Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve...
Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve
Overnight Campervan Parking
Maps
Photos
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo |
|
|
Categories |
Contact
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 14.
Peter
Ranking: 9/10
Quiet flat car park at the start of a lovely walk. Got there late at night and only one other van there. Perfect for a self contained van.
Mark Jarvis
Ranking: 7/10
Quiet location. Long drop toilet had lots of mosquitoes in as close to the water. Not many of the spaces are level which might be an issue for some. Right next to the rapids however and so u can enjoy the opening of the dam which is well worth experiencing.
Conservation Campsite Pass
Save up to 70% on campsite fees! Support conservation and experience the natural beauty of NZ. 78 Department of Conservation campsites, one convenient pass.
Adam
Ranking: 7/10
Very convenient location, fairly large car park.
Be prepared for bugs!!! As soon as the sun went down we got ambushed.
Dennis Rijbroek
Ranking: 7/10
Quiet. View was ok. Close to Huka falls. Toilet is non-flushing but with toilet paper.
Top Ranked NZ Deals Pass
Access savings worth hundreds of $$ on Top Ranked NZ Accommodation and Activities for just $1 per day.
Pat Burns
Ranking: 7/10
Paved parking lot next to dam. 6 or 7 campers the night we were there. A bit unlevel but not too bad. Terrific spot to walk the trail down river of dam to watch the water rise as the dam opens. Go to first viewpoint about 5 min down the trail. Toilet does get locked at night though!
Clare & Gerry
Ranking: 10/10
Lots of space. A public suction toilet. Interesting view of geothermal power station. Dam gates open several times a day with huge rush of water. 2 look out points. Huka falls view point too. Advise parking at rear of the area away from road which is surprisingly busyish.
Marion & Leonie
Ranking: 8/10
Just as described, toilets where closed after 5 pm. Don't really know why though, as there's no running water or anything anyway.
Avoid Camping Fines!
Each camping location is approved by a regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
Anni
Ranking: 8/10
Great and beautiful spot. Nice place to camp.
jofa972
Ranking: 8/10
Great campsite! The parking is really big and we were only two campervans. On the morning, you can walk 10 minutes (cross the road and then follow the arrows) and on 10am the river dam opens his sluice gates so you can see the water going down, which is beautiful!
The only problem here is that the parking is titled, we tried to find a spot where it was better but it was all the same, but no matter, still a very nice place!
Judy Aspinall
Ranking: 7/10
Pretty area, near rapids and falls. We were the only campervan for the night. We arrived before 5 pm and the restroom was already locked. The falls were worth visiting. The entrance was closed so we parked near the lookout and walked.
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Beth Goodrich
Ranking: 8/10
Nice spot out of the main drag of Taupo - the freedom spot on the lake in town was almost full in the early afternoon. Warning for non self contained vans though, the toilet was locked after 5pm and not reopened until after we left at 830am.
Michal
Ranking: 10/10
If you like really wild camping it is the place for you.
Berni Hart
Ranking: 8/10
Space for 2 vans by the river and another 2 or 3 in the car park area just above. Great location at the start of the Huka Falls walkway. Bit of noise from nearby jet skis up till 6.30 then peaceful with occasional motor hum from the dam. Small price to pay for being in such a great spot to view the opening of the gates to re-create the rapids.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
