Loren
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Hawera ▷
Rotokare Scenic Reserve
Well maintained toilets + changing room, cold shower outside in front of building.
Two tracks - one casual, one a good challenge.
Saw multiple kiwi on the lake loop at night - bring a red light torch!
Enough lawn space for picnics etc but you will be camping up close with others.
Only reason not 10 stars is that the camping spots don't get any shade, might be a pain in the summer
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Havelock ▷
Butchers Flat Campsite
Well maintained, awesome swimming spot.
River is a bit tricky to get to, down some steep stairs, but worth it.
Had the place to ourselves for a few hours and a couple families showed up in the evening. Pretty quiet.
Long drop, picnic tables and water tank provided - water tank has warnings saying water may not be drinkable . Feels a bit expensive at $10pp compared to what you can get elsewhere
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tokoroa ▷
Dunham Point Reserve
A few other campers when we went but we still found a whole spot to ourselves.
Has bins for rubbish and plastic and glass recycling, a flat-top bbq thats free to use. Ground was a bit boggy in places, and there was some rubbish around.
Really peaceful and gorgeous view.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Featherston ▷
Bucks Road Campsite
Nice quiet campsite with good scenery.
Not too far from town.
Got there on a clear day, river was good for a refreshing swim. Nice and deep as well (3+ metres).
Camping spots had quite a few large rocks and holes, so double check where you plan to put your tent.
Road got a bit muddy in the rain, and the track to the river was a bit flooded. Tent spots seemed free from puddles though.
Edges were overrun with tradescantia and blackberries which was a bit sad.