This small, intimate camp, sometimes known as Carlyle Beach Motor Camp, is
situated on picturesque Mana Bay and offers a relaxed and affordable family
holiday in a beautiful spot. Overlooking the mouth of the Patea River, the
camp is pleasantly sheltered. The nearby beach reserve offers safe swimming,
BBQ shelters, picnic tables and a small playground . The Patea Golf Course
is just up the road. The kitchen has modern appliances, some cookware and
utensils and a TV. The ablutions are basic but clean and look like they have
been upgraded recently. The small laundry has an auto washer and a dump
point is provided. The camp is in the care of Glynis and Erin. Tent sites are
$12.50 per person and the 23 powered sites, $15 per person.
An 8 km drive through coastal dairy country from SHwy 3 at Waverly leads to
this pleasant rustic camp just over the dunes from the beach. Local attractions nearby are ‘Cave Rock’ and fishing. The 28 powered sites are on a grassy paddock edged with flaxes, leaving plenty of room for tents. To the rear of the camp is a great playground for the kids. The main building includes a
serviceable kitchen and a simple recreation/dining hall and there are outdoor wood BBQs. The older-style ablutions are tidy and kept locked when there are no guests.
The code to access facilities can be obtained from the Waverley LibraryPlus office 9 - 5 Monday to Friday and Saturdays 9.30am - 12pm where camp fees are also paid. $15 per night per powered site or $10 for tents (this covers 2 adults and 2 children on a site).
Temporarily closed
Ashley Park is just south of Waitotara, between Patea and Whanganui, is this working farm complex offering a range of experiences for campers. Aside from the picturesque lake, gardens and walks, there is a swimming pool, tennis courts, mini-putt golf, bird aviaries and lots of friendly farm animals who like a scratch! An antique shop and cafe tea-shop invites you to linger. The 24 powered sites are densely hedged with camellias and rhododendrons. Unlimited tent sites are available around the park. The facilities are extensive and include a disabled access suite. A large dining room with log fire adjoins the well-equipped kitchen and you'll find a wood-fired BBQ too. A dump point is provided.
Some 18km north of Whangamomona, turn east into Raekohua Road, (6km of unsealed road) takes you past the Tangarakau ghost town, to an historic backcountry farm experience. The camp is situated above the Tangarakau River in a lush green valley dotted with trees. This spot is very peaceful and definitely _away from it all_, with homegrown Manuka and Rewa honey available to sample or buy There are six powered sites, plus heaps of tent sites. The kitchen has hot plates, small appliances and a dining area. A large deck off the kitchen overlooks the river. Showers, toilets and a laundry are provided. Linen can be hired. Your hosts is Johanna.Power sites are $15 per person.
Whakahoro, Whanganui National Park
Turn off SHwy 4, just south of Owhango, into Oio Road. Part of the road is
winding and unsealed. This is a large, grassy site beside the Whanganui River.
Toilets, cold water tap and BBQ are provided.
Number of tent sites - 36. This is a large, flat, grassy site beside the river, and a good starting or mid point stop if undertaking the River Journey. There is a 10 bunk bunkroom and boat access nearby the campsite.
Seasonal restrictions
In the Great Walks season (1 October 2024 – 30 April 2025)
Bookings are required
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May – 30 September)
Bookings are not required - first come, first served
Kawhatau Base Access is now available via a 9.5 km walk up the Kawhatau River, starting where the Rangitane Road bridge crosses the Kawhatau River. Beware this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow. To get to the Rangitane Road bridge, head north from Mangaweka and turn right off SH1. Cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road which becomes Rangitane Road. The bridge is just past the Smiths Road turn off. Please note there is no car park.
A polished park that has beautifully-tended flower gardens and many homely touches! Use the camp as your base to explore the Forgotten World Highway. Try the scenic walkway from the camp to the rhododendron dell. Or the short walk to the local pool and cafes. Around the perimeter, high hedges shelter the grounds and you'll find 30 powered sites, most in private individually hedged bays with their own outdoor seats. Tenters have another 40 or so sites to choose from. There is an updated kitchen with all the necessary equipment and an adjoining cosy TV lounge/dining area. A paved outdoor patio has a BBQ and dining area, or you can relax in the spa pool. The smart ablutions have plenty of hot water and all the extras. A well-equipped laundry and dump point are provided. Internet access and bike hire also available. Pets are welcome. Sites are $16 to $20 per person.
On the southern aspect of Mt Ruapehu, the alpine town of Ohakune is an alternative gateway to the ski and wilderness areas of Tongariro National Park. This top-notch camp has 55 good sized powered sites, spread across appealing grounds with mature trees and a mountain stream on one border. There is an excellent kitchen, a herb garden, plus a cosy and warm dining area, with a separate Sky TV room with a verandah and a games room. An outside BBQ area has ample tables and a petanque court nearby. The smart, tiled ablutions really showcase the lovely natural timber detailing that features throughout the camp. Simply push a button and you get light, heat and a seven minute shower - they even have heated towel rail! An automatic laundry, internet access and a dump station are provided, while the children have a good play area with trampoline and the private spa is appreciated after a day on the slopes. Your host is Kordula Daniel. All sites are from $21 per person. Peak seasonal rates apply.
12 x Studio Units
1 x Family Unit
9 x Twin Share Units
A quiet motel is set in spacious grounds right on SH3a, with SKY TV and free WiFi available and it is under 10 minutes to New Plymouth.
With views of beautiful Mt Taranaki and the Tasman Sea, Sentry Hill Motel has 22 units set in wonderful and private, peaceful and spacious grounds, located near Bell Block, Waitara, Inglewood and New Plymouth.
Formerly the King Edward Park Motor Camp.
This motorcamp has 6 Cabins, powered sites and unpowered sites. A handy 5 minute walk to the local CBD and other attractions such as Naumai Park, the Water Tower and I-Site makes this a perfect spot for a family holiday or the passing traveller. Internet is available for purchase (Zenbu).