Rays Rest Camping Reserve
Rays Rest Camping Reserve
Kaiaua
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Rays Rest Reserve in Miranda is located beachside, next to the Taramaire Wildlife Refuge Reserve. The Franklin District Council allows free-camping for self contained motorhomes and campervans, for up to two nights.
You need a self-containment certificate, and to get in early to secure a good spot! Spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The wetland environment is a stopover for thousands of migratory birds - drive in, park up, sit back and enjoy the surrounds.
Standard free-camping rules apply: take your rubbish with you, dispose of greywater only in designated dumpstations, and please obey all signage around this environmental gem. Love it!
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Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 34.
Kirstie Gallant
Ranking: 8/10
We drove in from Auckland, and getting in from the main highway in the dark was quite sketchy - lots of sharp curves. Would be easier to navigate in the day light.
There were 20-30 units when we arrived, so had to drive down a bit to grab a spot at the end, but it meant no one behind us. Views were GORGEOUS in the morning!
No amenities, no rubbish from what we could see. Great for a one night stop before moving on!
TP&MM
Ranking: 9/10
Our first dry camp and it was lovely. Shells on the beach and wading birds everywhere. Watch out for the waters edge at low tide as it is very boggy.
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thong family
Ranking: 7/10
Great spot to stop in o/night if travelling late. no gates. arrived at 10pm with kids - still spots available (maybe 20 or more RV's already there but still places facing beautiful view). woke to lovely sunrise & bitd life. No facilities but didn't need as moved on after breaky.
Trent
Ranking: 7/10
Awesome spot. As other have mentioned could have easily gotten bogged.
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Sharon
Ranking: 9/10
LOVE this spot!!! Large flat area. Quiet. No amenities so make sure you are self-contained. Cloudy night but the stars would be amazing as little light pollution. Looking forward to a walk on the seashell covered beach in the morning for pictures of the sunrise and spotting shorebirds; maybe visit the Pukorokora Miranda Shorebird Centre www.miranda-shorebird.org.nz/about-us
ascotandanaussie
Ranking: 8/10
Great campsite close to Auckland. It is a big area so even when we arrived at 7pm there was still a few spots by the edge of the beach with an uninterrupted view. Only downside is the lack of toilet but worth it for the view!
Eversons
Ranking: 10/10
Made the last night in our van really special. Park right alongside the water. Great for bird watching. No facilities and no camping but that didn’t stop 2 tent fulls of teenagers!! Sunset pretty special here! Just down the road from the Miranda Bird place.
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Sinkbli
Ranking: 8/10
Great place. We stopped for our first night after picking up our rental campervan in Auckland. The views are beautiful, and there is a lot of space. There were probably 10 vans there with us, but it was easy to find a space and didn’t feel crowded at all.
Jim Harding
Ranking: 9/10
Perfect spot for self-contained campers and well located for access to the shore bird reserve. Best time to see the bird life is within 2 hours of high tide.
No facilities whatsoever, but that is part of the charm. Just be careful of a few soft sand areas.
Debbie Harding
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot but beware of soft surface. We saw people get stuck. Only downside was barking dogs. Not sure where they were but they woke me up several times during the night.
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orit almog
Ranking: 9/10
Great spot to stop on the way to Aucland. amazing view, just near the water, peaceful location. no toilet. lots of space for everyone.
Jan Hiltermann
Ranking: 7/10
Although this site was quite busy (weekend in mid-November), the view was breathtaking though. Great for a first night in a self-contained vehicle. No facilities on site.
Vander Plancke Julien
Ranking: 7/10
Great spot were we stopped on our way to Auckland. The view is amazing mostly in the morning. Just missing a toilet.
