Kairakau Beach Freedom Camping

Kairakau Beach Freedom Camping

18 Rankers Reviews

0 Face-to-Face

2 Waipukurau

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Kairakau Beach Freedom Camping

Free camping for self-contained campers at Central Hawkes Bay's Kairakau Beach

Fully certified ‘self contained’ motor homes ONLY are permitted to stay overnight for not more than three consecutive nights.

Camp on the area of grass at the northern end of Kairakau Beach Road (past the new public toilet). The area allowed to be used is clearly signposted.

Any other form of camping on any other ‘Council’ land at Kairakau Beach is NOT ALLOWED.

Casual campers must notify the Council's Bylaw Officer of their name, address and contact phone number, their intended camping area and length of stay.

Take your togs (Kiwi for swimwear), fishing rod and surfboard and get amongst!

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Central Hawkes Bay District Council

Council organisation

Location

North IslandHawkes BayWaipukurau

Categories

  • Activity__freedom_campingFreedom Camping
  • Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-39.9385009422948

176.931509971619

Latitude
-39.9385009422948
Longitude
176.931509971619

Nearby

Reviews

    ✓ Epic views

    ✓ Lovely sunrise

    ✓ Quiet and picturesque

    ✓ Beach walks

    ✓ Friendly campers

    𐄂 Remote location

    𐄂 Limited facilities

    • Wonderful place.
    • Was a pleasant place to stay.
    • A absolute gem and worth going there.
    • This is an absolute gem!
    • What a wee gem.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 13
    72%
    9/10 4
    22%
    8/10 0
    0%
    7/10 1
    6%
    6/10 0
    0%
    5/10 0
    0%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 0
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 5.0/5

    Very remote location so make sure you have enough food and water for the night but absolutely amazing!

    So quiet and picturesque! Walks on the beach from the stairs are a must. One toilet there too. We loved it here as a family with a young child!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

    SF's avatar

    SF

  • 3.5/5

    Was a pleasant place to stay.

    The sunrise and the rock cliffs were a highlight for me.

    Reviewed over 2 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing spot.

    Nothing fancy but has absolutely epic views. Cliffs and ocean - what more could you ask for.

    Great spot. Met some lovely other campers.

    Reviewed over 2 years ago and experienced in June 2021

    Loz's avatar

    Loz

  • 4.5/5

    No need to imform council info needs to be updated very good freedom camp area right in front of beach and high cliffs behind you while parked big grassed areas for plenty of self contained vechices only

    nice toilets near by and walk along beach to Rive sign asks for $3 donation r

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Beautiful beach, one of our favorite spots on our 3 month road trip.

    The beach is great, pretty big and there was hardly anyone on the beach when we were there. The free camping was quite busy when we arrived at the weekend but then got quieter. 4G phone coverage. There's not much nearby for food or gas unless you drive out to Havelock. Only reason for not giving 10 stars was that there's only one toilet and no shower but no complaints- its free! And there's a paid campground just down the road if you do need showers.

    If you are self contained we thought the free camping was nicer than the paid campground. Its on a nicer bit of the beach and in a row right along the seafront with beach access and trees between the sites (which make it feel more private but also block the wind) the paid site was completely open and lots of campers packed in together.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Darling community run campsite nestled between the beach and cliff.

    Dog friendly and one modest little toilet. The scenery is stunning.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Wonderful place.

    Lovely beach for walking our two dogs. Beautiful cliffs and can't wait to return sometime soon. Recommended

    Reviewed almost 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This is such a sick campsite, you can pull up right next to the beach on the grass and there are trees between each spot.

    Mean place for surfing and you can even go surfcast fishing off the beach to catch some kaimoana at the end of the day.

    Reviewed almost 4 years ago

    Meg's avatar

    Meg

  • 5.0/5

    Incredible place in front of the ocean with waves that rock you into the night.

    Many spots with trees in between for privacy. Clean flush toilet. No cellphone reception.

    Don't forget to make a DONATION.

    Reviewed about 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This was an idilic location.

    There was only one other camper there so we had the view and the beach to ourselves. Gorgeous sandy beach boarded with bolders ideal for climbing at one end and a beautiful river that feeds into the sea at the other.

    The road out is a bit windy but worth it!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Lovely free spot right by the beach.

    Lots of space with trees for more privacy. One flushing toilet, is clean though with toilet paper and tap inside. No cell reception so get out and enjoy the beautiful spot and beach!!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    One of our favourite spots, the view is just amazing, I guess it could probably be quite busy in the high season

    Reviewed 1 day ago

  • 5.0/5

    Very remote location so make sure you have enough food and water for the night but absolutely amazing!

    So quiet and picturesque! Walks on the beach from the stairs are a must. One toilet there too. We loved it here as a family with a young child!

    Reviewed almost 2 years ago

    SF's avatar

    SF

  • 3.5/5

    Was a pleasant place to stay.

    The sunrise and the rock cliffs were a highlight for me.

    Reviewed over 2 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing spot.

    Nothing fancy but has absolutely epic views. Cliffs and ocean - what more could you ask for.

    Great spot. Met some lovely other campers.

    Reviewed over 2 years ago and experienced in June 2021

    Loz's avatar

    Loz

  • 4.5/5

    No need to imform council info needs to be updated very good freedom camp area right in front of beach and high cliffs behind you while parked big grassed areas for plenty of self contained vechices only

    nice toilets near by and walk along beach to Rive sign asks for $3 donation r

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Beautiful beach, one of our favorite spots on our 3 month road trip.

    The beach is great, pretty big and there was hardly anyone on the beach when we were there. The free camping was quite busy when we arrived at the weekend but then got quieter. 4G phone coverage. There's not much nearby for food or gas unless you drive out to Havelock. Only reason for not giving 10 stars was that there's only one toilet and no shower but no complaints- its free! And there's a paid campground just down the road if you do need showers.

    If you are self contained we thought the free camping was nicer than the paid campground. Its on a nicer bit of the beach and in a row right along the seafront with beach access and trees between the sites (which make it feel more private but also block the wind) the paid site was completely open and lots of campers packed in together.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Darling community run campsite nestled between the beach and cliff.

    Dog friendly and one modest little toilet. The scenery is stunning.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Wonderful place.

    Lovely beach for walking our two dogs. Beautiful cliffs and can't wait to return sometime soon. Recommended

    Reviewed almost 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This is such a sick campsite, you can pull up right next to the beach on the grass and there are trees between each spot.

    Mean place for surfing and you can even go surfcast fishing off the beach to catch some kaimoana at the end of the day.

    Reviewed almost 4 years ago

    Meg's avatar

    Meg

  • 5.0/5

    Incredible place in front of the ocean with waves that rock you into the night.

    Many spots with trees in between for privacy. Clean flush toilet. No cellphone reception.

    Don't forget to make a DONATION.

    Reviewed about 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This was an idilic location.

    There was only one other camper there so we had the view and the beach to ourselves. Gorgeous sandy beach boarded with bolders ideal for climbing at one end and a beautiful river that feeds into the sea at the other.

    The road out is a bit windy but worth it!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Lovely free spot right by the beach.

    Lots of space with trees for more privacy. One flushing toilet, is clean though with toilet paper and tap inside. No cell reception so get out and enjoy the beautiful spot and beach!!

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    A absolute gem and worth going there.

    There is no reception and the closet gas station is 40 min drive, so prepare well.

    It is quit a large free camping with good spots. There is one toilet, but if you walk 800 Mtrs back there are more. We loved this spot so beautiful

    Reviewed over 4 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Best freedom campsite we have seen in 3 weeks traveling the northern island.

    Next to the beach, plenty of room, grassy area with bushes for some privacy. Very cleen and spacious flush toilet with toilet paper and sink. Best sunrise ever with amazing colors.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This is an absolute gem!

    You are right against the beach. There's a flush toilet with a sink. Park in backwards and leave the back open and have the best view from your bed! Our little girl loved it too. The sandy beach and relatively calm waves were the best playground.

    The road there is windy but very good and absolutely gorgeous.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing campsite: clear views of the beach and sea; easy access (down twelve steps) to the beach; each pitch is divided by a tree/hedge; flush toilet with sink and toilet paper; beautiful, calm setting

    .

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    An easy 5 stars and a must stay freedom camping location.

    Access is via a fully paved and well maintain road suitable for any camer. The freedom camping is located at the very end of the road you cant help but drive into it and it's well sign posted.

    There are about a dozen camping bays where you can back up your camper up with views over the ocean. Each spot is separated by foliage which provides both privacy and a wind block. There is a well cared for bathroom at the start of the freedom camping area and would be a short walk from any of the camping bays.

    I loved this spot as you can watch an idyllic sunset in the evening, the moon glistening over the ocean at night and a bright red sunrise in the morning.

    Reviewed about 5 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    What a wee gem.

    Like the land that time forgot. Gorgeous beach walks and peaceful tides. A beautiful strip at the far end of Kairakau Road (go past the members-only camp ground until you see the sign pictured). Space for 30+ RVs. The verge on the ocean side of the road is designated for self contained campers, with a handful of shrubs breaking it up to give some privacy and wind breaks. One flush toilet block on site, and a further triple block 300m back at the corner of Kairakau and Mananui Street, where you’ll also find a couple of picnic tables. For the adventurous, kaimoana around the shallow rocks is plentiful with rods, pots or freediving. No drinking water or other facilities. Pack out your trash. Don’t forget to let Central Hawke’s Bay council know that you’re heading out (06 857 8060), and how much you enjoyed their hospitality.

    Reviewed about 6 years ago