Stop and Stay: Lake Rotokare & Pakawau Beach
Each issue we feature a couple of places
Recommended camps and stopovers e.g. country pubs, private properties, cottage crafts, caravan parks, reserves and more.
Go to stopandstaynz.org to find your next campsite.
FEATURED THIS SPRING
Lake Rotokare in Eltham, Taranaki and Pakawau Beach Camp in Golden Bay.
Lake Rotokare, Eltham, Taranaki
Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests.
You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome.
• BYO water.
• A cash donation to support the work is appreciated.
Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39: Benny!
After a bumpy start to life, Benny was safely hatched at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and brought to her new home at Rotokare. The Taranaki Kōhanga Kiwi at Rotokare project has been working to establish 40 kiwi as founders in the reserve, permanent breeding residents for the population.
At number 39, Benny’s got us inches away from our goal!
"Thank you to all the responsible campers at Rotokare this summer for: - Checking their vehicles and watercraft for stowaways and invasive weeds before entering Rotokare - Taking their rubbish away with them — Using our toilets and facilities kindly and considerately. We are a freedom camping site largely maintained by our amazing volunteers! If you have enjoyed your time at Rotokare, please donate to our Givealittle page to support site maintenance and ecological restoration at our beautiful sanctuary."
‘We loved camping there recently. Saw fernbirds, heard kiwi, and discovered that pateke are active at night. So cute.’
‘I camped there overnight recently. There were quite a few motorhomes and about 4 campers. I took cash for the donation box especially, as I read that on the website.’
365 Sangster Road, Eltham, Taranaki
06 764 8500
Pakawau Beach Camp, Golden Bay
Only 10 minutes to Farewell Spit and 20 minutes to Takaka, this beach-side camp is a great base for exploring Golden Bay.
There is golf, a restaurant, a salmon farm, a distillery as well as great fishing for snapper close by.
1112 Collingwood-Puponga Main Road, Pakawau
Pakawau Beach Park
03 524 8308
Stop and Stay
Go to stopandstaynz.org to find your next campsite.
The online directory is hosted and maintained by the All Points Camping Club.
Add your recommendation — fill out the online form
Want your property considered? Fill out the online form (there is no charge).
Send us an email if you find any errors. info@allpointscampingnz.org
1 Spring 2022
Pakawau and Lake Rotokare
Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome.
Meet Rotokare’s Founder Kiwi #39: Benny! After a bumpy start to life, Benny was safely hatched at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and brought to her new home at Rotokare. The Taranaki Kōhanga Kiwi at Rotokare project has been working to establish 40 kiwi as founders in the reserve, permanent breeding residents for the population.
Looking through my windscreen at Pakawau Beach Camp. Only 10 minutes to Farewell Spit and 20 minutes to Takaka, this beach-side camp is a great base for exploring Golden Bay.
Situated in a secure wildlife reserve Lake Rotokare is known as ‘the rippling lake’. Being able to camp in a wildlife reserve is a unique experience — but you must ensure your vehicle is completely free of unwanted guests. You can hike around the lake, go trout fishing or kayak on the lake and tents are welcome.