East Cape Campground
Reviews
Mani
Ranking: 10/10
If you want to pinch yourself when you wake up in the morning and watch the Sunrise, then this is the place to go. Amazing location on the beach, plenty of space, last stop before the Light House. We did not use the basic facilities as they were closed due to Covid restrictions.
Ae Marika
Ranking: 10/10
Ae Marika te Tairawhiti, tino ataahua, the east coast just beautiful. An exposed site next to the beach with stunning views. There is a beautiful looking swimming hole next to the camp site, no cell phone coverage here either and I didn't see the sign that mentioned, travel several ks back towards town to get reception, my bad. Didn't get to use the facilities, I probably needed to inform the owner I was on site so they could come down and turn the water on, again my bad. Sadly the light house entry was closed to the public and for your info there's a public toilet at the light house carpark, there is a roadside notice board as you leave the township informing motorists of road closures and the light house closure but yet again I missed that one too.
I paid $20, $15 for the camp fee and I included $5 for the sticker of the campground, there wasn't a price for the sticker. I simply enjoyed the peacefulness of the camp site.
MhohaylV
Ranking: 10/10
Remote location close to the light house. Basic facility. Good place to relax.
Cafe
Ranking: 5/10
Closed until the area gets into GREEN level (COVID framework).
Dan
Ranking: 8/10
Awesome location and great base to catch the sunrise at the lighthouse from. Plenty of spaces and right on a beautiful beach.
Bri
Ranking: 9/10
super fun campsite with all the cows wandering round you while you camp. We stayed here with the intent of tenting but ended up sleeping in the car as it was quite windy, so bare that in mind. hard to find level ground if you don't get in early but otherwise fantastic! we watched the sun come up then went to lighthouse and found wild horses.
additional info: now costs $15 per adult, showers only accept $1 coins and you need 2 $1 coins for 4 minutes of shower time.
Bethan
Ranking: 9/10
It was our favourite site on the Cape. Yes it is basic but the views are amazing and there was loads of room even in the peak Christmas holiday. It actually costs $15 per adult and $10 per child. Showers are $2 for 4 mins. No kitchen but small sink area for washing dishes if you don’t have your own facilities. Highly recommend if you want to get away from the crowds and chill out.
Niven
Ranking: 10/10
Worth the trip. Really remote but such a cool spot. As long as you don’t mind cows but they never came near or bothered us at all. Beautiful spot to wake up to! Really fairly priced, it’s an honesty box.
Toilets and showers are clean and nice
Amy
Ranking: 8/10
Great views for sunrise and just a short drive to the lighthouse but perhaps a bit overpriced for basic facilities. It could do with more stable/flat ground to park up given it costs for $10pp.
ELNZ
Ranking: 8/10
Basic amenities but expected for the remoteness. Would suggest only self contained vehicles.
Great views of sunset/sunrise and short drive to lighthouse.
Bring chocks if you want to be dead level as it’s just grass and not that level.
Toilets were clean but no lights at night - headtorch needed.
Jolinda
Ranking: 1/10
Despite the views, this is a very disappointing site, no running water for toilets, basins and showers. Disgusting backed up toilets, no kitchen. You may as well camp in a pig sty!
Schubi
Ranking: 10/10
A great remote spot, good base for watching the sunrise from the East Cape Lighthouse. Like a doc camping, but privately owned, caught up with the owner, who came to check the toilet and the like. OK amenities, no hot water, kind of warm if you have a sunny day :) Get your food, water sorted at the last town, as there’s nothing nearby. Do not be offended if the cows turn up next to your tent, they are super friendly. As described by others, the wind can be annoying, try and find a good spot, use you car as a shield. The beach is nice, but full of hidden rocks, you can find nice spots tho a bit further up north, during mid tide when some natural pools remain in the rocks.
You will love it if you want to have some real camping experience and not the holiday park style...
Clint Parsons
Ranking: 9/10
Really enjoyed our stay here. Lots of space. Kids loved doing manu's in the river. Good fishing and diving nearby if conditions allow. Showers and toilets nice and clean. Men's showers cold, ladies showers luke warm. Well priced, nice owners
Scott Peaker
Ranking: 10/10
Great spot ! We were going to miss this part of NZ out but managed to fit it in and glad we did.
The drive up is stunning, the campsite in a great location with good clean facilities (toilet block and showers) and reasonably priced ($10pp)
We went up to the light house for the sunrise in the morning which was great. Allow your self about a hour before sunrise to drive and climb the steps to the top. This should allow to to catch the sunrise just before it begins.
Shawn
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot close to lighthouse. Was incredibly windy while we were there so a strong tent or camper reccomend. Note that the price was $10 per adult in Jan 2020 which put us slightly off guard
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Mirco
Ranking: 8/10
Nice landscape but the price shown in the app isn't right. It's 10$ per adult.
Ron Weasley
Ranking: 9/10
Great private camping spot. We were there for 2 nights, the 26th and 27th and it's an awesome, remote spot. Open to motor homes and tents.
The spot gets really windy and there isn't much shelter, so if you have a tent you need to work out where the wind's coming from and use you car as a shield. We had our van so positioned it in such a way that it's catch the least wind.
The beach is really nice and although the surf looks really good, there are a lot of rocks so surfing and body boarding is not advised.
It's 6 kms from the lighthouse so if you're feeling adventurous, like we did, walk along the beach and then in the gravel to the lighthouse.
The facilities are basic, there's water which you need to boil before use, the toilets are no longer long drops, so you have some comfort and the showers are cold water only.
No phone reception, and as it's a very basic site, make sure you have all your supplies as the nearest town is Te Araroa which is 13 kms away.
Great spot. Enjoy!
Jess
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful remote place, mountains on one side, the beach on the other, there is a track so you can easily walk to get on the beach. No signal or wifi so be prepared to fully enjoy the views! A great place to watch the sunset, rise and look at the stars. To get there you go along a long gravel road with loose cattle (don’t worry they will leave you alone) The area is a nicely mowed field with toilets, (cold) showers, water and sink for dishes and bins for your rubbish and recycling. It is $10 per adult and $5 per child so come prepared with the correct cash. There is a sign in/out book and an honesty box to pay, though while i was there the owners did come around to introduce themselves, have a chat and check everything was okay and that you’d paid. A very windy place so keep that in mind when it comes to using your gas cooker! This is the perfect place to stay to get to East Cape Lighthouse as it is just another 15mins drive (and a 20min walk) up to the lighthouse. A beautiful place to stay with good clean facilities and you would be supporting the locals. I highly recommend it.
Bert
Ranking: 6/10
The location of the campground is ideal when you want to visit the lighthouse in the morning. If you are not going to do that, I would suggest you to go to a campground in Te Araroa, where you have a lot more comfort for only 5 dollars more.
Bill Bartleet
Ranking: 7/10
Checked campsite out today, large mown grassy paddock so lots of room next to the beach. A new toilet and shower block 5 months old with gas hot water to be installed in next couple of weeks run by private local family, stay and support their efforts for us all to enjoy, campers, vans and tents welcolme.
Simon
Ranking: 10/10
Sign at gate says camper vans only, which is different to what this app says. Looks like an incredible spot, very disappointed not to stay here in my car
Rosie
Ranking: 7/10
This campsite is the perfect spot for anybody looking for a basic place to stay. It’s a huge field, just be aware that there are splodges of cow poop around the place. After reading some of the other reviews, the toilets have actually been updated and now have flushing toilets and cold showers. They are working on getting hot water into the facility too. There are no cooking facilities so make sure you have your own. There is an honesty box and a book to sign in a small office type building near the entrance and Len, the owner, is a really lovely man.
The whole area is really remote so make sure your vehicle is topped up with fuel and have plenty of supplies!
Overall, a wonderful experience!
The beach is just opposite the site, I wouldn’t recommend a swim but if you’re a nifty surfer then it’s a great beach for the waves!
The lighthouse is about a 20 minute drive (if you drive really slowly) on a gravel road from the campsite but it’s the only campsite around the area. It’s a really lovely walk up to the lighthouse with wonderful views of the sun coming up in the morning. There’s also a car park and toilets.
The road from the little town before is about 20kms long and has patches of gravel and proper road along it. Allow extra time if you’re in an older car/van but it’s do-able, we have a 1993 van and it made it!
BenVW
Ranking: 10/10
Stayed an extra night as liked it so much here.
They’re building a toilet block but currently a long drop, you have to supply everything else, and just FYI it’s very windy so likely a breezy night if you’re just in a tent.
What it lacks in facilities it makes up in location. 0 light pollution so night sky is incredible and sunrise 👌
Matthias
Ranking: 6/10
A pit toilet with no toilet paper and a handwashing basin in a field with cows that is basically what you will get for 6$.
The views towards the sea are good and the East Cape is 20 minutes drive on gravel away. 2WD will manage.
At the time of visit maintenance work was undertaken on some of the facilities at the camp ground. Maybe they get a facelift.
KB
Ranking: 8/10
I camped here for New Years 2019. The campsite is quite remote and is a large paddock where you camp anywhere. There isn't much shelter and if was quite windy for our first couple of days so our tents got a real hammering. The wind wasn't good for flimsy tents!
There are two log drop toilets and two porta loos. Toilet paper is advised! There is a tap with running water but you need to boil it. Best to bring bottled water for drinking. As there's no facilities you'll need to bring everything you need for cooking and keeping food clean.
The beach is nice beautiful and rugged but isn't really a swimming beach. Best to swim in the river.
Lighthouse is definitely worth a visit.
Jenny Zhang
Ranking: 8/10
good one
Axel
Ranking: 8/10
Great camping! It s basically an autorisation to park the car in an open field with cows. It s huge so you won t get stuck next to each other. There are 2 long drop toilets without paper (one can be tricky to find hidden behind a little hill on the way to the beach)
There s no water but recycling bins for glass which is pretty good and show the camp is maintained even if it s remote.
The road to get there is mostly sealed with a few gravels kilometers but no worries,
It s easy
You ll need an other 20 mins drive to complete the way to the lighthouse for the sunrise. (Don’t go there and miss it! :/ )
There s an honesty box to pay.
Kevin Sims
Ranking: 7/10
Basic facility is the long drop toilet and evidently there are book in facilities under way but apparently have been in the developmental stages for a while. Very isolated and peaceful the only sounds the surf and seabirds, with hardly any traffic and access along a partly unsealed narrow road from Te Araroa. Nearby East Cape Lighthouse worth a visit but there are 800 steps up the hill.
Jo Dawson
Ranking: 8/10
The most fantastic setting but very basic facilities (smelly long drop toilet - avoid if possible). However the sunrise is amazing. The access road is tricky at points, part gravel, part tarmaced and lots of cattle and horses in the road, so best travelling out there in the daylight. Public toilets at Te Araroa (about 13kms away). Stunning setting so worth the toilet!
Blu Ice
Ranking: 8/10
Very remote and peaceful location which is in a paddock. The facilities were being worked on. When we were there it had a long drop toilet and not much else. Even so I would stay again as it's such a nice place to be.
Tai T
Ranking: 7/10
It's a great place to see the sun in the morning but you need to watch out for the cows business.
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Mr and Mrs B
Ranking: 8/10
OK site, not the best facilities but great location / views.
Laurie
Ranking: 9/10
Great site in terms of location but nothing here facility wise, even the honesty box was gone. Lots of space, very few people and plenty of wild life, cows and horses. Great spot for sunrise and nice beach. Still my wife's favourite site 1 month into our tour.
Ainslie Gee
Ranking: 10/10
This place is magic. I have camped all over the world in some very special places - sometimes for months at a time, and this place is up there with one of my favourites in the world! Don't ruin it people, keep it clean, keep it simple, enjoy the low key facilities, and treat it with Mana. It is beautiful.
Nicole Dube
Ranking: 10/10
The other reviewers are right - finding this place in the dark is a bit intimidating, but we managed to do it! I would recommend daytime as it is beautiful as well. It is just a meadow with a wooden outhouse, but that's all you need! You have the most beautiful sunrise, and get to feel the sun's rays on that day before anyone else in the world. Can it get any better than that?
We loved the sunrise at the site, then going to the Lighthouse in the daytime as there are many steps up to the Lighthouse (we counted 600 each way!). The lighthouse once the sun has risen a little is just stunning, as is the view from every angle.
Watch out for wandering livestock and go slow as the road is often only big enough for one vehicle and alternates between gravel and pavement.
Matt Burrus
Ranking: 10/10
This campsite is wonderful. You won't find a better spot to watch the sunrise. I absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to see the East Cape. The owner, Len, is extremely helpful and will go out of his way in order to better your experience.
Rebecca Can
Ranking: 5/10
Very, very basic, as others have said it really is just a field. Cows as neighbours! Toilet wasn't in good condition. You are really just there for the sunrise then we left quite quickly. Did a nice walk along the road and got really close to some fur seals on the track which was cool. Keep a safe distance though.
Christina L
Ranking: 5/10
This "campground" is a meadow with grazing cows on it. A shed with a hole in the ground serves as the toilet. Don't try going there in the dark, there are cows and horses on the very narrow gravel road and you certainly miss the entrance. It's this only spot close to the East Cape, so it was alright. Never mind the "facilities" when you can have this breathtaking sunrise in the morning!
Vincent Rushby
Ranking: 8/10
Great meadow to park in, within top views along the beach. The colours of the ranges are a treat late afternoon. Front row seats for the sunrise over East island.
Trevor Brown
Ranking: 5/10
Gravel road of about 18 kms makes this site accessible only to suitable vehicles. Very basic facilities. Lovely setting on rugged coast. Camp site basically a paddock.
Roland Oldengarm
Ranking: 8/10
Great location, very quiet. Facilities really need an upgrade, only one non flush toilet is just not enough. The two other buildings are falling apart. No staff available, not even checking by during night. Don't come if you expect a holiday park, come here if you enjoy an awesome location. It's next to a river for a swim, or the sea for a great walk. And, the Lighthouse is approximately 6km away.
Anna
Ranking: 10/10
It is just a meadow with a toilet and shelter but it is located perfectly if you want to get up early to watch the sunrise from the East Cape Lighthouse.
Rainer
Ranking: 8/10
Nice but no fires are allowed.
Daniel Garcia Dezgado
Ranking: 8/10
Great place to see the sunrise!!!
Derek
Ranking: 10/10
Wild sea and fabulous sunrise.
Beverly B
Ranking: 5/10
Can be boggy underfoot, facilities need upgrading but very friendly personnel.
Mille Winther
Ranking: 2/10
Ok fish and chips. Don't go there if you are planning to use the facilities. Wild dog in the backgarden, nice people though.