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 almost 3 years ago

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 4 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 4 years ago

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 5 years ago

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 about 6 years ago and experienced in April 2018

Are we there yet?

A fair question when it comes to Te Pakau. It's a loooong winding gravel road alright. But I like the feeling of wilderness, and this place delivers one of the great road access wilderness camping drives in the North Island. But if easy access is your thing, then you're best to go elsewhere as this drive will frustrate you! Take it nice and slow with time on your side. The campsite location is wide and open. The river is sweet. No Kokako heard this time, but I have a strong feeling that I'll be back to put an ear out for its haunting call once more.

Reviewed about 6 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 about 6 years ago and experienced in March 2018

A good stop if you've got a sweat up from climbing from the bottom of the hill and want to give hut life a swerve.

Just the basics. Picnic table, water, sink, toilet and shelter. Small area for tent sites (that aren't necessarily flat). Good views :)

Reviewed about 6 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 about 6 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 almost 8 years ago

Nestled into a natural amphitheatre, with lots of shade from mature trees, the Marine Gardens Playground is awesome.

The water area is full of fun and there’s lots of other playground attractions dotted around the gardens. It’s also home to the Kapiti Miniature Railway. There’s bridges and tunnels and rides start from just $1.50. Raumati Village shops are just over the road, with-out a franchise fast food joint in sight.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

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 almost 8 years ago

Not quite as nice as nearby Ash Pit road campsite.

But it's smaller with more nooks and crannies in amoungst the trees, if that sort of thing takes your fancy. It seems to be well maintained over summer, but less so in the off season.

Reviewed about 8 years ago

Opotiki's best Freedom Camping spot in my opinion.

Situated right by the beach and somewhat private, as it's tucked behind some some roadside trees. (A little bonus is a resident Weka family that lives in the trees :) There's is still some reasonable road noise though as SH35 is very close. But I awoke to a beautiful sunrise looking north towards the wilds of the East Cape.

Reviewed about 8 years ago

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 about 8 years ago

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 almost 8 years ago

Kowhai Park is an old school banger that brings back memories of Barney Rubble and his mate Freddy Flintstone.

Plus the kids seem to love it too :) Although some of the playground is a little tired, for me it added to the charm, so I've given it a top score due to its originality. There's hardly a prefab fitting in sight.

Reviewed almost 8 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 almost 8 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 almost 8 years ago and experienced in June 2016

Very close to the start of the Abel Tasman, so it's a very little used campsite.

Walking

Very busy with people passing through but rare if someone stays. If you're interested, there's a nearby walk that identifies local native plants.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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 8 years ago

Fantastic little campsite that's tucked quietly away from the busier Onetahuti coming and goings.

Walking

One of my fav's in the park and if you've made it here then you've already had a great time strolling past some stunning beaches.

Kayaking

Not only a great overnight spot, but very well situated to access some of the parks kayaking gems close-by to the north and the south.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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 8 years ago

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 8 years ago

Don't let the name of this place put you off.

Kayak or Boat Acces only

This campsite has no walking access and is one of the best kayak campsites in the park. Best if you time your arrival or departure with a mid to high tide to minimise a kayak drag along the sand. Toilet can get pretty smelly in peak season being the only downside to this really stunning spot.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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 8 years ago

Remote goodness.

Pandora feels out there and it is out there. An experience as much as a destination. Pandora isn't for everyone, but if it is, you won't forget it.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

A busy spot for water taxi's and kayak departures, it all gets pretty quiet after 4pm.

Walking

The campsite is set back from the beach. Flush toilets a bonus.

Kayaking

Arrive here after the 3.30pm summer water taxi pick up hustle and perhaps a little relax before an early evening visit to Tong Island Seal Colony - sounds nice to me

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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 8 years ago

Stunning bay in the quieter northern reaches of the park.

Walking and Kayaking

Campsite is set back from the beach. It's one of the less visited campsites in the Abel Tasman, so if you like solitude, then here's where you're more likely to find it. Flush toilets are a treat at such an isolated spot :)

Reviewed over 8 years ago

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 8 years ago

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 almost 8 years ago and experienced in November 2015

Small reserve next to a stream that flows out to the sea.

Quite open to the road so there's no-where to gain any decent privacy (and no large trees). But the outlook is great and life could be much worse than spending the night here!

Reviewed over 9 years ago

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 almost 10 years ago

This area is recently upgraded with nice toilets and a new swingbridge that leads to the Tangoio Falls.

But like its Freedom Camping neighbour up the way (White Pine Bush) it's proximity to the road makes for a noisy place to spend the night. Barp, Baaaarrrrp go the trucks on the engine brake....!

Reviewed over 10 years ago

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 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014

Stayed here before an early start on the ferry the next morning.

This is a fantastic place with panoramic views and the kids loved the beach combing. The locals were hauling in some nice looking fish too. I look forward to returning soon.

Reviewed almost 11 years ago

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 11 years ago

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 almost 12 years ago

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 11 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 almost 12 years ago

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 11 years ago and experienced in January 2013

Unexpected goodness up here.

Nothing too spectacular, but quiet, un-spoilt and very little likelyhood of seeing another soul. Great river swimming spots abound!

Reviewed almost 12 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 about 12 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 12 years ago

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 about 13 years ago

It's a nice spot but very cramped and it feels quite public.

You wouldn't want more than 2 campers here! If you want to freedom camp then I would recommend you take the 2 minute drive down to Dotterel Point. Lots more room to move and just as scenic.

Reviewed about 13 years ago

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 about 13 years ago

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 about 13 years ago

This Freedom Camping Area is located right in the centre of town.

I simply recommend not to stay here and check out one of the wonderful Freedom Camping options located within 30 minutes drive of here.

Reviewed about 13 years ago

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 about 13 years ago

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 almost 14 years ago

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 almost 14 years ago

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 14 years ago

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 14 years ago

Located within a predator protected wildlife reserve, native birds bring welcome regular song to this peninsular.

A marine reserve protects the northern side. The main campsite is essentially a wide open paddock with few trees and is set a little off the beach. The second site is for self contained vehicles only and is only half the price. Great swimming and lots of walks on offer.

Reviewed over 14 years ago

A little known attraction in a little known location.

A mixture of kiwi do it yourself and x factor artistry. One out of the box and really worth a look.

Reviewed over 14 years ago