Just off the beaten track, at the Welcome Bay roundabout (SHwy 29), head
east for 4 km to the rural outskirts. Handy to the shopping centre, the camp
is alongside a sparkling, natural thermal pool complex (fed from a deep bore and emptied and cleaned daily) which is available free to campers. At the shop/offce you can buy ice creams and drinks. The compact campsite is set
in a secluded dell, with a bush backdrop and newly extended and refurbished amenities. There’s a modern, well-equipped kitchen, unisex toilets and singlesex showers, a new covered outdoor dining area, plus an automatic laundry.
It’s a short drive to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Your friendly hosts are
Fraser Berkett and Christine MacKay. There are 25 sites, costing $45 for 2
people.

14 km west of Whakatane, at the very end of Thornton Beach Road, lies this attractive beachfront camp, known for its shellfish, line fishing, and safe swimming situated at the mouth of the Rangitaiki River. Whale and White Islands are visible off-shore and the ocean beach stretches out in front of you. Camp across several sheltered terraces, on flat, open sites, where there are 99 with power and water. Check-in at the new office/shop by the barrier arm - where there are ample provisions available (including bait and tackle). For boaties there is a wharf and boat ramp nearby. A brand new, stunning and spacious amenity block includes a modern kitchen with all the usual appliances. Fantastic ablutions with unisex shower rooms (metered in the summer), and two disabled access units plus three family suites. An automatic laundry and dump station are provided and large vehicles can easily be accommodated. Thoughtful touches include a new children_s play area, movie nights in the great covered dining hall during summer, a coffee vending machine and wireless hotspot will be appreciated by campers. Your friendly hosts are Glenn and Louise. The littlest campers have not been forgotten with highchairs and portacots available free of charge. All sites are from $20 per adult and $10 for children. Seasonal rates apply.

A well-manicured park, just across the road from the lovely Papamoa Beach. Enter through the security gate to landscaped grounds. Although leased ground limits casual camping, site space is generous and the on-site shop has ice-creams and sweets. A children’s playground and a BBQ are provided. There are two modern amenity blocks, a well equipped kitchen and an automatic laundry. A dump station and public phone are available for campers. Your hosts are Joe and Sarah Van Duin. 

There_s no passing traffic at this level, riverside camping ground that_s an ideal home-base for fishing trips. There are 70 sites with power, water and drainage, plus 40 tent sites across mature grounds peppered with willow trees. A substantial flood bank separates the park from the Whakatane River and it_s a 5 minute, riverside walk into town. There_s plenty of room for the kids to play, and an outdoor seasonal swimming pool. Internet access is in a wee _techno-caravan_. The roomy kitchen provides ample appliances and dining space, with a TV lounge and new, covered eatery next door. The main ablution block is clean and well presented, or you can experience vintage _kiwiana_ in the two other blocks! An automatic laundry and dump point are provided. Your friendly host is Noel. All camp sites are from $15 per person.

An immaculate camp, one that offers family camping with an emphasis on groups. There are 80 sites with power, set in pleasant grounds with plenty of trees and hedges for shade and privacy. The beach is across the road and the seaside shops are handy. A great selection of outdoor pursuits, mini putt, trampoline and a terrific childrens playground that will keep even the most energetic entertained. A Games Room with table tennis etc.,outdoor hot pool and unusual circular _conversation area, with seating under a pergola, is to be found in the gardens. A BBq area and a kitchen that has, stoves, microwave, fridges and dining space. Smart _Adam_ and _Eve_ toilets and unisex metered (free) showers with disabled access facilities and a baby_s bath; and two coin operated laundries. The camp_s _no alcohol, no drug and no smoking policy, makes this a safe place to take _time-out_. Obtain further details from your friendly manager Kerry. All sites are from $32 for two (seasonal rates apply).

Well signposted, in the heart of the township and just across the road from
the beach, this complex offers all-purpose camping for families through to large
groups. Spread across two levels, one holds the services block and the other
space for 16 camp sites (10 with power). Make use of the well-equipped
communal kitchen, dining room and hall - all under one roof. There are plenty
of showers and toilets and an automatic laundry. All the town services
are close by. Your friendly managers are Paul and Daphne Atkinson. Sites
are from $15 per person. Seasonal rates apply and schools and groups most
welcome.

With a 500m walk to the beach and with the municipal swimming pool next door, this park has limited space for campervans. Established gardens enhance the campsites, which are roomy and level. An unusual, half-round, barn
amenities block provides spacious facilities and a large undercover dining area. In the well-scrubbed kitchen, cooking is by stove, hot plates and microwave; or you can cook outdoors in the pleasant BBQ area. The bright, airy ablutions are clean and offer a disabled access/family suite. An automatic laundry, internet access and dump stations are provided on each site. 

An all-round camping experience in a glorious location, this classic beachfront position has groomed grounds and well-appointed amenities. The beachfront vista is enhanced by the steaming White Island across the water. For boaties there is a ramp and jetty close by and an on-site fsh-cleaning area. Despite
having 260 sites with power and 120 for tents, this camp can be very busy
in summer. The extensive lawn sites are mostly flat with plenty of trees to
provide shady relaxation or choose from some lovely beachfront sites. A wellstocked seasonal shop means you can easily make use of the inviting stainless steel kitchen that opens to a central BBQ garden/dining area. Immaculately kept ablution blocks include a disabled access suite. There are a host of recreational facilities: tennis/basketball court, a pool and slide complex featuring two hydro waterslide rides and a splash park for the small children, mini golf, an adventure playground, trampolines, jumping pillow and even a beach volleyball court. If that’s not enough, on the second floor, you will fnd a TV and games room that has an outdoor deck. An automatic laundry and dump points are provided. Your hosts is Mark Inman. All camping is from $21-25.50 per person. Seasonal rates apply and are subject to change.

2 km from Maketu and three local beaches, set on an elevated site, this camp
enjoys delightful landscaped gardens with rural views and many homely touches.
Check in at the modern office which carries a few basic supplies. The kids
have a great playground, a large solar heated swimming pool, plus a friendly
pony, birds, turtles etc. The amenities are excellent and include a smart, partly
covered pool next to the kitchen. Here there are modern appliances and a
dining space. The ablutions have free showers, disabled access/family suite and
plenty of bathroom extras. An automatic laundry and dump point are here
too. About 30 sites are available, all with power. When it comes to relaxing,
there is a TV lounge and games room, wireless hotspot and internet kiosks
and a great covered BBQ garden with tables and outdoor lighting. To support
the local kiwifruit industry, the camp has two distinct seasons, a summer one
to cater for holiday makers and a winter one to accommodate the seasonal
workers. Your friendly hosts are Phillip and Rosalie O’Reilly. Camping costs
$12.50 to $15 per person for a powered site and $10 to $12.50 for tents.

A busy store and information centre greets you as you enter Awakeri Hot Springs, set in a tranquil, park-like setting. The mature grounds have a bush backdrop, with 100 powered sites and 20 tent sites. Campers have free access to two, covered, outdoor, heated swimming pools as well as the private mineral pools. (Changing room include heated floors). The alleged therapeutic properties of the soft mineral waters attract many day visitors to the park. Beside the pool complex is a modern BBQ garden with a well-lit covered dining area, great for late evening get-togethers! Play volleyball or lawn tennis, go for a bush walk or check your email using the wireless hotspot. Top marks for a superb, gleaming kitchen! Two bright ablution blocks offer free showers, plus there are two other toilet blocks around the grounds. Laundries and a dump point are provided. Your hosts are Kevin and Fiona Haig. All camp sites cost $36 for two people, $18 extras