Escape to this. unsophisticated retreat located between Okaiawa and Kapuni,
around 12 km from SHwy 3 via Normanby. The historic site dating back to the
Taranaki land wars. Camping is on sheltered, wide-open grounds surrounded
by thick plantings. There are no powered sites. There is a token kitchen with
sink. Outside you will find picnic tables and children’s play equipment. A large
open porch with benches serves as a dining area. There are 3 toilets (one with
disabled access) and no showers. All services are somewhat “rustic”. Cold
water is on tap but no hot water. Gates may be locked at dusk. Fees of $5
per site per night should be paid to PO Box 902, Hawera 1640.

Number of tent sites - 36 Camp in a remote setting. This is one of four road access points to the Whanganui Journey. Look and listen for kereru, tui and fantail. Brown kiwi can often be heard at night. The forest is a mix of rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa, and kowhai trees.

Midway between Taumarunui and Stratford lies what the locals like to refer to
as the republic of Whangamomona (declared in 1988). The village is in the
remote heart of the Forgotten World Highway and has recently become a
destination for tourist travelling in modern railway carts on the old Stratford - Ohahukura
line. This simple campsite is in the old school grounds, with
camping on a paddock with a dividing hedge and some perimeter shade trees.
Being such a small place, the camp is close to the action (i.e. the village hotel!)
An old kitchen and laundry are provided. Please cash only.

Absolute beach front, located in tranquil and sheltered setting adjoining coastal
walkway. Excellent surfing and patrolled swimming beach. Adjacent to 18-hole
golf course. If you have not been here for a while it is worthwhile checking
out all the new facilities. The kitchen has ceramic top cookers constant
hot water, microwaves and fridge/freezers, dining and deck areas. Access
to a family bathroom, and laundry with industrial auto washer and dryers.
Over 100 sites (powered and non-powered). Beautifully kept grounds and
friendly approachable staff to ensure a great stay. Features include built-in
BBQs, adjacent childrens playground and outdoor swimming pool plus a dump
stations for guests. Jan & John Crawford are your hosts.

This motel appears to have closed.

The picturesque Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park urban camp offers level, cliff-top sites with spectacular views over the New Plymouth harbour and port. Mature Pohutukawa trees shade the grounds. Hedged private sites are very inviting. There are around 70 sites with power, plus 43 for tents. Amenities are plentiful and well maintained. Ablutions are in four separate blocks with key access (no extra to pay) and two disabled/family bathrooms are available. Newest communal facility, boast unisex cubicles, including a family bathroom and a disabled bathroom, super large kitchen, laundry, and a lounge with Sky TV (Sports and movies) The three kitchens have a range of cooking options, coffee and food dispensing kiosks and there_s a large covered outdoor area with a coin-operated BBQ. Three well-equipped laundries and a dump point are provided. To keep the smaller members of the family entertained there is a trampoline, and playground. Nearby activities include access to a boat ramp, game fishing, the aquatic centre, mineral pools, or try the coastal walk that starts from the camp and heads straight down to Breakerwater Bay shops and cafes. Or hire a bike from the office if you want to head a bit further afield. Internet access is available throughout the camp. Fish cleaning facilities and a bait freezer are on site. Your hosts are Kevin and Teresa Bowe.

The residential camp is mainly for groups but does have some powered and
non powered sites for individual campers. Fish or swim in the Waingongoro
River which runs through the lower level of the campground, which is flat grass.
There is an ablution block with toilets and showers and a washing machine.
There is a BBQ on the lower level. Your host is Rosanne. No pets. All sites
are $15 per person per night.

South-west of New Plymouth, turn towards the coast off SHwy 45 onto Wairau Road and follow the camp signs for 13 kms. This is true beachfront camping at Taranaki's most popular swimming, surfing and windsurfing beach. Breathtaking views with just about every site looking out to sea. The camp is in two parts, with sites in the lower camp spread across two levels, some with stunning views of the Tasman Sea and others in a sheltered valley. The upper part is on a quiet terraced area above the main camp and is surrounded by bush and native birds. The amenities are good, although usage can be high at peak times. A well-equipped, sparkling kitchen has plenty of bench space and modern appliances. A great alternative is the BBQ. There are roomy showers and all the bathroom extras. Automatic machines can be found in the laundry and a dump station is provided. Although there are 117 sites with power plus 60 for tents, pre-booking for summer is advised. The office is located over the road from the camp and there are a selection of books, games and tennis rackets available also. Your hosts are Al and Jan. Extra services include a wireless hotspot and pets are okay by prior arrangement after Waitangi Day, until Christmas. Camp sites From $22 per adult.

At the top of the Tahora Saddle is a camp ground with fantastic views to the
Central Plateau including Mount Ruapehu. Use the camp as base to explore
the historic trails of the Forgotten World Highway. The campground has no
powered sites but is in a lovely bush setting with simple facilities of a long drop
toilet (with a view!) and a BBQ kitchen. Up near the house there are hard
standing powered sites and a high quality bathroom with hot shower which
can also be used by those camping on the lower area. of the campground.
There is a new outdoor covered kitchen. Your friendly hosts are Rob and
Annie. Unpowered sites are $12 per person, powered hardstand van sites, $25
for 2 people. Excellent rest point for cyclists. Please cash only.

Half an hour from Hawera, an attractive bush-reserve approach leads to this
beachside camp. Opunake is a traditional holiday spot, with the rest of the
sheltered bay housing the surf club and an artificial surf reef just offshore. Nearby activities include boating, surfcasting, swimming and water skiing.
The grounds are level grass, with 95 powered sites and 10 tent sites in a
ribbon layout. The amenities block has a kitchen with stoves, bench cooktops,
microwaves and fridge/freezers. A TV lounge/dining area has outside dining
under shade sails. There is also a large paddling pool and lots of adventure
play equipment. Supplies are available at the camp shop. Superb toilets/
ablutions include a disabled access suite and there is a laundry an d dump point
provided. No pets here please. Your hosts are Lisa and Jase All sites are
powered $44 for 2 adults, $10 per child. $5 for under 5.