Michael Smith
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
This was recommended to us by our rental company.
Being able to stay in a powered site in a wonderful location was a real treat, but the pools were great. Staff were friendly enough and the pools are class. Even in winter it was amazing. Went dark early so great for stargazing and doing some reading. Bit annoying you have to pay for lockers. $4 for washing and $4 for dryer. Nice kitchenette area, and the pools are much nicer than the nearby Rotorua due to the lack of sulphur smell!
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Owhiro Bay Overnight Campervan Parking
Really nice spot that gets quite busy.
Toilets are probably the nicest we had from a freedom site. Hot water and proper hand dryers are a luxury! The location itself is not too windy considering some of the comments. We were fine but guess it's weather dependent. Really beautiful views and really nice walk along the beach front!
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve Carpark
Great location.
The car park gets busy but the separate section for motorhomes was empty when we arrived. Perfect for Hot Water Beach and the walks to Cathedral Cove.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Raurimu Spiral Viewpoint
As close to the visitor centre and some of the hikes of the national park that you're going to get.
Perfectly fine. Don't be dissauded by the no camping sign when you turn the corner. Drive a little up past the stables and the familiar blue signs are there. Just a parking lot but we had no troubles!
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
McLaren Falls Camping Area
When we first rocked up there was no one in the office, but there's a self check in and self pay machine for camping.
Labelling didn't work (which is why I gave it a 9), which meant we had to seek out a ranger to clarify. The rangers do come round to make sure you've paid so don't try anything! The showers were nice once we figured out you needed a token for them (or use the disabled showers if no tokens). Was just a car park space as grass was closed off due to rain. Great staff and wonderful location. Glowworms are an added extra!
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Porirua ▷
Ngāti Toa
SO WINDY.
We pulled up on the right hand side as you go in as the left was full. I'm assuming that they were all experts in wind prediction as us and one other were the only ones to brave it out on that side of the site. Although the site itself is great and has toilets, the wind was terrifying. I'm sure I'm overreacting but I did google wind speeds that cause vans to blow over because it was shaking the van! Great spot for the brave though.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Turangi ▷
Oruatua Picnic Site
Really nice freedom site.
Empty when we arrived but can imagine it'd get busy. Far enough away from the road that there is no noise but close enough that it's not a trek to get here and you dont feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. Right on the waterfront you get beautiful views of some of the mountains in the national park. Local dog walkers are friendly. Quite difficult to identify spaces but just take that to mean you can pull up anywhere!
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Port Jackson Campsite
Arrived in winter and it was very quiet (3 people on the campsite).
Camp manager was extremely friendly and gave great advice. Drop toilets and electrical sites. Cold outdoor showers, although there was a sign for warm showers at a lowly cost of $2.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Omokoroa ▷
Pahoia Domain
Quiet site, and tucked away from the road.
Only 1 caravan when we arrived. Nice flush toilets and drinking water as well.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Five Mile Bay Recreation Reserve
Probably my favourite freedom campsite so far.
Its location on the water is unrivalled and can get an unreal sunset picture. A bit more out of the city so it is a little quieter but close enough if you wanted to go in. Loads of space, although the ones on the waterfront go fast! There are more inland though so you'll be fine for space. Drop toilets are fine if you're cool with that kind of thing!
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Ferry Road Carpark Stopover Area
Great locations.
2 minutes from public toilets in harbour (for free). Also got 5 min walk from Taupo and a range of shops bars restaurants etc. The stop itself is just a little car park and was busy even in winter. Quiet enough, and super toilets nearby give you a shower for $2 (limited to 4 minutes). We went to AC baths for a more of a luxurious experience for $6 more and some time in their outdoor pool!
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Tararu Beachfront North Reserve
Nice site right on the water.
Gave an 8 as a little bit noisy being close to the road, and cars coming in and out of the car park till late.