Ellen
North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
4.0/5
Very crowded campground with small tent sites.
However, the facilities, like the bathroom, kitchen, playground, and bbq, were immaculate and the campground was well organised. I was very impressed by that.
On the other hand, there were no quiet hours and there were children playing, shouting, and running around until midnight. There were also some safety lights left on all night. Both of these things made it hard to sleep, especially in a tent.
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
4.5/5
Nice peaceful, clean site that wasn't crowded even in the summer holidays.
There's lots of space, and a babbling stream nearby. It's close to the beach and a friendly dog (Brucie) comes by in the evenings to say hi and beg for scraps.
Facilities are limited - only two picnic tables and no bbqs, so you'll have to bring your own cooking stuff. There's no drinking water plumbed in, so remember to bring a kettle so you can boil your own water or bring extra fresh water. Be aware that it's a long drop toilet too!
Only downside was that there were quite a few mozzies so don't forget your bug spray or citronella!
North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
3.5/5
Great site, and very spacious so it didn't feel as full as it was.
The river was beautiful and great swimming! Facilities were clean but a bit grotty and in need of a remodel (eg shower coin machine was outside of the shower stall so you either had to go out naked to put your coin in or put it in first and waste your hot water time undressing). Communication was also confusing with many shouty passive aggressive signs posted all over the buildings. The pricing and booking was difficult to understand too as their website and emails were badly worded and poorly organised.
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Paraparaumu ▷
1.5/5
I'm sure it's really nice for those with caravans, but I found it disappointing for my stay in a tent.
The sites were mess - dead grass in patches that made it lumpy to sleep on. Additionally, they charge everyone for a powered site even if you can't access the power (it's way too high to reach without an extension cord which you won't have unless you're in a campervan).
There is zero privacy, despite what the ad says. You will have 3-4 sites staring into yours. I wouldn't mind so much, except that one of the permanent residents behaved really creepy towards me (young female traveling alone) so I didn't like that he had a direct view on my campsite whenever he liked.
It's nice having a private bathroom, but it was not clean when I arrived and they don't clean it throughout your stay.
On that note, the kitchen was dirty and the rubbish overflowing. It also lacked most of the basic cooking supplies (there were pans but no pots, no cutlery etc) and cleaning up supplies, so if you've forgotten something you're out of luck. It had two microwaves, both of which were broken and the labels on the stoves had worn off so you have to guess which hob is the right one and if it's on high or low. Even if everything was working, it is way too small. If there are more than two groups in the kitchen, you'll be bumping elbows the whole time.
There was hardly any seating in the kitchen and no lounge or TV room which is annoying if it rains and you have nowhere to go.
There was no recycling - everything was mixed together and presumably went to landfill.
Positives are that it's very close to the beach, and there was a big playground which the kids of other guests seemed to enjoy.
Overall, I'd say skip it unless you're bringing a campervan.
South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
5.0/5
Fantastic place with lots of character.
Kept very clean and well looked after. The staff twice went the extra mile to make sure I had a great time.
South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
3.0/5
Beautiful spot, but NOT a safe swimming beach, especially for kids.
Very crowded and noisy - motorway traffic is nearby, airplanes from the nearby airport fly very low overhead, and other campers play loud music into the night.
Facilities are great. Very clean and well maintained.
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Ashburton ▷
4.5/5
Lovely secluded spot.
Not too crowded, great views. All the facilities you'd need and very well maintained.
Only downsides are that it's a little bit out of the way and there's not much to do if you're not into fishing.