Ahipara Beach
Campsites
This section highlights by region, my preferred campsites I've stayed at, recommend and would gladly do so again.
Camps of Northland
Camps taupo north to Bombays
Miranda shellbank
Ray's Rest
Paeroa
The Maritime Museum
Te Aroha
Te Aroha NZMCA Park
Okawa, matamata
Opal Hot Springs Campground
matamata
Firth Museum ( Park Over Property)
Cambridge
Cambridge Raceway (Park Over Property)
Arapuni
Little Waipa Reserve
Hora hora
Hora Hora Domain
Lake Karipiro
Mighty River Domain
Maungatautari
Epworth Retreat Camping (Park Over Property)
Okoroire
Okoroire Hotel Hotsprings and Camping
Ngongataha, rotorua
Rotorua NZMCA Park
Welcome bay, tauranga
Welcome Bay NZMCA Park
Mt maunganui
Mt Maunganui Beach Holiday Park
Tuapiro
Tuapiro Domain
Katikati
Katikati Naturist Park Camping
Textile (winter) and Naturist campers (all seasons)
Bowentown
Bowentown Holiday Park, Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach Freedom Kiwicamp,
(Bowentown end.)
Waihi Beach nzmca
Waihi NZMCA, Club Camping Ground
Waihi Goldfield railway
'Waihi to Waikino' Rail Station Campground
Whangamata marina
'Coromandel Peninsula 'Whangamata Marina
NZMCA Parkover Property
Opoutere
Coromandel Peninsula...Opoutere Coastal Camp
Pauanui
Coromandel Peninsula...Pauanui Freedom Camp, Southern End.
Pauanui
Coromandel Peninsula...Pauanui Freedom Camp, Northern End.(Tairua view)...Royal Billy Point Reserve
Miranda
Firth of Thames...Miranda Hotsprings Holiday Park
Eastcape and other misc.spots
Okiwi BayMarlborough Sounds, Nothing but Sounds ahead. Summer camp to ourselves. Stunning. A rather twisty road in too!
The Backing OfficerIt was my fulltime job for 5 years...ok, and also, the Dump Station Guy, too. Naturally, I was respected for my directional talents...Stop, left, no right, oh god wrong way!.
Waking Up to This ViewAJ's Riverside Camp, HoraHora...Its easy to miss, but once you find it, youll realise why you invested so much effort into road tripping in a campervan. Heavenly.
Pukehina ParadiseWe freedom camp right above the beach with views across to Maketu Beach and estuary.
Kaiti Camp, GisborneYoud never think logs are being shipped out next door heading on massive tankers.
Tidal Waters Camp, Loisels BeachParked right above Loisels Beach and not another guest in sight. Perfect.
Woodville CampThe last entrance before the now closed off gorge highway that ran through to Palmerston North. Huge rockfall closed state highway permanently. Huge freedom camp.
Napier Foreshore Freedom CampVery handy campsite on the edge of Napier township. Easy amble or bike to shops.
Tologa Bay CampKelly could cook a mean feast, but she didnt want me to tell folk. Funny girl, truly.
*The Backing Officer*
Delightful entertainment for settled in campers, watching for the interaction of the latest arrivees. For many who arrive, nothing to see.
But without fail, comes along the couple who view the parking through differing perspectives, and that's where it get humorous.
It kind of looks like this...The Backing Officer (generally the co-driver) is motioned to leave the warmth of the cabin and guide the somewhat bulky vehicle into a chosen spot.
Without fail, the driver closes his/her window, and commences a form of sign language. The Backing Officer stands to the rear and starts waving frantically.
Left, left, left, noooo stop....watch the treeeee. I said hard left, then straight, then sheer hard left again, pull the wheel down, Babe. No I'm not getting shirty (OK, I was).
With the windows tightly shut, and a quizzical expression, both parties think the other party ain't got a clue...
Of course, It seldom ends well. But with luck and blind faith, the van finally sinks into its position for the night.
Everyone can feel the tension...but worth the entertainment.
Footnote...
I was that Backing Officer.
I waved like a madman. In fairness to the driver, she simply ignored my gestures, took a usually better option, stopped and smirked.
That's campervanning!
Ive Been Everywhere Man…Coolest Kiwiana Song, Ever
Adverts can annoy or change you forever. In 1966 New Zealander John Hore wrote this best ever song about travelling small town NZ. It was, and still is GOLD. Telecom now Spark used this entire song in their telly ads…here’s a snippet…
…I'VE BEEN TO...
Kaparoa, Whangaroa, Akoroa, Motueka, Taramoa, Benmore, Pongaroa, Horoeka, Rimutaka, Te Karaka, Whangarei, Nuhaka, Waimahaka, Motuhara, Waikaka, Motonui, Hokonui, Papanui, Wainui, Matawai, Rongotai, Pikowai
I'm the guy, I've been everywhere man...
All Verses On
Contact
Phone: 022 601 4158
Email: dave_lewis@xtra.co.nz
