We have been coming here for what seems like forever. Some of my first memories are waking up in…read morethe tent, running down to the water and swimming all day long at Sullivans (Otarawao) Bay. It's an Auckland Regional Council camping ground so it's super cheap to stay in paradise. But this means that the sites book up seriously fast. They open booking six months before you want them and they can sell out in a matter of hour over the summer holiday. It is rather primitive with drop toilets and only a hose tap. But this is part of the fun for us. There is hardly any reception so even though you are not even an hour from Auckland, you feel like you're way out in the whaps. We usually take up kayaks, fishing gear, loads of board games and of course our togs. It's the most amazing way to spend your summers and I am so thankful for my parents for taking me here so many years.

Absolutely love Home Bay. Huge grassy meadow to tent on and still have your own space even when a…read morelot of other people are there. Although I have never experienced a lot of people being there, and I used to go every summer. A calm beach of smooth stones which is great for swimming, and rockpools to explore at low tide. There are walks around both Motutapu and Rangitoto to check out if you're staying a while, otherwise just relax and enjoy the peace. There are flushing toilets, water, and it's only $6 per night (for adults, and $3 for children). You really can't find better. Take the ferry to Rangitoto and hike over, or access the bay itself by private boat. It's possible to kayak here but is recommended for experienced kayakers only.

There's an urban legend about Parakai that involves a woman squeezing the pus out of pimples on her…read moreman's back while sitting in a hot pool. I almost feel like I have seen it happen myself because I actually think I did. In the really hot adults-only pool. Anyway, such are the risks you take when sharing water with others. Ergh. The whole place has hardly changed in years and has a slightly sad faded feel about it which does nothing to deter the masses from descending, particular on chilly Winter's days. The slides are pretty rough but the kids think that's a good thing (uh huh) and the facilities in general are just a bit dilapidated. Still, it's so wholeheartedly Kiwi that you just gotta love it. I remember we used to have friends who would take their campervan to Helensville (the whole 40 minute drive from home) and camp at the campground here, which is part of the Springs complex. I was so jealous. Now I'm not really sure why you would - it's nice and green enough but there's better places. Still, like I said, it's classic Noo Zilland.

I hadn't been to Parakai since the last year of High School which was over 10 years back, so was…read morelooking forward to seeing if anything had changed since my last visit. Other than possibly redoing the reception, and maybe cafe area, I don't think a lot has changed since I last swam here. I did have a blast coming down the hydro slides with the kids on the mats provided; however I'm sure the owners could possibly put a bit more money in sprucing up the facilities and particularly the padding on the stairs up to the top as it looks a bit tired in places. The hot pool inside is great, and had it been a colder time of year I would of spent more time inside, however it was sweltering hot, so I had a quick splash and spent more time in the sun, and riding the slide. It felt like the busiest Saturday ever, 100's packed in to the springs, and the pool was a sea of faces- quite fun, but also hard to enjoy your own space really. I would recommend trying the pools out on a week day, when the kids at school next time.

I wasn't overly impressed with this Top 10. I was hiking the Auckland leg of the Te Araroa trail (a…read morewalking/tramping trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff, of which I completed the first third) and arrived minutes after the office closing time. So I rang the buzzer and spoke to a disgruntled and not particularly pleasant employee who begrudgingly allowed me to stay after having to explain to them that no, I didn't have a vehicle and could I please possibly have a bit of space for my tent. However, the facilities were good and of a high Top 10 standard. Clean kitchen and ablutions areas and well-kept grounds. It's too bad that their customer service let them down.

I was truly excited to visit Whatipu Beach because I have been to so many of our West Auckland…read morebeach favourites, but I had not experienced this wonder. Upon arrival I was off with my family to walk the 20 minute/1.5km track to the Whatipu Caves. On the walk to the biggest cave you pass smaller old sea caves along the track, they are really fun to walk into for some exploring. The big cave was very impressive; I really enjoyed walking around and hearing my voice bounce around its walls. I made sure I listened to the department of conservation- and sprayed a disinfectant on the bottoms of my shoes before and after entering the walk; this would help prevent the deadly Kauri collar rot which is easily passed from soiled footwear to trees. After the cave walk, I headed to the beach for a bite of lunch and a chance to soak in the scenery, hardly a sole to see. Picturesque waves rolled in to the shore, while in the distance the Manukau bar dramatically splashed up almost to say check me out I'm dangerous. I will be back Whatipu I promised as I departed this afternoon- you are a mysterious beauty.

Over Christmas my husband and I knew we wanted to go camping but also wanted some quietude, so we…read morelooked somewhere close to home, the Waitakere ranges were it, and Whatipu Lodge camp grounds looked quite remote but interesting. It took quite a windy drive to get to, passing very close to the oceans edge and down some narrow curly passes but with just a mild case of nausea (for me) we eventually got there. The space was very open and had one other camper nearby, a family tenting. We have a van decked out, which was ideal as the place was very windy and wet. It rained the whole time, but I liked it none the less, it wasn't cold and a bit of rain is no drama in my world. The hike up the big hill was easy and gave amazing views of the coast that we had walked along earlier in the day. The wind up on the cliffs did mean we had to keep our wits about us, and no rock climbing. We tried to get to the caves but it wasn't really possible without more serious wet weather gear, we got soggy shoes and socks even through the mere attempt to get at them. I recently read about all the ghost sightings in this place, we saw, nor felt, none, but it did give off a rather haunting feel. But that could also be because it felt like such an isolated environment and was so wet and windy. We did, however, see a lot of bird life. Bird watching is not a hobby of mine but it was kind of cool to see so many and all their antics. The lodge caretakers came over to the car and collected the $15 (per night, per car) and had a brief chat soon after we had arrived. Bookings are essential before you arrive.

I came here recently for the first time with my daughter's school camp. It's in a lovely spot in a…read morevalley but I guess if I was choosing to stay in Piha I would want to see the water. I was more than happy to have the kids far away from it though and for a school camp this place was fine. I say fine because it just didn't feel very homely. I don't know if that's because of the makeshift nature of what the school was trying to achieve (kids in tents, no dining area just a big room to store their food and makeshift cooking facilities) or the camp itself. True the camp kitchen is the most well equipped I've ever seen and fairly clean as well. But maybe this was because the school staff had the run of the place? I'm not sure. I only have Camp Adair to compare it to and they are totally different beasts but are obviously used for the same things with school trips being one of them. The activities the kids took part in here were a little on the lame side and there's not much in the way of adventure infrastructure (i.e. nothing at all). In terms of accommodation there is one large dormitory and several smaller rooms with male and female bathrooms. I don't know, maybe I'm just not a camper but for a big group booking like a school I would choose Camp Adair any day. Probably it comes down to complicated school funding but interestingly the fees for this camp were more than those for the far superior Camp Adair (which included food where this one did not). This place is more for adults I think.

I remember this place from when I was a kid, and in primary school we came here for school camps. I…read morehave really great memories from the camp. It has a great location, set around the trees and not too far from the beach. We'd go for bush walks, we had a night time burma trail where all the adults through water and mud all over us and we made our way through the bush using peanut butter covered ropes. There's heaps of field area for tents, as well as the big dormitory that was split level. Perfect for boys on one level and girls on the other. From memory the top floor was all one room, with bunks lining the walls, and downstairs was separate rooms with two or three bunks in each room. The only thing is, there's not actually anything at the camp. All our activities were done elsewhere.

Nice camping ground with a beautiful location. But compared…read moreto others also very expensive. 30$ per night for a campervan with two adults. But you have to pay more for the shower, I think 50c for 3 min. Also there are no devices in the kitchen, not even towels. Also no towels in the toilet and on top of that just one toilet for the whole place. Poorly not really other interesting people. Mostly there is nobody in the kitchen and around. It's just a 2 min walk to the beach which is awesome for surfing. But if you want to surf the green waves you have to be really good. Because I have never seen such big waves and especially such powerful freshets before. All in all no reason to stay here except the location.

I can't believe how fun it is to be campervan traveling in new Zealand, and top 10 holiday park…read morecampsites are great for first timer / beginner for campervan experience. This is my second time doing campervan traveling in new Zealand, but first time at the hot water beach top 10. Like all the other Top 10 Holiday park. They offered full kitchen, full hot showers, and also powered parking for campervan . If you are just driving a car and wanted to use their facilities, they also have cabins for rental. They all look pretty cute from outside. I've always told my friends, I am really doing "glamping" than camping. We never have through it out in the wild , but fully equipped kitchen and bathrooms with good hot water pressured shower. The staffs are also very friendly in terms of helping you to book activities around and for recommendations. The unique name of hot water beach comes from the beach has lava rocks underneath that heat up the sand . At low tides, you can dig your own spa spots to lay around for hot water sipping through the hot sand by the beach. Ita quite an interesting experience. It is about 10 to 15 minutes walk from this camp ground and the holiday park do provide shovel for rental. It did took us about 30 to 45 min to finally got a spot that gives really good very warm water , so you definetly want the shovel. This park is also very close to the Hahei and catherdral cove and other small towns with lots of good restaurants, gardens and wineries. We can easily find things to do around regardless of the weather. Since we arrived with a rainy day, we end up walking around the nearby town and spent the next day by the beach. Another great thing at the top 10 park is that, they have a fun jumping pillows that we have not seen in the states. Not only.kids enjoys bouncing around, so do all the adults. It was such a fun easy, non attraction activities. Great for all ages. We even star.gazed at night in the magical new Zealand campgrounds. I am already missing the great time in new Zealand. Tips: reception closed at 8. So make sure to arrived before then, or you might not find your parking spot at the campground and your complimentary limited WiFi. We got 2- 250MB WiFi for free for 2 night stays. And check out time is at 10 am.

OK OK OK you have to do this!!!…read more Think about it, where else can you make a hot spring sand tub on the beach, watch a beautiful sunrise, and be surrounded by some of the most breath taking scenery... Nowhere! (if there is another place like this don't ruin it for me, I like to think it's one of a kind). I traveled all around New Zealand and did a lot of fun things, but this was and experience that I'll never forget. Of all the things we did in the North and South island this was my favorite. You need to time your visit with the low tide, I would suggest the morning time (check with the Holiday Park staff, they will let you know when the low tide is). Also, you can pay them $5 to rent a shovel if you don't have one. I'm sure the afternoon is fun as well, but I heard there are just more people and it gets crowded fast. Morning time you get your sunrise, and it's just an amazing way to start your day. This is a must, but I'd say it's only for the adventurer type.

I went here yesterday for the first time, suggested by some friends from Auckland (who I hadn't…read moreseen in 15 years) as a nice place that would be child friendly. Driving up from Hamilton with two sets of directions (printed from Google maps and navigation from my phone) and we still got a little lost... I'll take some credit for that, but also to forewarn you that the signing up to the park isn't that great and it's a little out of the way. There was plenty of parking when we arrived around 10:15 on a Saturday morning. There were already a lot of people there, appeared to be many birthdays and parties, rented jump houses and the like. There are lots of picnic tables around. It would be friendly for strollers/prams/push chairs. We also brought our son's little balance bike, and he enjoyed riding around on it there. Mostly, it's flat gravel areas for walking, flat grassy areas and very little paved area. The park was free to enter and to view the animals. It didn't appear to be staffed during the time we were there. You just walk around the various animal areas. We saw some rabbits, chickens, sheep, cows, goats, horses and a pig. My son (3-years-old) liked it, but wasn't blown away. Maybe we've been to too many animal parks lately. After walking through the animal areas (took about 30 minutes at a very slow pace), we grabbed a picnic table and chatted until my friends had to leave. One, somewhat bizarre thing, is that we couldn't find any garbage cans/rubbish bins here. So, if you are planning to generate trash, bring some bags with you. There appears to be some camping areas and some walking tracks. We didn't go around any of these, so I don't have any comment about those. Overall, I thought this place was fine, but not amazing. It's free, so you can't complain too much :)

Except for the rain, I had an excellent Ambury Park experience. You go through it as part of the Te…read moreAraroa trail (hiking trail that spans the length of NZ) so it makes an excellent place to stop for the night. I bumped into a park ranger as I arrived and she was really awesome, and since I was hiking the TA, allowed me to camp free of charge. The grass is flat, the toilet facilities are clean, and there's water available: everything a tramper could ever want. I didn't spend much time wandering the rest of the park (after walking in the rain all day I was kind of over it) but it's a nice outdoor area and a great place to take the family.