Waikare River Mouth Campsite
Waikare River Mouth Campsite
Waikare River area
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Stay on the banks of the Waikare River with just a 10 minute walk to the beach. Note the 20 minute drive on a gravel road to access this campground.
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Accommodation
Reviews
Brian
Ranking: 6/10
Good spot, pros: good fishing, great ocean beach short walk away, grassy area / cons: small area so can get crowded, a bit trapped by farmland unless you walk on only track thru farmland to beach, worried re quality of water to swim in with it being very green after flowing thru heavily farmed land plus 2 dead sheep in water, beach not suitable for swimming, generator used in private campsite nearby... so okay, but think the paid campsite at wapatiki offers same but so much more especially for kids. Eg cleaner water, better access, lots of walks, swimming beach,,,,
Florian
Ranking: 10/10
Down a long unpaved road, but we were fine in a van, maybe a bit tricky in a large camper. The site is in a sloped field, but there are a few flat spots to choose from, lots of space though. Decent toilets and a sink washing up area aswell. Very nice walk to the beach nearby which is worth doing!
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Isabel van Megen
Ranking: 10/10
This is a really great spot and totally secluded. There is no phone reception and it really is an adventurous ride down that road. Would not recommend to drive down or up after/during rainfall as it does get really muddy and slippery but apart from that, it’s fine to drive. The spot is right by the river mouth and it is easy to access a stunning wild and rough beach. There are two rather new dump toilets and fresh water access. The night is absolutely dark down there, so definitely bring headlight or lamp/torch. If Glen is around, say ‘hi’ to him. He’s a legend.
David Blake
Ranking: 9/10
Great little campsite. The old track to the beach has slipped and been replaced. The shelter in the photo has gone and flash long drop toilets put in. Good in the calm river for children that can swim (it's very deep) and a deserted beach half an hours walk away.
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Angela Parody
Ranking: 9/10
We loved this campsite. Quite small but we were lucky to get a spot. Nice views and nice walk to the beach. Only say that because its a nice place for canoeing and fishing some cars come and go and it can be a bit noisy. Definitely recommended!😊
Tatiana Rochereau
Ranking: 7/10
We stayed one night. Really cool. The walkway to the beach was full of mud, be careful! You walk with the cows! The road to the camping area was not so difficult, gravel but you can drive easily. Really good spot to fish. More than 20 cars can be parked. Toilet not so clean. Table was in a dry space.
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Eila
Ranking: 9/10
It's a beautiful place to stay a night. I was there in winter so it was a bit lonely. I guess it's better in summertime.
Vincent Rushby
Ranking: 6/10
Small site and packed when we were there... (mid Jan) Not that attractive and so we went to the lakes nearby. More better!!
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Leith Hayllar
Ranking: 9/10
Great spot for family with a short walk to a beautiful lagoon and beach with lovely views.
David Restell
Ranking: 7/10
We made the long journey down to this campsite (Although I got us a little lost by not reading the map properly) and stayed for 1 night.
+ Free,
+ Fantastic views and location,
+ Long drop toilets not smelly,- Toilets flooded in the rain,
- Track to the beach too muddy and perilously slippery to traverse.
auré bis
Ranking: 9/10
Want to spend a good time away from towns?
Here's one of the best, or perhaps the best of free doc campsite in north island.
On the bank of the river, and 10min walk fro the beach (enjoy the robinson crusoe wooden house there!)
Water taps and toilets ok.
Just before the entrance of the camp, a walnut tree is offering its frsh fruits. Enjoy!
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
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