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Christoper Crowhurst
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Tapu Domain and Beachfront Reserves
4.5/5
Calm and quiet spot near the river?
Toilets a short 200m walk away, open all night. BBQ station and water. Few bins dotted about as well. Overall a great place to get your head down for free before moving on. Check out the cafe opposite the camp spot - lovely ladies serving up hot, cold and all else in between.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Mangaweka ▷
Awastone
4.5/5
Fantastic spot to stop off and relax for the evening before or after your trip along Desert Road and Tongariro.
Receptionist was present and told us all we needed to know. Top marks for free laundry, toilets, 1GB WiFi and hot shower.
Thanks Christopher for taking the time to give us such a positive review. Although the laundry isn't complimentary anymore, the new cedar hot tub is installed and almost ready for action. Hopefully you can return for a that treat.
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Tricia Eames
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
TECT Park – Freedom Camping Site
5.0/5
Top camping spot just away from the highway.
Forest scenery. Clean Toilets, water, BBQ station and has roaming security during the night. Make sure you don’t go past the amenities building which will be on your left as you go in - if you do, you’ve gone too far and will need to turn back.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Five Mile Bay Recreation Reserve
5.0/5
Freedom Camping at its best and purest.
Brilliant camp next to the lake with superb views day and night. One long drop toilet which is reasonably clean. Lots and lots of spaces and quite busy 8+ campers in September.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve Carpark
5.0/5
Location is absolutely brilliant.
For those wanting to visit Cathedral Cove (a must) don’t go anywhere else. 4 official self contained camper spots, albeit some didn’t adhere to this and parked in general parking (not sure if they were asked to leave or not). Two long drop toilets, reasonably clean with alcohol rub and no sink. Couple stores at the foot of the hill for any necessities, other than that enjoy the breathtaking views as you walk the trail. ~2hr return on the trail - be warned there are about 140 steps down (and back) to the cove which might be difficult for some.