Peter Pan
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Mangaweka ▷
Mangaweka Campground
Stayed on a very cold, frosty night, so were very glad we paid for a powered site.
Only $9 per person for the power, not that much more expensive than the non powered site so well worth the money! Beautiful little spot next to the river with the stunning white gorge cliff out to one side. Facilities are basic but there is everything you need - toilets, hot showers ($2 for 5 minutes, which were actually amazing after the cold night!), indoor cabin to cook if you need some shelter, and ready made fire pits so you can build your own fire (you need to bring your own kindling and firewood, though). We were the only van in the powered site, although both the cabins were full with it being a long weekend. We had a lovely evening eating dinner on the picnic bench by the fire, and then later toasting marshmellows. Perfect! Great location for exploring the Manawatu region.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Whanganui ▷
Turakina Beach Camp / Koitiata Camping Ground
Stayed here for only one night but it was perfect.
Arrived in the dark but the campsite and office were both easy to find. Not much of a welcome from the owner, but for the price we couldn't complain - $6 for the site and then $2 extra per person, so only $10 for a powered site. Probably the cheapest site we'll ever stay in! Quite a small campground with only 8 sites, but we were the only ones there. Very close proximity to the houses on both sides, so there isn't that much privacy. Facilities were average - only two toilets and two showers (one male / one female) which were all very basic. We didn't try the hot showers for $2, but they looked fine. Nice covered area with table, sink, fresh drinking water and even a washing machine you can use for a small charge! We had thought it would be closer to the beach, which is actually about a 5 minute walk away, but the beach was so beautiful all covered in driftwood, with views up to Mount Egmont, that we couldn't complain! A lovely little campsite if you want to escape for a night or a weekend. Bear in mind there are no shops in Koitiata so stock up before you get there.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Otaki ▷
Ōtaki Forks Campsite
This is such a great spot!
Long, long gravel road with a river crossing to get there, so be careful if you have a big van or caravan, but well worth the drive. We were the only ones in the whole site, which we couldn't quite believe! Plenty of space and DOC standard flushing toilets and running water. Beautiful spot!