“Can you keep a secret?”

PLEASE don't tell anyone about this amazing spot! Come quietly, in the dead of night, guided by the stars along the short gravel road. Let yourself in (coz the owners are super chilled-out and trusting) and choose from acres of well-maintained flat, grassy, campsites. Let the whisper of the ocean call you along the pine-needle strewn track to 5km of empty, pristine sandy beach. You'll sleep and wake to native birdsong and wander to the kitchen to make coffee, greeting the few other campers with a knowing nod. You've found paradise. Unless you try coming for the summer holidays. Then you've found paradise on a very busy day.

Ask about kayaking on the Wharekawa harbour, reached by launching at high tide from the campsite creek. Climb the gentle track through ancient coastal bush to the Maungaruawahine summit. Leave the nesting shorebirds - dotterels, oystercatchers and terns - plenty of space. Forage and fish for kai moana. But take only what you need.

You are a guest of nature - behave.

“Great little camping at an awesome spot!”

We went here for the easter break with our 2 little girls (2-3yo) and had a great time.  Note that during this time of the year the “lower” part of the grounds are closed. The “upper” camping was almost fully booked but still did not have the feeling of a crowded campground. When you book, we recommend spot 20 or 20a which are almost in the forest, just a bit further away from the rest of the campground.  Facilities were basic, but sufficient. Kitchen area is a bit small but we had no trouble even in the busy times. Note that there are only 2x stoves so it pays to bring your own gas cooker if you have one. Has a microwave and fridge and BBQ.  Staff is very helpful and friendly.  The walk (loop) to the spit and back over the beach is great. Awesome views of beach and sea, combined with a great pine forrest. Supposedly a one hour loop, but we would not know as it took us 4 hrs with 2x little kids, lunch and too many pinecones to collect!! 😉

We’ll be back..

“Overnight stop”

A little gem on the coast. Tucked between the road and a pine forest. Quiet and peaceful. Great amenities and a short walk through the sand hills to the beautiful beach. have driven past the sign often but never stopped before.

“Wonderful place”

What a wonderful place to take the whaanau, very friendly staff, clean facilities, with all the amenities you need, and a gorgeous location. Rock pools are definitely worth the walk. Would definitely take my whaanau back there again.

“An unexpected gem of a camping ground”

The camp ground which is situated on the edge of a pine forest with forest access to a splendid surf beach, bird sanctuary and estuary was a very pleasant surprise.  The pine forest area is suitable for walking and biking for all ages.  The estuary is suitable at high tide for swimming, bridge jumping and small paddling boats.  The camping ground is on 3 levels with generous sites, both powered and non powered.
Facilities are adequate with hot showers ($1), fridges, freezers and small kitchen.  There is good recycling.  We can highly recommend it as a commercial camp ground for families.  You can not drink the water from the tap, however at the top kitchen there are facilities for obtaining drinking water.  There are 3 cabins available for rental on site.

“Near the forest, but no shadow”

With an excellent location and friendly staff, we were very happy to have found this camping. The installations are very basic, but the big ‘but’ is that there is practically no shadow to be found on the grounds, while trees abound outside the camping. It got very hot during the day, inside as well as outside of our tent. We had no place to hide from the sun except the narrow bbq terrace.
The best feature of the camping is the beach where quite some surfers try to find a good wave. There is also the Wharekawa inlet nearby, a bird sanctuary.

“Everything you want a kiwi campsite to be”

Opoutere Campground is paradise.  Incredible location tucked in behind a pine forest. Quiet and sun soaked. A short stroll through the forest to the beach.  Basic but great facilities and a high standard of cleanliness. Even a few luxuries you would never normally have access to when camping… but having hot showers or putting your clothes in a dryer is not what camping is all about, right.  Lovely managers that go out of their way to make sure your stay is special.

“Fantastic Stay”

Had a great time at this little gem of a campground. The staff were super friendly and helpful, the facilities were clean and tidy and the location was amazing tucked away near the forest and ocean.   Have visited this campsite regularly over the last two years and experience has always been great.