Just as you reach the eastern edge of this quiet little beach town, turn left into
Forest Road and aim for the camp named after the local shipwreck! Although
not a beachfront camp, it offers an attractive setting with 50 powered sites
and around 30 tent sites. The grounds are level, with sites grouped together
around their own waste disposal points. A great location for those who want
to work off some energy in the nearby Domain skating rink, tennis courts
or swimming pool. The camp has its own games hall and smart swimming
pool, with a toddler’s pool operating in the busy season. The children’s play
equipment is imaginative and challenging. The smart little kitchen has all the
necessary equipment including a microwave. An attractive ablution block
has hand driers and soap provided and there are automatic machines in the
laundry. A dump station is provided. Your host is Deb. All sites are $17 per
adult. $8 for a child 12 years and under. Pet friendly by arrangement.

Gorgeous, sheltered reserve located next to an historic homestead. Bush
walking, native wildlife, picnic tables and a sheltered indoor summerhouse.
Public toilet facilities. Payment by donation.

Just north of the Manakau township, on your left, is this large rambling campsite.
About an hour’s drive from the Interisland Ferry terminal, it’s part of a much larger complex. The camping area is in a secluded valley area, sheltered by native bush and mature trees. There is generous space for the 28 powered sites. A swimming pool, volleyball nets, bush walks and confidence course are available for your enjoyment. For the casual camper there is a simple porch-style kitchen with a fridge/freezer,Stove and Microwave . A solid but well-loved ablution block provides showers and toilets. Laundry facilities are available up at the main complex. There is also a BBQ for camper use. Your hosts are Darren and Colleen. Tent and powered sites are $16.50 per adult and $8.50 per child.

At the gateway to the Ruahines sits a charming rural village called Apiti. Here you'll come to find the Apiti Tavern, a stunning building on a location which originates back to 1896. Inside, the tavern is alive with history, showcasing photographs on the walls of Apiti through the years. Locals with a thriving community heart give this place a welcoming atmosphere, unique to the rural country life.

A self-contained cottage next to the owner's house, just south of Atene. You can also park your campervan or pitch a tent in the adjacent paddock. Sleeps five.

This smart urban camp has spacious grounds that are well laid out in a circular fashion and bordered by sheltering hedges. Boasting large trees in the park, there are 33 powered sites and at least 50 spaces for tents. The communal kitchen/dining room is large and modern and there is a bookcase in the TV and games room. The ablutions are spotless and well maintained and have individual family/disabled access shower units, plus communal washrooms. A brand new children’s playground is centrally located and picnic tables are available along with other extras such as a dog-friendly zone, coin internet kiosks and wireless hotspot. A new outdoor BBQ/dining area is complete. Dump station provided. Your hosts are Repi & Debbie Wright. 

A lovely rustic campsite with a “backblocks” flavour. Situated on the banks of the Makakahi Stream, where there are plenty of eels and trout. It offers lots of pleasantly private campsites amongst masses of pine and gum trees. Choose between tranquil shady or sunny sites. Covered outdoor dining has recently been added to the basic amenities block. The small toilet and shower units are clean and well-looked after and the small kitchen has a selection of pots, plates and cutlery.

Homely touches are found in the bathrooms and kitchen with fresh free range eggs when the chooks are laying and free tea and coffee. A dump station is around the corner at the Eketahuna Club. Recyling is available on site. A new disabled access suite will be ready shortly.

Accommodation and costs

Your friendly hosts are Kerry & Loreen Cunningham ring them on 027 747 2111, or try 79 High Street, they visit the camp several times a day.

In the heart of tui country (the bird and the beer!) this un-crowded camp is
located on the southern edge of Pahiatua township beside two hectares of
native bush. Sheltered by a high macrocarpa hedge, the grounds are beautifully
kept, with open sites of a generous size, some with large shade trees. The
ablutions and kitchen are basic, but lovely and clean. The kitchen has a stock
of pots, crockery and cutlery and the separate dining area is surrounded by
glass sliding doors and outdoor seating. There is a TV lounge also. On a patio
outside the kitchen you will find an automatic washing machine and dryer and
a dump station is provided. There is a BBQ for campers and a children’s play area.

Pets are okay by arrangement only. 18 sites have power and are $25
for two adults, $10 for each extra adult. Tent sites are $10 per adult with
children half price and under 5’s free. Your on-site host is Karolyn. Prices
subject to change.

Mangaweka is halfway between Wellington and Taupo and this unique camp is located 1km off SH1 alongside the peaceful Rangitikei River with towering cliffs, native birds and an enticing landscaped garden. Just north of the township turn east onto Ruahine Road and travel down the hill, over the bridge and immediately into Awastone. There are 12 powered and 4 non powered sites suitable for tenting or campers/caravans. The facilities are well appointed with nice wooden ablutions, shared kitchen and nicely linked by concrete paths. Also included is wifi, potable water, hot showers and an onsite licensed cafe (seasonal). An outdoor hot tub is available to hire. Laundry services have an extra cost too. Powered site costs $48 for the first two people and $10 per extra adult. $5 per child under 16 and under 5 is free. Bookings are recommended. 

The camp is directly behind the Caroline's Boatshed Bar and Eatery and TAB and beside the river and the railway line. The cluster of permanent living caravans and house buses, and the back yard bits and pieces around the place give the camp a lived-in, rather than a holiday feel. The ablutions and kitchen are basic. Bruce is the on-site manager.