Ranking: 9/10

Stayed for 1 night. Weve parked our campervan almost right next to the lake. Perfect view when you woke up in the morning!
Flush toilet is available. Though there is a shower but both of them are our of order. But a shower is not something you wpuld expect in a freedom campsite 😊

Reviewed 6 months ago

Ranking: 1/10

There are 4 spaces for non-self contained, and lots of room for self contained vehicles. There's toilets, and even a sink for washing up.

However, some young locals were parked by our camper, with their lights on, being very loud and obnoxious from about 10, until 1 am. When another camper confronted them, asking them to simply move to the other side of the lake, they got very aggressive and started threatening her and hitting her car. We called the police but the locals left before they got there. It felt very unsafe and we didn't sleep a wink.

Reviewed 10 months ago

Ranking: 8/10

It's a nice spot near a lake, with toilets and showers (the showers weren't working tho). You have a great view over the lake and it's near to town. Non self contained vehicles must park in marked spots and there were only 4, so be fast to get one. When you're self contained there's a lot of space! Trash bin available.

Reviewed 12 months ago

Ranking: 10/10

There are 100+ flat parking places in the park - many with nice views of the lake. All but a few, right by the sea, are available for self-contained freedom camping. Other camping is MUCH more restricted as mentioned in previous reviews. So if you are SC there is no need to cram yourself into the first car park you come to. You can enjoy the area as late as you like secure in the knowledge that there will be plenty of space when you arrive.
When we were here, virtually everyone was in the first car parks but I checked with the ranger who was busy moving on non-SCs and he confirmed that we could park anywhere.

Reviewed about 1 year ago

Ranking: 8/10

We spent a Saturday night at Lake Rotomanu, and were very pleased with the experience. There were a number of non self-contained vehicles there, more than the limit, but no one checked the site, so not surprising. However, everyone was quiet and polite, and the only noise overnight was that of what I assume were boy races down in the car park near Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. We got a lovely spot near the boat ramp (currently closed due to low lake levels) overlooking the lake, and the majority of the noise came from the ducks and seagulls at dawn. Toilets were cleaned while we were there, but there was some mud splashed around by people using the facilitiles - including up the walls. Such disappointing behaviour when the facilities are being provided for free. We spoke to another motor home owner who camps there regularly and has never had any problems. We will definitely be using the site again, and the coastal walkway is well worth the effort. Thanks to New Plymouth for providing sites like this.

Reviewed over 1 year ago

Ranking: 9/10

Plenty of space here next to the lake. It is monitored for SC and there are a few spaces for Non SC also, so be sure you park in the right places. Was a tad windy there, but didn’t bother us. Toilets were decent enough. There’s Te Rewa Rewa Bridge a short walk on the otherside of the lake. Go check it out!

Reviewed almost 2 years ago