Mark Haydon
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Turangi ▷
Tongariro River Rafting
5.0/5
Excellent!
Will, Floren and the wonderfully bearded Angus looked after us with competence, passion and flourish. Never was there any feeling that we weren't in safe hands, so the thrilling journey could be enjoyed to the max. Will provided knowledgeable narrative of the geology and fauna, and the hot chocolate en route was very welcome. John, the bus-driver-come-photographer took some great shots from static locations, whilst Go-pros and sundry water proof cameras captured a wide range of additional worthy keepsake images. Highly recommended!
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Waihi ▷
Island View Esplanade Reserve
4.0/5
Great spot right behind the dunes.
Yes, it's a car park, but don't be put off! The toilets are fine and chatting to the other 'local' campers answered a number of questions we had relating to the local 'alcohol restriction'.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
4.5/5
Brilliant trip on Black Labyrinth, ably looked after by Tim and Cam.
Some of the kit was showing signs of wear, but given the terrain this should be expected. At each stage there was a careful, but not excessive brief. Not wanting to give anything away, this is a recommendation for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Ferry Road Carpark Stopover Area
4.5/5
Great location, above the lake, but within easy access of everything - shops, bars and restaurants.
Nearby Superloos are great for morning showers etc. for just $2.50.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Hamurana ▷
Trout Pools Reserve
3.0/5
Busy location with kayakers as well as motor-campers.
Some smell from the heavily used drop loo, but well maintained.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Opua ▷
Bland Bay Motor Camp
4.5/5
This site has very good facilities and is right on the beaches – Bland Bay to the NE and Tuparehuia to the SW.
We found the management to be friendly and hospitable management. Good dump and fill facilities. Showers $2 / 4 mins.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Whakapapa Holiday Park
5.0/5
Very welcoming site, with helpful, friendly management.
Great location among the trees, and a good shuttle for the Alpine Crossing. Free wifi, showers, hair dryers. Large kitchen and good laundry facilities. Several walks directly from site.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Tihoi Bar & Eatery
3.5/5
Popular roadside tavern, with a small, level, free camping area to one side.
Public flush toilets are nicely tiled and look fairly new, along with the general building, but could benefit from a good clean. Good food in the bar.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Huntly ▷
Lake Hakanoa Huntly Motor Caravan Park
4.0/5
This is a small site right on the lake.
There are good free showers and wifi is available close to reception. The communal area looked clean and well used, and to the sites credit, there are also good waste recycling bins.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Rarawa Beach Campsite
4.0/5
Basic as expected, but drop loos we're acceptable.
Also good, clean, cold shower cubicles.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
5.0/5
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Camp Ground: 10/10.
Excellent! Arrived late, but they managed to squeeze us into the last spot. Camping fee includes access to the thermal pools too - great value as they can be accessed on arrival, as well as early on the morning of departure when they are quiet.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Five Mile Bay Recreation Reserve
4.0/5
Large area attracting overflow campers from nearby Tuapo.
Great location, but the weather for us was awful. Single drop loo, but as this site is only for self-contained motorhomes, that's not really a problem.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Tapotupotu Campsite
3.5/5
Beautiful spot right on the beach, great for a walk to Reinga lighthouse.
There are non-enclosed cold showers more usually suited to a post beach shower. Fresh water, but no dump facility.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Discovery Lodge Campground
2.0/5
We stopped here intending to complete the Alpine Crossing from site, but considering cost, the facilities are poor.
There's a washing machine, but drier is very poor. Ample fresh water, but no dump facilities, shop or wifi. The showers however, are free. We moved on to Whakapapa.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Helensville ▷
Parakai Springs Aquatic Park & Motor Camp
4.0/5
Clean site with waste bins at each power connect.
Simple but clean wash facilities. Free wifi and access to the thermal pools, which unfortunately we did not have time to visit. We did find an excellent local bar with pool tables and a pub good menu.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Kapanga Road
4.5/5
Parking opposite the police station won’t be everyone’s idea of a great location and being just off the road and it sounds like a no-no, however we found it to be fine.
There’s a picnic bench beside the stream to the rear of the carpark, and clean public toilets a short walk away (closed at night). The town has a great timeless feeling and sir choice of eating places, from local sea food to Thai, and several bars to quench your thirst. Perfect for one night stop to explore the town.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Pukekohe ▷
Rosa Birch Park
3.5/5
A quiet and level carpark amidst the tennis and hockey pitches.
Toilets are less than 100m away and available from 6am to dusk. No other facilities. Very handy for Auckland airport. The town offers a few good coffee shops, restaurants, pubs and gift shops, which being off the usual tourist routes are a little cheaper.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve Carpark
4.5/5
Got lucky!
As we arrived, having passed and ignored the ‘carpark full’ signs, a camper was heading away and we were guided into the vacated space, 1 of 4 reserved for campers. Excellent spot with regularly attended and maintained drop loos, but little else. Nearby beaches, Gemstone, Stingray and Cathedral Cove all just a short walk away.