Ailsa McIntosh
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Piha Domain Motor Camp
Loveliest lady checked us in, beep in and out with a card, pick whatever spot you want.
Very chill vibe, maybe 1/3-1/2 full in November. Beep into the bathrooms too, basic but very clean. Have to press the shower button loads to get hot water but it’s in the name of saving water they say!
Lots of birds walking around sight, great to stay for a night or two to see the beach, the waterfall and a beautiful sunset!
Be aware: if you’re driving down to piha and don’t already know, it’s a long winding road downhill and once you’re there you won’t want to leave again for day trips until you’re leaving the area for good! Was fine in a hiace not sure about an rv
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Juno Hall Backpackers and Camping
Really good site, as it’s a hostel it’s got good facilities, proper hot showers, big kitchen and loads of sofas and decking to chill on.
The salt water pool is nice when it’s hot, and it’s very quiet on site during the day. We came November so might be different in Dec forwards, there’s 5 showers for women, 5 for men, but they were never busy. All very clean!
Bit of a different vibe to other sites we’ve used, like we were just visitors to a communal home. Still welcoming and nice people none the less, but the lady on the reception was a bit rude about us putting on some laundry when she needed to at the same time (no way of us knowing this lol).
Lamb feeding everyday at 5:30 and horses and lots of birds around. Great base for the caves.
Powered sites next to the road that can be loud in the day but silent at night. Would stay again!
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Raglan ▷
Ruapuke Beach Motor Camp
Loved this tucked away little site.
Came November: arrived and couldn’t see a soul about! Found Ashley and he was very friendly and let us pick a spot. It was due to rain from the afternoon and all night so we wanted to do some cooking. The kitchen had everything we needed, space to sit and wash up. The toilets and showers are so basic that it’s class.
Loved the peace and quiet, the birds, the walk up over the hill to the sea. Proper little hidden rural basic campsite. Nothing fancy, but got everything you need. Wish we stayed longer but the weather was awful!
Be aware: the long winding gravel road down to site got muddy in the rain and we slid a few times in our hiace getting back up it. There’s no service either so be prepared to pay a few dollars for wifi or just enjoy the peace!!