaches that are less affected by tide and have a nicer outlook.

Walking

Great facilities here though.

Kayaking

You would only want to stay here if the high tides are on your side when arriving and leaving here. Other nearby campsites are more kayak friendly.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

Little used for walkers as it's a side trip down to the beach.

Walking

But it's a wonderful little spot with a great outlook over the Astrolabe.

Kayaking

Very sheltered from the summer sea breeze, it's a choice overnight option before tackling the Mad Mile first thing the next day.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

No walk access makes this a great option for kayakers.

Kayak or Boat

Very sheltered and a beautiful little bay with the campsite right by the beach. The best kayak camping option in the Astrolabe in my opinion.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2016

The Tron for me is a bit like Levin.

It’s not the most fab town in the world. But it has kick arse playgrounds. Hamilton Lake is the established player and has recently had a whizz up, so it’s now even better. There’s so much for the littlies to do, you can easily lose a couple hours here.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2015

On a nice evening this Freedom Camping spot rates really highly as it's still pretty close to Welington City but it feels a world away.

It's a beaut location overlooking the marine reserve and Cook Straight. But, by facing south it's open to the teeth of a southerly weather event, thus feels the full bite of wind and rain that this weather brings. Plus, because it's nestled beneath some tall hills to the north, it loses the sun early in winter. So if you're looking for a freedom camping option and the weather is coming from the south, the Freedom Camping spot at Evans Bay will be a little more sheltered (although far less picturesque). But if it's nice weather, on a summers night when the wind is light, Owhiro Bay is hard to beat!

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2015

Evans Bay is the closest Freedom Camping spot to Wellington City.

It's just a quick 5 minute drive around picturesque bays, past Oriental Parade, into central Wellington. Also 2 mins to Airport and 2 mins to the supermarket. This is a busy location, next to a bustling set of traffic lights. But it's also close to a marina and the harbour itself, so you get a bit of both worlds here.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2015

It's a little drive from the main road, but this makes for a secluded overnight stay.

This spot includes a basic toilet and a shelter with picnic tables should the weather turn while you're preparing / eating dinner. Due to the farmland backdrop, you could say that this location is nothing flash, but it's also decent in its quiet simplicity.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2014

Stayed here in June 2014 and the facilities are greatly improved since my last visit.

Fantastic, clean toilet block and a new spacious carpark. The falls and nearby walks are an added to bonus to this great little freedom camping location. Although we were the only ones to stay overnight, it got pretty busy here, even in June, so it's a popular spot.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2014

The best thing about this freedom camping location is the stunning Kahikatea remnant forest that it borders.

It's also located right next to the road. But this is also a curse as by being on a hill, this is classic truck engine braking territory. This isn't a quiet or private place to spend the night. I wouldn't stay here again and it's only another 10 minutes up the road to Lake Tutira.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2014

Nice grassy park up spot, right next to Opoutama beach.

Handy to all the good things that Mahia is renowned for. Location is great, but unfortunately there was a fair bit of rubbish about. Worth a look all the same.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2013

Aniwaniwa Falls isn't the most spectacular waterfall you'll see in your life, but its proximity to the road (meaning an easy adventure for all ages) and its setting amongst pristine native bush, makes

it a winner in my book.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2013

I agree with the other reviewers.

This is a great spot and only a hop skip and a jump from Rotorua. Good facilities too, including a little playground for the kids.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2013

It's free and nice all the same, but it's it's also better, and free 2 minutes down the road at the Waikanae River Mouth.

I would only stay here if the River Mouth is full.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2013

I'm going out on a limb here and calling Mclaren Falls one of the best value camping spots in NZ.

Just $5 (kids under 16 free) has you staying in a fantastic place with lots to do. Good walks that include waterfalls and glowworms at night. Some toilet and shower blocks have just been done up and they rival many more expensive camping spots. Worth going out of way for.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2013

The Manganuku camping ground is quite a gem.

Very close to the highway makes for great access. The only downside is traffic noise, which due to the babble of the nearby stream, isn't too pronounced at all. Very much worth a night or two.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2012

These Waterfalls are a little different to any I have seen.

The water thunders over a decent drop and takes a quick turn at the bottom. It's like a waterfall / canyon combo. The viewpoint is at the top. The canyon can only be accessed by a slippery, unofficial track that isn't suited for kids or anyone that doesn't want to take responsibility for their own risk.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in September 2012

Fantastic spot.

It's quite a drive and it's a steep access-way down to the bay itself. But once you arrive, you'll thank yourself.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2012

In a city blessed with great camping options, this is one of Auckland's finest.

Only 30 minutes north of the city. Magnificent old Pohutakawa trees line the grounds and there's plenty of interesting walks. I have stayed here a number of times and I'm looking forward to staying here again.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2011

A large, open area, centrally located to the quiet rural town of Paengaroa.

It certainly wouldn't be my No1 Freedom Camping choice, but this location could be alot worse all the same.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2011

A centrally located sports park.

Thus it's not very private. It's essentially a carpark so expect a few sporty folk in your vicinity.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2011

This Freedom Camping area is slightly better than a couple of other local Te Puke offerings, but the gravy is only a stones throw away.

It's worthwhile taking the short drive east, to the coast, for better options.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2011

Pleasant little camping ground, near the beach.

Perfect for non self contained campers. Part of a recreation reserve that's looking after local coastal flora and fauna. Worth a look.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2011

It's very hard to fault this place.

Our family stops here whenever we head south (and back north) for summer. The river swimming is as good as it gets and you see trout more often than not. It's not by chance that The Hobbit will be filming here. Pristine.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2011

Easy access from State Highway 2 onto a short gravel road that leads to a large camping area with good toilet and water facilities.

Presently $5 per night per person. The lake is very tranquil but the ever present engine braking of trucks on the highway is a downer.

Lots of nearby walk options with Lake Waikopiro a easy 30 minute stroll for all ages.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2011

We spent a night here in late December with not many other people around.

The campground sits on a terrace, high above a river junction. A spectacular setting. The highlight is the nearby swingbridge. Our kids loved it and just quietly....I did too. We had to visit it again the next day.

Access isn't easy and we were happy not to meet any other large campervans coming the other way on some parts of the road.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in December 2010

The lesser known cousin to the better known Pupu springs located nearby.

I would rate this walk just as highly, yet it's far less busy. It kicks off with a small 20 minute climb. You then join the water race which provides the highlight. It's quite unlike any other stream I have seen. Follow it for 30 minutes and look for the fresh water crayfish. Return by the same route or take a round trip via a 4WD track that descends down the other side of the valley which gives variety - but isn't nearly as nice as following the water race.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2010

I rate this as one New Zealand's top full day walks.

Walk through regenerating Kauri forest past historic remnants of the Kauri logging era. The hut and nearby kauri dam make for a worthy stop before tackling the ladders and Pinnacles themselves. Spectacular views. Take the round trip by walking returning down the Billy Goat Landing walk. Look out for the impressive waterfall.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2010

Stunning campsite at the edge of the earth.

Arrive after early afternoon as this normally quiet spot is inundated with tour buses at around midday. Early mornings and evenings are gold.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2010

Only an hours drive south of Auckland, the Tapapakanga beachfront campsite is a beaut.

Park up right on the beach amongst ancient pohutukawa trees. Check out the historic homestead and choose from a variety of walks that meander around the park.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2010