This large, family-friendly coastal camp is not quite on the beach but adjacent to the world-renowned bird sanctuary at the Manawatu River mouth. There are 100 plus powered sites, 60 tent sites and new sites open with a view of the river and estuary. There is a camp store on-site (with basic stock) tennis courts and a park/playground next door. Plus and adventure playground. The camp terrain mimics the nearby rolling sand dunes and has an outdoor BBQ area and splendid play area at one end of the camp and petanque at the other. There are 2 large laundries two modern and inviting kitchens and a smart ablutions block with free showers plus disabled access facilities. There is a TV room and games room. The camp really comes alive in summer with a huge holiday programme. 4 dump stations are provided. Power sites are $18 per adult and $12 per child. All tent sites are $17 to $18 per adult and $11 perchild. Seasonal rates apply.

 Formerly Scoutlands Likeside Camp Ground.

Off SHwy 3, this hidden gem is just 4 km south of Wanganui beside pretty
Lake Wiritoa. The groomed grounds are huge (5 hectares) and you can camp
either in the bays beside the roadside macracarpa hedge or at the other end
(up past the caretaker’s house) on the tree-shaded lakefront. 28 powered
sites and unlimited tenting space make for a relaxed camping experience.
There are several blocks of well-appointed, spotlessly clean amenities around
the grounds. The water is from an Artisian well. Kayaks and canoes are
available for hire for campers or try the confdence course, fshing or hiking.
There is a dump site. No animals please. Your friendly hosts are Darryl and
Jackie. There is a dump site here  - Bring Marshmallows to Toast!

To reach Waitarere, turn-off SHwy 1 about 8 km north of Levin. Small in size but not in comfort, this spic-and-span terraced camp is adjacent to the wide sweep of Waitarere Beach. It has sites with power, plus a range of tent sites. The kitchen has plenty of facilities (including microwave) and a dining area, with an adjoining TV room. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, with homely touches. All the amenities are of a good standard with two ablutions blocks. An interesting children’s playground is set on the hill above the camp with great views out to sea. Shopping is just around the corner and you can walk through the sand dunes to the beach. A dump station is provided. Your host is Robin. All sites are $17 per adult and $8 a child under 12 years.

There are 3 cosy cabins, 53 powered sites and 20 tent sites.

There are showers, toilets and a kitchen available. You can use the lounge in
the Lodge. Enjoy a BBQ on a lazy summer evening. Unpowered sites are $12
to $15. Your hosts are Denise and Richard.

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.

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.

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. 

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.