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 about 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 2 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 about 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 about 4 years ago

Very easy access of the state highway and you're into another world.

The things I love most about this walk were the interpretation signs that explain the huge variety of trees that are in this forest. I also appreciated the bird life. Since 1995 DOC has been active in pest management and it really shows. So nice to wandering in some NZ bush with regular bird activity.

Reviewed over 5 years ago

It's a solid gravel road drive in if you're behind the wheel of a large campervan (like I was), but it doesn't stop me giving this place a solid 9 ranking.

It feels isolated and we had it to ourselves. I get the feeling that this might be norm (except public holidays maybe). It's a massive grassy area with a number of picnic tables and the river is a real gem to swim in. There's a few nearby walks if you have time too. This forest is home to the rare Kokako. Take a listen.

Reviewed about 6 years ago and experienced in April 2018

An open, out there, location close to the airstrip, on a tidal lagoon.

It would also have to be one of the epic island surf breaks in NZ when it's on.

Nice warm swimming in the lagoon when the time comes in. Great sunsets. Big sky.

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

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 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

Lot’s of nooks and crannies to explore and discover.

Lot’s of nooks and crannies to explore and discover. Our older kids liked it, but think it’s better suited to ages 2 - 8. The playgrounds sits within Queen Elizabeth Park which is definitely worth a wander. Established trees and croquet, lawn bowls, cricket, lake, train. It’s summertime-tastic. I'd give the playground itself an 8, but the Queen Elizabeth park area lifts the whole ranking to a 9.

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

Fantastic lakeside location that also happens to be the starting point to one of my fav shortish walks in NZ.

The water is so clear and begs to be swum in. The outlet river has some fantastic swimming holes if you cross the bridge and walk up the valley. I love this place and the only downer was that the camp wasn't tidily managed (it was a quiet time of year, but neither toilet had any toilet paper and hadn't been been swept in a long time), but don't let this put you off. The long drive down the gravel road is well worth the effort.

Reviewed almost 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 almost 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 almost 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

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 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

Perhaps the most photographed of Abel Tasman's classic beaches.

Walking

A small campsite away from the bustle of Anchorage. Don't forget the side trip to nearby Pitt Head for a great photo op!

Kayaking

As mentioned above, Te Pukatea is great destination, but being in the middle of the Mad Mile, your arrival time in summer can be dictated by the sea breeze. You can't always bank on getting here until later in the day.

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

Walk Access.

The Great Walk campsite is a small part of the large and popular drive in Totaranui Campsite. There's space saved here especially for walkers who book a site. It's a stunning beach with sand that's almost orange in colour. Being the only drive access campsite in the Abel Tasman, this is a busy spot in summer. If you want the feeling of walking to a more remote campsite, then there are other options that aren't too far away.

Reviewed over 8 years ago

Large campsite with great facilities, surrounded on most sides by water at a high tide as the beach is out front and the Bark Bay lagoon out the back.

Walking

Can get busy with larger groups at times. Nice sunny spot in winter.

Kayaking

Often less popular for kayakers than other nearby campsites, but it has excellent facilities and if you're a fan of the flush toilet then you're well catered for here.

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

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

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 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

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

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 9 years ago

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 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 over 10 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 about 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 over 11 years ago

The wildlife reserve is a fantastic project which I support whole-heartedly.

But since the flash new visitor area was built, DOC decided to charge a large fee to access an area that sometimes doesn't warrant the money. When it was cheaper then I excused the empty avaries and such like, but if you have to pay a decent dollar, it's fair to expect a decent experience. Cmon DOC, this is your National Visitor Experience!

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 over 11 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 almost 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

It's a long drive off the main road but if you seek seclusion then it's worth it.

Pelorus Camping area is lovely, but busy in the high season. So Butchers Flat is a worthy change up. Lots of space and a lovely river runs alongside.

Reviewed almost 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 almost 13 years ago

A nice stroll with good vantage points about half way through the walk.

The Cove itself is nice and it's worthwhile taking the time to explore the rocky coastline and the hole in the wall.

Reviewed almost 13 years ago

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 almost 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 almost 13 years ago

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 almost 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 over 13 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 over 13 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 about 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 about 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 about 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 about 14 years ago