Hipapatua / Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve Free Campsite
Taupo
221 Rankers Reviews
130 Face-to-Face
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UPDATE March 20, 2020: To minimise the risks of COVID-19 Council-owned/managed freedom camping areas at Hipapatua / Reid’s Farm Recreation Reserve, Whakamaru Domain and Mangakino Recreation Reserve have been closed until further notice, with freedom campers encouraged to head to a local camping ground instead. More info and updates available here – www.taupo.govt.nz/covid-19
Please note: Hipapatua / Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve is closed to campers between May 1 and October 1 for site maintenance, in line with its reserve management plan.
Free camping is permitted on this recreation reserve. All campers, including those in certified self-contained vehicles, can stay for a maximum of three nights and/or four days in any 14 night period before they need to move on.
This campsite is close to town, and can be a popular party venue, especially on New Year's Eve. It's used a lot by travellers and sometimes by school groups. It can be a bit boggy after lots of rain. Quite a few sandflys as it is right on the river.
There is a permanent fire ban on this campsite (NO FIRES), and a complete liquor ban between noon on 27 December and 7am on 4 January.
This is a very popular spot for people learning how to white water kayak, and is the end point for guided kayak tours on the Waikato River.
Facilities are basic - the only water supply is the Waikato River, so we suggest that all drinking water is boiled first. There are no showers or cooking facilities.
Campers must take all their rubbish with them as a 'pack it in, pack it out' arrangement is in place to help protect the land and river. Campers should take their rubbish to the nearest refuse location - find out more about refuse locations and prices at www.taupo.govt.nz/rubbish.
Three older toilets have been removed and replaced with a lovely new triple unit, one cubicle of which has disability access. Two other toilets have also been refurbished making the whole experience much more pleasant. During busy periods, there can be queues for the best toilets so it pays to get up early.
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UPDATE March 20, 2020: Council-owned/managed freedom camping areas at Hipapatua / Reid’s Farm Recreation Reserve, Whakamaru Domain and Mangakino Recreation Reserve have been closed until further notice, with freedom campers encouraged to head to a local camping ground instead. |
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 216.
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James
Ranking: 9/10
Good place, has toilet no drinking water. Right near huka falls with good river for paddling in.
Kirsty Brewin
Ranking: 8/10
Huge grassy area. Not so many flat areas, but fine in a van. Portaloos were clean. A few noisy campers with loud music but went quiet by 8pm. No drinking water so bring your own.
Georgia Cox-Wright
Ranking: 9/10
Great freedom camping spot. Two sets of toilets that are cleaned daily. Not too far from Taupō but you feel like you are away from the city. Great swimming in the river. Small inlets to avoid the current. Easier enough to get a spot if arriving mid afternoon or even evening- very peaceful during the day. Lots of security checks each day from different organisations so it feels very safe. A few short bush and road tracks to make the most of too.
Jay
Ranking: 10/10
Don't judge this place by the picture it is a LOT nicer than shown I wish I'd of taken one while there. Its right on the river for swimming, crystal clear water like a swimming pool. Heaps of space to park and great toilets that are cleaned regularly. You can no longer camp right at the waters edge but you can still park there all day as soon as the barrier is lifted..very safe and picturesque campsite very close to town..yes you do get cars arriving at all hours but is that really an issue? If it is then you're getting old lol
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Sue4
Ranking: 7/10
Sign says camping ground is closed 😞 but a free camping area put up a little further in the reserve. The land is not even and hard access for big vehicles, need to be careful. But was quiet and peaceful. Lots of other respectful campers. Feels safe.
Felix
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot! Section A closed due to maintenance but section B is open! Plenty of room, quiet and a compost toilet available. Don’t forget your toilet paper
Jacob
Ranking: 1/10
Closed for maintenance
Kate
Ranking: 6/10
Originally parked up at Reid’s farm with the nice painted public toilets and view of the lake. All campers were asked to move to Hipapatua reserve 100m down the road. This was due to restrictions from covid that hadn’t been lifted even in level 1. This new area had a disgusting long drop toilet with poo everywhere. The parking space was just an uneven patch of grass. Honestly very disappointing but if the original place we parked in was open it would be beautiful.
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Emily
Ranking: 9/10
The place was great ! Such a great spot by the river. So many spots to park, I’d say it got full around 7 but you could easily squish in more. Waikato River was only 200m away, such a nice swim, make sure you don’t float away as the current is pretty fast. There are about 4 portaloos on site and toilet blocks 150m away. All around pretty good for a free camping site :)
Ali
Ranking: 9/10
Fell in love with Bianca from Cologne, but forgot to ask her number or other info :(
Wonderful spot by the way! Very peaceful and even though a bit crowded, there was a good atmosphere.
Moritz
Ranking: 8/10
Stopped by this free campsite during my cycling journey from Auckland to Wellington. It's a nice place close to the river which even has WiFi (not free though). Lots of other campers and van travellers, so not the quietest of places. Toilets are alright and there's even a sink for dishwashing. Overall great for a cheap stop!
Scott Peaker
Ranking: 4/10
Good spot close to the river and within walking distance of town.
However, we arrived at 5pm and the camp was already full so were lucky to find a space.People continued to arrive until about 2 am and noisily setup camp right next to us and other campers.
One car even parked about 30cm from our van and banged the side of it with their car door.Way too over crowded, with only a few Porto toilets which as you can expect with about 300 people using are not great..
Gates should be shut at 9pm to stop influx of people arriving throughout night.
Ok for a free spot but don't expect to get much sleep !
Kate
Ranking: 8/10
Very spacious with lots of area for overnight camping. It is a pity you can’t overnight closer to the river but the camping area is still only a very short walk.
The toilets are long drops. They were fine; I didn’t think any were particularly dirty and they all had toilet paper.
The campsite has one tap with one basin for dishwashing purposes, and the water from the river isn’t drinkable. Recommend bringing plenty of fresh water although this is quite close to Taupo.
All round it is a beautiful area to stay and swim. We love it here.
