Kairakau Beach Freedom Camping
Reviews
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Richard Lloyd
Ranking: 10/10
Wonderful place. Lovely beach for walking our two dogs. Beautiful cliffs and can't wait to return sometime soon. Recommended
Meg
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Alice
Ranking: 10/10
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.
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Two girl, one dog and a van
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Bean
Ranking: 9/10
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!!
Anneke
Ranking: 10/10
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
Inge and Tonnie
Ranking: 10/10
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.
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Bartezz
Ranking: 10/10
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.
David
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Van of Green Fables
Ranking: 10/10
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.
A Brad in a van
Ranking: 9/10
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.