This site is the epitome of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Super full (holiday weekend though) and the best ocean view spots are taken by permanent vintage caravans (very cool). All amenities ARE here: bathrooms, showers, kitchen, laundry, dump site, all very clean. The washers and dryers are literally dripping with rust but work fine. If you want to read “fisherman’s Life” from the 90’s or some risqué harlequin like romance or Tom Clancy novels, you’re set, just look in the kitchen building. It’s like walking back in time about 35 years. The beach has really cool black sand. The owners are very welcoming and let us park away from the crowds in the parking area, which we very much appreciated. Don’t be dissuaded, caravanning through New Zealand is a great experience and all good.

Happy Camping 🌿

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

We wish we’d read ALL reviews.

We didn’t realize you can camp anywhere on the lake between the highway and the power lines about 3 km from turn off. The Rd is not marked Hayman Rd IRL, but it’s first rd to your right when you get to the lake. We ended up at a large area about 1/2km back from the power lines, but it was great. We were right in the centre front. No one parked near us, only about 7 caravans around us, very quiet 🤫. No road traffic noise during the night, and not much during the evening. Would park nearer to trees 🌲had it been a sunny day. Was quite windy in the evening, but we don’t mind that. The lake was cold for a dip, but not so cold that I didn’t stay in for quite awhile! Perfect after a hike by Lake Tekapo. You’d have views of mount cook from some spots along the lake, I definitely did when I swam out. Great spot. No bugs. No potty, but freedom camping requires you bring your own anyhow. No pooping about and ruining it for everyone else. Everyone on our night was self-contained, yay freedom campers!

Happy Camping🌿

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

This spot was surprisingly cool.

$10 for 2 adults in a non powered site. It is set back from the ocean, but we still heard the waves. Nice walk down to a bizarre but cool beach. Someone else described it as “the elephant graveyard in the Lion King”, we agree. Not sure if any post apocalyptic movie scenes have been shot here, but they should be! Driftwood galore, black sand, HUGE beach and low blowing sand, creepy and cool. My husband took a shower, $2/4 minutes, old & keep your flip flops on, but fine. It is a bit older but has a kitchen space and a fun well kept playground and barbecue. Kids would love it here! Zero bugs, noise, trash or issues. The people in the town are super friendly, and the camp owner is sweet. We’d go again.

Happy Camping 🌿

Reviewed almost 7 years ago