Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve
Overnight Campervan Parking
22 Rankers Reviews
0 Face-to-Face
9 Taupo
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| Feature | Value | Info |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo |
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Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 22.
Juni
Ranking: 9/10
We stayed here four nights (the max you can in any one month) in mid summer. An easy 15ish minute drive from Taupo town center with loads of car parks as it is a parking lot. Lots of other campers but even on the busiest night there was still space. Right next to a dam with walks around. The dam opens at 10 am and every 2 hours till 4pm so if you’re still around the place in the morning many people will arrive to visit the dam but most leave within 20-30 minutes after the opening. Next to a river so good for kayaking but we didn’t try to swim. Toilet is a long drop that can be sparse of toilet paper so bring your own. Also take care of the metal door as it’s quite loud when opened/closed as it’s heavy. Overall an easy and pleasant, safe spot for camping. Gets a bit chilly at night so a sweater and extra blanket is a good idea.
Keybags
Ranking: 10/10
Nice quiet spot by the dam overlooking the river.
Plenty free parking for campers.
Did drop quite chilly overnight due to low lying fog, so may need an extra blanket.
Long drop toilet
Tessie
Ranking: 9/10
Enjoyed our overnight stay in this all time favourite place Pretty outlook over the lake ( unobstructed in some parks 😊) 24/7 outdoor toilet. Fantastic opportunities to see the lake water released up to three times a day - a spectacular view from three different sites. Blackberries (a plenty ) and raspberries ( a few ) free for the picking . Enjoyed this spot very much.
Rey
Ranking: 7/10
Lots of parking slots
Can see lotsnof stars
Quiet
4G signal
Drop toilet with toilet paper
Quiet
Busy at day time
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Carl Bright
Ranking: 10/10
Nice location to park up, plenty of room
Natalie
Ranking: 10/10
Lots of freedom campers here, no specific parks which is a bonus as you can park anywhere you want. The long drop (toilet) remained open the entire night. Great camping spot & pure darkness - no street lights or anything. We had a great sleep here & would come back again.
Dave
Ranking: 8/10
Quiet and plenty of spaces. Only 15 mins from Taupo and even less to Huka Falls. Worked really well for us. No facilities, just one toilet on site, although we didn’t need them.
Lauren
Ranking: 10/10
Fantastic spot. Easy access to Craters mtb Park, Huka falls and hot water stream. Parked up here for a couple of nights to explore the area by bike and on foot. Very quiet at night, toilet currently closed.
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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.
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.
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!
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 😍
