CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Enjoy the whole trip, or meet up or depart from any location along the way!

This is such a hidden gem with sculptures of dragons, a castle slide for kids, water wheel, art hiding in every corner, and all kinds of themed gardens.

Places to stay.

Close to Waihi, Waihi Beach and Katikati this is a prime campground.

I wonder how many of you know about the Stop and Stay nestled at the foothills of the Takitimu mountains?

Omokoroa is only 20km northwest of Tauranga’s CBD and 24km to Katikati.

Four mins drive to Papamoa Plaza or a 30 min walk.

I stayed here for three nights; a great spot. Every Friday night they have a Farmers market at the adjacent A&P Show grounds

There is something precious about meeting around the table. Sharing food, or in this case buying your own!

Penny was keen to put the newly learnt knowledge of how to assist someone up, into practice. Down on the floor she went!

Our first coffee morning was held at the Chrome Cafe in Katikati.

Camps we know about from November to March 2026.

Fire danger, weather, road conditions, local emergencies.

An independent national network for self-containment certification.

Considering the forecast I got off lightly with no rain, (Mon–Thu) but there were 30km/h+ winds off Lake Wanaka so I did not put up my 270° Batwing awning this trip.
35,000 steps and some cold sunny days. Love spring road trips. Ice on the windscreen overnight. ©2025 Andrew Morton

I was going to walk to the end of the valley but I forgot to pack my tramping boots, the avalanche warning signs kind of put me off as well. Temple Valley. ©2025 Tony Kissel

Winter nights — wouldn’t you love to be cosy and snuggled up on a wild beach listening to the wind whip the waves?

We are the only ones here, apart from the sandflies… Still plenty of skin left for them to feast on tomorrow. Wooded Gully, North Canterbury. ©2025 Linda Butler

Penultimate winter camping weekend. Thanks Carterton District Council for a multi-use, free site. Expecting 1°C tonight.

Lake Ohau. A tad chilly in the mornings.