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Ashley + Mike
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Ohakune ▷
Ruatiti Domain
What a secret gem!
Definitely a good 20+ minutes from any main road, but as other reviewers say, worth it! Seems like a local spot, which we loved. Clean and spacious. Go to the END of the property (keep driving… more…) and you’ll find the river, which you can park or camp RIGHT next to. Insane stars at night bc of no lights/pollution.
Water spicket and bathrooms on site.
We used with our campervan and couldn’t be happier.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Juno Hall Backpackers and Camping
Beautiful views of hills and sunset.
The hostel is nothing like we’ve ever seen before - perfectly maintained and executed, with all tools, utensils, fireplace, games, toys (for our kiddo) you could ever need. Truly a gem. Well kept with pride of ownership. Quiet and clean. Couldn’t have asked for a better place.
We stayed in a powered site, with plenty of space. Quiet and safe. The rooms looks tidy and big enoug, some with bathrooms. Bathrooms were pristine, and showers hot and without a time limit (though save water!)—good when showering with a baby/toddler.
Great a lot.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mt Taranaki ▷
Stratford Plateau Carparks
We got lucky and had UNOBSTRUCTED views of My Taranaki from 4 pm through sunset.
WOW. Bathroom available (though we were self contained). Perfect spot to get views of the mountain. Definitely cold at night though!
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Patea ▷
Wairoa Reserve
Absolutely breathtaking.
We went down towards the cliff and a bit north and parked on the ridge. The sunset couldn’t be more beautiful. Not too crowded. There are powdered and formal campsites, but we parked along cliff to get privacy and we’re self contained. Worth the stop and glad we overnighted here - one of our favorite spots of the whole trip. Grabbed bottle of wine and walked to cliff and sat there for sunset all alone even just days after new years.
Next day we stopped at the formal area that has a nice big kitchen, a ping pong table, seating, and then a kids park out back. Bathrooms were clean (only used toilets) and well maintained. If you need facilities, seem nice enough. Again, we were self contained.
Signs identify that you have to pay (I think $17 or so) to stay in the designated area. We donated money regardless as it was one of our favorite spots.