Okarito Camping Ground
Okarito
Reviews
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Boardwalk Blss
Ranking: 10/10
Would endorse everything written in the reviews over the past year! We were here in July 2020 and although its a bit off the main highway that makes the camp ground so much more attractive. Love the community run aspect and the person we met was very friendly and helpful. Facilities clean and monitored daily. Wild West Coast beach within easy walk and sites protected by mainly large flax plants
Anna Swain
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic community run camp ground a paddock from the beach. Recommend trig walk and Okarito kayak hire on lagoon. $2 for a shower. No powered sites here so very cold night when you have no heat.
Linda
Ranking: 8/10
Price: $15,00 one night p.p
Location: good, for us perfect because we do the kiwi tour
Insects: a little bit sandflies around 17.00 o’clock
Wc’s: very clean
Douche: $2,00 for four minutes hot water.The camphost a very friendly
Liz Wade
Ranking: 9/10
Good place to stop for a couple of nights. Very good facilities and free WiFi they worked perfectly! Charging point and water point. Good value for money. There’s a nice walk up to a lookout to the mountains and you can also continue on the walk to the lagoon. If the tide is right you can walk back along the beach - but do check the tide.
Enzo
Ranking: 10/10
Very nice campground, the host were very kind
Richard & Chris, UK
Ranking: 9/10
Lovely site, plenty of space, and (I think) run by the local community, so well worth supporting. Fresh water available on site. Good clean facilities.
lisa
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic coastline with planting all around camp area.
Great walking tracks to enjoy the birdlife.
Nice showers, good shelter but no stove ring.
lisa taylor
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic coastline with planting all around camp area.
Great walking tracks to enjoy the birdlife.
Nice showers, good shelter but no stove ring.
Tim
Ranking: 9/10
Yes it is kind of a parking lot, but sweet hosts and awesome beach fully compensate dir that. Try the ice cream...
Garne2019
Ranking: 8/10
Stayed here in May, such lovely hosts! Facilities nice and clean, and such great location. The beach, lagoon and village are so beautiful. Great location for the walks. Fave place on West Coast!
Maelys
Ranking: 8/10
Great camping ! Right between the sea and the mountains, it’s a wonderful spot to admire the sunset. There’s a cooking shelter with a fridge and a barbecue (+$2). You can have a shower for $2 as well for 4min. The owners are lovely
TP&MM
Ranking: 7/10
Nothing special - simple site. Quiet location at the end of a long winding road. Showers were $2. There is a kitchen but didn’t use it. It rained all night as per normal for west coast. Short walk to the beach.
Rachel
Ranking: 10/10
Excellent value campground, nice spot by the beach, hot showers $2 and free WiFi. Camp hosts were so welcoming and kind, even let us cook our dinner on their caravan’s cooker as we’d run out of gas.
Marinette Kegels
Ranking: 7/10
Okarito Camping ground is a (really) basic campsite.
Friendly host, but 15$ per person is really exaggerated. Facilities and amenities are outdated and not enough. WiFi is still not working.... this time the excuse was: the latest storm! At the income of the village there was internet 😂 (they better say: no WiFi zone 😉) BUT: if you like walking: the tracks are great, nature is amazing and you have to use this campground🥴so you can start early in the morning for the Three mile lagoon walk, depending the tidal you can make the loop.
We had beautiful weather..... what do you need more 💪
Shaun
Ranking: 10/10
Only $2 more then most DOC Campsites and you get your moneys worth- free wifi, showers ($2), power points etc
Ceri
Ranking: 10/10
Great simple camp site between the sea and the mountains. The toilets and kitchen facilities were clean and free Wi-fi was great. There’s a lovely wetlands walk nearby and a bracing walk along the beach which is just beyond the hedge. We had no sandflies due to the wind. It’s the perfect spot to chill away from the crowds and a great price too.
Lauren
Ranking: 9/10
it’s just like a big Carpark with good amenities, but the area is lovely and I’m so glad we decided to visit Okarito. Several walks to do from the campsite.
Raphaele
Ranking: 9/10
Loved our stay here. Friendly caretaker and lots to do in the immediate area (trails, kiwi tour, kayaking on the lagoon, beach). Showers were with $2 for 4 Minutes the priciest of our trip. Overall the facilities were clean and did the job.
Mahi
Ranking: 6/10
The owner are very kind kiwis! 30 $ +2$/shower +2$/bbq. Free wifi. But the place are a bit disappointing. It's basically a parking lot, 2 or 3 tables. We think that the sites changed, it would have been closer to the beach. Nice beach, a lot of sandflies, seagulls and nests.
David Aylmore
Ranking: 10/10
Just a great place to stay. Peaceful, wonderful location and looked after by friendly locals or seasonal hosts. Great facilities including hot showers and free Wi-fi. All for just 15 NZd pp. Planned one night but returned from the Franz Joseph helicopter mayhem for a second night. Also saw a wild Kiwi (bird) with Kiwitours based in the village. If you go, be prepared for a unique experience!!!!
Floatyurboater
Ranking: 8/10
Great location near the beach. Glad we came down to sleep for the night and see an outstanding sunset. Never walked barefoot on the sand and stayed at snow capped mountains before. Looks like one area of the camp closest to the ocean is getting some work done to it, but maybe it is always like that? Showers and toilets were fine. Free WiFi and hot water at the sinks with a supply of dish soap were nice unexpected surprises. A refrigerator with a lock on the freezer (couldn’t use it) and no stoves to cook on were also unexpected, but not so pleasant. At 15 dollars a person, having an extra refrigerator with a freezer for folks with chilly bin ice packs and a couple of propane stoves seems like a wise use of the camp profits.
Angela
Ranking: 8/10
Fun place with a great location. Quiet and close to the beach and some great trails and kiwi site. Simple kitchen with no real appliances just an area to clean up and prep food. Bathrooms were okay, pay for hot water. WiFi available too. Close to Franz Josef glacier 20-25min.
Grizzly Girl
Ranking: 9/10
$15/adult with kids free. Covered cooking area but bring your own supplies; hot water for dishes. Barbecue by coin. Showers by coin. Caretaker on site. Close to lots of great beach and forest walks, a lagoon you can rent kayaks for, and a night time kiwi tour operator. Also free wifi which was actually pretty speedy before lots of people showed up in the evening. They are dealing with some flood damage which means fewer sites and a 9/10. Great site in a great little town though. So worth the stay.
Melinda Pyke
Ranking: 10/10
Such a great spot in September, only one other camper, hot showers, campfire, amazing sunset. Great to see the money going into predator control. Cheaper than Otto McDonald with better amenities, not many sandflies.
Kevin
Ranking: 10/10
Absolutely fantastic site. Friendliest people. Beach right next to it. Only campground I’ve been to that allows you to light fires as well. Showers $2 is amazing. Best one I’ve stayed at.
Nathaniel Bond
Ranking: 10/10
The introduction says it all. A really friendly site with helpful hosts, a fantastic location and all the facilities required bar power. Lots of walks and things to see. Well worth the detour.
Helen Bond
Ranking: 10/10
We are glad we made the detour to this lovely site. It is small but has a laid back and friendly atmosphere. The site wardens were very friendly and helpful. The facilities were basic, but it had everything. No power for hook-up, but good fast w-fi. It seems that we wee fortunate that it was not too crowded, for we had plenty of space and did not have to queue for showers or toilets. Direct path to amazing beach, and good walks from car-park just outside the site. Trig walk recommended for views of Franz Josef glacier - on a good day! We were lucky!
Helen Rimmer
Ranking: 4/10
$15/person/night, no power. The positives are the location and the hosts. The problem is they are victims of their own success. You are jammed in like sardines in either the main area or the paddock. There aren't enough amenities to service the number of people. There are two sinks, so a wait to wash dishes, 2 ladies or men's toilets, so there is a constant line up. Two showers. You get free WiFi but basically doesn't work unless you go to the seating area and even then there are so many people it isn't worth it. You pay $2 for 4 minute shower and $2 for 20 minute BBQ. Met a couple who said they had stayed before but wouldn't be back as it had changed for the worse. Can't recommend 😕
Oceane Imber
Ranking: 10/10
This campground was just fabulous on every aspects. The camp hosts were super friendly and welcoming. We had unlimited WiFi. We had hot showers ($2 -4min that’s plenty of time). The beach was right behind us and gorgeous. There is an amazing walk to do just 5min from the campground. Highly recommend to go there, Okarito is a cute little place to see on your trip! The camp is quite popular so make sure you don’t arrive too late and have a spot!
Joanna Dring
Ranking: 9/10
I really enjoyed my stay here. The site hosts were really friendly and the place has a relaxed and informal feel to it. The kitchen just has sinks, drainers and a bbq, but it's very clean. Showers are rather expensive for 4 mins, but the site cost is very reasonable and wifi free and unlimited which is great. I'd definitely go back.
Katrina
Ranking: 10/10
We came here for 1 reason: it was the closest option with fresh water before heading through Glacier Country. We will return on future adventures for many reasons: proximity to lagoon and walk (+dolphin spotting and kayaking), the trig walk, wildlife/bird spotting, the gorgeous beach sunset with views of snowcapped mountains, friendly helpful hosts, plenty of space and simple adequate facilities. Payment supports community and environmental projects - may seem expensive to some, but consider some of the southern 'scenic' DOC campgrounds (Lake Paringa for example) where the facilities are simpler and/or disgusting. At $15pp this is a lovely, quiet, interesting little stop-off for a day or two.
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Matthijs van Dijk
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot with friendly, welcoming and helpful host!
Paul and Paula
Ranking: 10/10
Look we are newbs with the camper van and we've hit some great spots in only 10 days in NZ but this Okarito place hits all the spots so 10/10. Why - easy access, great vibe, lovely folk. Great camp site ($15 each - so what) its a community project and every penny gets re invested so it’s the bees knees. We had lovely hosts, Richard and Kay on the site were doing the welcome bit and organised a happy hour for the residents.....beautiful and so friendly - if you want isolated gorgeousness off the beaten track but ok for large vehicles then stop here and feel the vibe. Don’t worry about the sand flies just buy the local stuff from the cafe and stay safe...we did and no bother- sunset west and snowy mountains east...OMG
Lucy Oury
Ranking: 8/10
Only option in Okarito, close to the beach and 'town'. Facilities are pretty good - flush toilets with lighting at night, a basic shelter with chairs etc. The hot showers say $1 for 5 minutes hot water, but we timed it and it was only 4 minutes. Bit cheeky. All in all, a nice setting but at $12.50pp it's pretty expensive.
Arron and Vema
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot on coast. Very Kiwi experience and beautiful sunsets. All the basics except fresh water. Worth the drive out off main road.
Jerry Bart
Ranking: 7/10
This is a basic campsite which has a pay in envelope set up. It's now $12.50 per person whether you are in a tent or a Motorhome. Lovely setting very close to the beach but no views.
It's run by the Township of Okarito so the money goes to a good cause. But they have no supervision.
The down side is you pick and choose your own spot so when busy you could have some neighbour issues.
Otherwise a good site especially if you like birding.
Emily Livesey
Ranking: 9/10
Great little DOC site with a seperate section for tents. We were in a self contained bus so didn't need to use the facilities but the toilets/showers and sinks looked pretty clean! The bins were overflowing the next day with recycling etc but we did go at the end of Feb so it got very busy in the evening. We did the 3 mile lagoon walk at low tide in the evening which was lovely - the view at the lagoon of the mountains is incredible. We also saw some Seals in the sea as we walked along the beach. A friendly local told us to have a fire on the beach at night as the beach is always littered with drift wood so we did just that and stargazed which was absolutely incredible - definitely a highlight of our trip. I'd say very inexpensive for what's on offer here but it's not the biggest of sites so get here early/mid afternoon in summer to get a decent spot. Beware of sandflies however!!!
Katie Marx
Ranking: 10/10
Nice little spot and a good alternative to places like Gillespie beach which are often packed out.
We were camping and found a pretty little patch to set our tent up in. It's not too crowded and the grounds are arranged in a way to enable privacy.
Awesome facilities, complete with an old school clothes washing press! Showers are coin operated and there was a cue at peak times.
It's only a short stroll to what is quite a unique and striking beach. Would imagine there's good fishing there if that's your thing. It's likewise a short walk to the township. Don't know if this is the norm but there was a gig playing the night we were there, so you're not short on things to do.
As this is on the west coast, sandfly caveat does apply: come prepared and cook before the sun goes down. Not as bad as around the Haast pass though.
PS: Bonus points for the big, fat wood pigeon which sat preening itself in a nearby tree for thirty minutes!
Andy Kubic
Ranking: 7/10
Close to the beach. Camping is mostly on an open field. There is a nice indoor facility and sink to wash dishes.
Margo Wiltens
Ranking: 9/10
Good place! Honesty based, clean facilities but depends on the guest since everybody has responsibility to keep it like that. Next to the beach :)
Jennifer Ellis
Ranking: 8/10
This place is a really nice, basic, community-run campground. There is an indoor shelter for cooking (no stoves) with sofas and tables. Coin operated showers and old but clean toilets. It was $12 pp to stay here. Quiet and sheltered with lovely walks not far away. Gorgeous location. I think Okarito is worth the detour :)
W Donovan
Ranking: 8/10
Good location and nice ambience - visit the Okarito Trig for great views over the Lagoon. Check out Donovan's Store and the wharf.
Sean Stevens
Ranking: 10/10
Highly recommended, great community vibe the minute you set foot here. Good amenities and set out nicely.
Ed Linklater
Ranking: 7/10
Facilities good for a basic campground. Showers hot but low pressure, $1 for 4 minutes is a bit steep. Make sure you take plenty of insect repellant as it is swarming with sandflies. No cell coverage anywhere nearby.
Paul Smith
Ranking: 7/10
Community site with basic facilities but in a great position on the coast. Cheap and good value.
Gabor Kabacs
Ranking: 9/10
Great little site, not far from the beach. Toilets and shower were acceptably clean. Loads of sandflies though. Great activities nearby, and good place for birdwatching if you head down to the lagoon.
Marina
Ranking: 9/10
Pretty site, everyone can find their spot on the grass and in the shade of a tree, many picnic tables, hot shower ($1 for 4 minutes). Common area with fridge, lounge, chairs, tables, sink with hot water and free outlet to recharge. Everything is clean. The beach is 2 minutes (no view).
Lisa Conradie
Ranking: 5/10
Not really worth the $12 per person. But good hot showers $2 for 4minutes. Close to the beach.
Sven Hasselberger
Ranking: 6/10
We were attacked by sandflies and the toilet and showers were dirty. There was a huge bus with lots of tourists in tents. The kitchen was old and dirty too.. we didn't like it at all. It cost us $12.50.
Toby Regan
Ranking: 9/10
Lovely feel to the place, clearly part of a strong community. Nice ground that expands to fit need. Amazing area.
Sarah Gurney
Ranking: 10/10
We loved this cute little campsite! The pitches were on grass, nestled amongst the trees. There were lots of picnic tables and fire pits. The bathrooms were clean, the showers good ($1 for 4 minutes which we didn't mind as the campsite was reasonably priced) and a nice shelter for washing-up and hanging out. The beach was a short walk across a field and stunning, worth checking out for the sunset and views back to the mountain. I'd also recommend the German sour dough bread for sale locally, a visit to the lagoon (we got a great view of a white heron) and the trig walk for amazing views. I just wish we could have stayed longer.
Steve Warren
Ranking: 9/10
Well run local community camp site. Probably very busy in whitebait season so beware.
Plenty of room so no need to camp on top of each other. Nice hot showers, $1 for 4mins ok.
Vincent S.
Ranking: 7/10
You can choose your own spot. Basic but clean facilities. Close to the beach (no beach view though). We came on a rainy day so the whole campground didn't look very inviting.
12NZ$ rather expensive for non-powered site. Shower coin operated (1NZ$).
Alistair Millward
Ranking: 7/10
Community run campground. Coin showers so bring $1 coins! Facilities basic but clean and tidy - no stoves in kitchen. Great location just by the beach.
Wilma Senior
Ranking: 8/10
The campsite is owned and managed by the local community. Facilities are basic but clean. There is a barbeque and kitchen/lounge for campers use. There are no obvious pitch boundaries so someone can come and camp right next to you but that's part of the charm of the place. Okarito is a lovely little village situated on a lagoon. Fishing , kayaking and nature tours available locally.
Sebastiaan Kemperman
Ranking: 10/10
This is what makes camping in NZ great! Honesty box, veges from the community garden. Beautiful location, lots of things to do really nearby: walks, kayaking, admire the wildlife and even kiwi spotting! Although we'd to be satisfied hearing one, standing 2 meters from it.
Averil Brown
Ranking: 8/10
Quite a long drive out to the lagoon so we were pleased not to be disappointed. A great feel to the little town. Weather not great but the clouds parted briefly to give us a birds eye view of Mount Cook from the ocean, fabulous.
Camp ground hidden from sea views which was a shame but may be good in winds. Toilets etc a little basic for the price charged. Quaint place and definitely best option in area.
Roeland Driessen
Ranking: 5/10
Based on all the reviews we picked this site. We weren't the only ones, the campsite was packed and there was no space anymore. Luckily we were allowed to stay on the "airfield", which was a nice and quit spot. To probable get rid of the sand flies campers had smelly campfires and they were driving their quads to the beach and back. If you go in another season and probable is a nice place, however we will not come back.
Christian Roerig
Ranking: 3/10
The spot is really nice but prices are going up, 12 $ pp. in 2014. The place was crowded with poeple and their trash. They seem to own the place with tons of firewood, roaring quads with teens etc. Place is nice, campground and atmosphere was a minus.
Elles Janssen
Ranking: 8/10
Cheap, but had to pay for showers. Facilities were clean and there was a cooking shelter! Which helps being right of the beach and in the wind. Location is stunning, close to the beach. Make sure you do one of the walks even a short one, it's worth it!
Oh and there were heaps of sandflies, but that's kinda normal.
Lisa Quayle
Ranking: 7/10
The camp site prices have gone up judging by previous reviews, at $12.50 per person for non powered. The showers are $2 for 4 mins which is a bit too expensive and short. Clean minimalist facilities, no hot water in the kitchen area. There were a lot of sandflies everywhere, particularly at dusk. The beach was really nice. Fire pits were available around the site (all fires confined to them). Close to the beach, relatively flat ground, good for tents. Nice, off the beaten track camp ground worth a visit.
kim
Ranking: 7/10
Nice located close to nature but the grass was very long and showers were extra and not that nice a campground really.We decided not stay (preferring to check out another spot) as it was higher priced than we anticipated $12.50 p.p.
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Clara Hayes
Ranking: 10/10
Great place, good place to keep quiet as it seems to be getting busier and busier. Very relaxing spot with fires and great facilities for a reasonable $12.50.
Andrea Beck
Ranking: 9/10
Really well run and maintained camp.Hot showers coin operated. Facilities clean, camp just behind the dunes, can get cramped.
Cornelia Stark
Ranking: 8/10
Nice beach.
Brita Topp
Ranking: 10/10
Community managed, well maintained, clean campground with basic facilities (even hot showers, $1) in a wonderfully tranquil and peaceful setting near beach and lagoon. Truly relaxing, great views to snow capped mountains.
Andrew Young
Ranking: 7/10
Informal, tightly packed community managed site. Back from beach and lagoon behind scrub.
Facilities alright but nothing special and limited.
Ludovic Moulou
Ranking: 10/10
Nothing more to say than the other comments, this place is a must go!
People living in this village are so friendly, we passed new year there, it was magical!Don't forget to visit famous NZ photographer, Andris Apse, he lives there and has a really beautifull photo exhibition room!
Hannah
Ranking: 9/10
Great campsite in an incredible location. Flat spots to set up our tent, tables, a shared kitchen, laundry basin and wringer, and clean facilities. BBQ and hot showers available for a fee. Only drawback was the arrival of the Flying Kiwi tour which made the wait for the showers/bathroom long. Great spot for walks along the beach and easy access to the lagoon for kayaking.
Jonathan
Ranking: 8/10
May have got higher score if the rain wasn't the heaviest I have ever seen for 24hrs! White heron spotted though!
Helene & Peter
Ranking: 8/10
Certainly worth the stop! The campsite is right next to the lagoon and the beach. Facilities are clean. Electrical BBQ and hot showers are payable.
You are allowed to start your own fire in the designated spots with drift wood gathered on the beach.
Beautiful sunset on the beach.
Be aware of sandflies.
Steve Warren
Ranking: 10/10
The one place we would love to live. Camp ground is brilliant, happy to pay camp fee's, which are going towards solar. Say no more.
I & K Urquhart
Ranking: 9/10
Lovely small community managed campground next to a beautiful lagoon and beach, with showers, toilet and washing facilities. The coin box for one of the showers jammed, but the other one was nice and hot. One of the men's toilets was being repaired. We shared the campsite with another campervan and enjoyed a quiet and peaceful stay. Would definitely stay here again.
Rainer
Ranking: 10/10
Very nice campsite very close to the beach. Free hot showers, very clean facilities, $10.
Sylvia Klatt
Ranking: 9/10
Great waves, lonely beach, no swimming.
Maria Klister
Ranking: 10/10
Directly by the beach, community run, good value, great showers and even a 'lounge' for bad weather.
Cloarec Guillaume
Ranking: 10/10
Cheap, clean, friendly and a great location.
Mycall
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic location and great facilities as recorded by other reviewers. Collecting driftwood for burning in the designated fire places was a really nice experience for us as it enabled us to be outside and warm without sandflies! This is a community run site and great value so I hope the honesty box is respected..
Nils Poppenborg
Ranking: 9/10
Very clean, shower, community rooms, bins, fireplaces, nice toilets, nice locaton (beach), NZD$10 per person nearly okay.
Katharina Littlemann
Ranking: 10/10
Great location, kitchen, common room, hot shower.
Phil & Laura
Ranking: 9/10
Wonderful place. All very clean and tidy and well looked after. The warden places a selection of fresh herbs for sale at the entrance for use in cooking. Nice touch. Adjacent to the beach so the opportunity for swimming and long beach walks. Plenty of driftwood available for the BBQ. Not too busy.
Karsten Meyer
Ranking: 9/10
Amazing, good showers and good value.
Diane Moss
Ranking: 7/10
Although facilities basic it was a lovely position next to Okarito lagoon and the beach.
Boule_de_gomme
Ranking: 9/10
Quiet campsite near the lagoon and the beach. Beautiful sunset, but the place can be quite windy and cold (even in summer). 10$ pp, free for kids, showers are 1$ for 5-6 minutes.
Facilities are clean, there is a fridge/freezer and a cooking shelter with a sink (no hot-plates/oven). No charging station but there is a shavers socket in the toilets (well-hidden).
The road to okarito is a bit rolling and winding but not too steep. it takes about 10-20 min from the highway.
Graeme
Ranking: 8/10
A great quiet spot in a out of the way part of the country. Good facilities. Would like to return when the whitebait are running
damaca
Ranking: 10/10
A wonderful peaceful site, a hop and a step from the beautiful beach (full of fishers for whitebait in late September), and a short walk from the excellent kiwi tour hq. The showers are hot, the kitchen is basic but absolutely adequate. A DOC lady (of Canadian origin) came by when we were there - perhaps to check that we'd paid - to do a bit of site maintenance and she was an interesting fund of local knowledge. The site was clean, tidy and well-kept.
David Taylor
Ranking: 9/10
Lovely community campground, limited facilities but beautiful location.
Rachel
Ranking: 9/10
Very good facilities and well maintained camping ground. Close to Okarito Nature Tours, great kayaking in the lagoon.
Kevin Morris
Ranking: 10/10
A great place close to the beach - simple camping with hot showers.
pepette31
Ranking: 10/10
Hot showers, clean toilets, peace and quite in a beautiful spot. Who needs more ?
Manfred Liuduer
Ranking: 8/10
Very nice place close to the beach, simple but sufficient facilities.
Daniel Dubach
Ranking: 10/10
Run by local council situated by the sea.
MundschanGermany
Ranking: 10/10
Just great. Looks like more private initiative but despite some age the toilets, showers and kitchen are alright. Do not change! Keep it as it is!