Camping in New Zealand offers diverse experiences, from riverside campgrounds with full amenities to freedom camping in remote areas. The provided source material, "Camping the Kiwi Way AUTUMN 2023," serves as a guide for travelers, detailing specific locations, costs, facilities, and essential rules for camping primarily within the Rangitikei and Manawatu regions. The guide emphasizes respect for the environment and local communities, providing practical advice for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Campground and Camping Site Details
The source material lists numerous campgrounds and camping areas, varying in cost, facilities, and accessibility. Locations are generally situated along or near State Highway 1 (SH1) and other scenic routes.
Paid Campgrounds
Several campgrounds offer amenities such as power, pet-friendly policies, and facilities for large vehicles. Costs are indicated by a dollar sign ($) in the source text.
- Gumtree Motorhome Park (Taihape): Described as a "very quiet and picturesque setting." It is pet-friendly and accommodates large vehicles. Power is available.
- Mangaweka Campground (Mangaweka): This site is noted for its "beautiful camp by the river with spectacular water" and offers the ability to "fill your tank here." It provides power, is pet-friendly, and accommodates large vehicles.
- Awastone (Mangaweka): Features a cafe, coffee, a bar, and a hot tub. It offers power.
- Flat Hills Cafe & Tourist Park (Mangaweka): Characterized by "lovely grounds and good food," it is "very family friendly." It offers Wi-Fi, power, e-bike charging, is pet-friendly, and accommodates large vehicles.
- Feilding Holiday Park (Feilding): A "lovely setting with beautiful trees." It offers a dump station, power, is pet-friendly, and accommodates large vehicles.
- Totara Reserve Regional Park (Pohangina Valley): A "beautiful" site with native bush and bird song. It offers bush walks, power, and accommodates large vehicles. Dogs are not permitted. The site closes at Easter and reopens on Labour Weekend.
- Pohangina Base Campsite (Pohangina Valley): This site is for "dry weather only" and has toilets. Dogs are allowed on leads.
- Mangaweka Campground: Repeatedly mentioned as a key location for filling water tanks.
Free and Low-Cost Camping Areas
The guide identifies several locations where camping is free or requires minimal cost, often with basic facilities.
- Queens Park (Hunterville): A site with mature trees where tents are permitted. It is beside SH1 and has toilets. It is noted as "tricky for large vehicles." It is dog-friendly.
- Putai Ngahere Domain / Vinegar Hill (Hunterville): A "huge grassy area" suitable for tents and vehicles. It offers bush walks and bird song. It is free in the off-season, but dogs are not allowed between Labour Day and Easter.
- Victoria Park (Feilding): A free site with toilets that accommodates large vehicles. It is a sports area, so it is best to avoid on Saturdays.
- Timona Park (Feilding): A quiet park with big trees and walking trails along the river. Gates lock at dusk. It is free and offers a dump station, toilets, and is suitable for self-contained vehicles and large vehicles.
- Coach House Museum (Feilding): Visitors can stay overnight by paying to visit the museum. It is pet-friendly and suitable for self-contained, large vehicles. Gates close at 4 p.m.
- Ahimate: A free site with toilets, pet-friendly, suitable for self-contained vehicles and large vehicles.
- Sanson Domain (Sanson): Located beside SH1, with less road noise at the back. It offers a local market on Sundays. It is free, has toilets, is suitable for self-contained and large vehicles, but no dogs are allowed during organized events.
- Pohangina Valley Lookout (Pohangina): Offers panoramic views and is free for self-contained vehicles.
- Pohangina Domain (Pohangina Valley): A small site with parking for about three vans, surrounded by fields. It is free for self-contained vehicles.
- Menzies Ford (Feilding): A free site with gravel access for self-contained vehicles. It may not be suitable for large vehicles or caravans.
- Piripiri Campsite (Pohangina Valley): A Department of Conservation (DOC) site with short, steep, gravel, and difficult access. It is free, allows dogs on leads, and is for self-contained vehicles.
Freedom Camping and Scenic Routes
The guide also covers freedom camping opportunities and alternative routes.
- Marton: Freedom camping is permitted "anywhere in Marton except on the reserves."
- Scenic Back Roads (Hunterville to Taihape): An alternative scenic dirt route is available via Ongo Road, then north via Turakina Valley Road, offering camping opportunities beside the river. The guide warns that it is easy to get lost on these dirt roads. A southern route from Ongo Road to Mangahoe Road and then Turakina Valley Road leads to Turakina.
Specialized Camping Topics
The source material includes information on specific camping-related products and unique camping experiences.
SOG® Toilet Systems
The guide features an article on SOG® systems for caravan and motorhome cassette toilets (e.g., Thetford or Dometic). The system uses an electrically powered ventilator to remove odors and eliminate the need for toilet chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option. The SOG system is available as a kitset that can be self-installed or fitted by an RV workshop.
DOC Huts and Remote Camping
A personal account describes a stay at a remote DOC hut near the Tautuku River. Key details include: * Access and Booking: No booking is required; it is first come, first served. * Hut Description: A one-bedroom shack (formerly a garage) with a covered deck, long-drop toilet, four wooden bunks with mattresses, and basic cooking supplies. * Facilities: A fire ring with seating is located outside, and dry wood is stacked under the deck. * Water Source: Rainwater is collected in an open-top barrel, but the author recommends boiling water from the nearby Tautuku River for safety.
Outdoor Etiquette and Safety
The guide places strong emphasis on responsible camping practices.
- Security and Communication: Campers should be aware of their security and ensure they have cell coverage. The guide notes that emergency calls can be made on any provider's network from any phone.
- Leave No Trace: Campers are instructed to "leave no trace" and help clean up areas to keep them pretty for the next visitor.
- Driving and Local Respect: Drivers should "drive to the conditions" and "respect locals." It is important to give way to other vehicles and animals on the road, as their livelihoods depends on access. The guide encourages visitors to "stop and talk to the locals" for knowledge and suggestions.
- Environmental Awareness: The guide mentions the availability of "clean, clear night skies for star gazing" at certain locations.
Practical Camping Information
Cooking While Camping
The source provides a recipe for "Tuna pasta for 4–5" that can be made using tinned food, which is useful when fresh food has been consumed. The recipe includes ingredients like tinned tuna, tinned diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, oil, vegetables (or freeze-dried peas), and dried pasta. The method involves frying onion and garlic, adding vegetables, tinned tomatoes, and tuna, and serving over boiled pasta.
Location Summary
The guide covers a range of locations, including: * Mangaweka: Campground, Awastone, Flat Hills Cafe & Tourist Park. * Hunterville: Queens Park, Putai Ngahere Domain / Vinegar Hill, and scenic back roads. * Feilding: Menzies Ford, Feilding Holiday Park, Victoria Park, Timona Park, Coach House Museum. * Pohangina Valley: Pohangina Base Campsite, Piripiri campsite, Totara Reserve Regional Park, Pohangina Valley Lookout, Pohangina Domain. * Sanson: Sanson Domain. * Bulls: Mentioned as a location. * Marton: Freedom camping is allowed except on reserves.
Conclusion
The provided guide, "Camping the Kiwi Way," offers a detailed overview of camping in specific regions of New Zealand. It provides a mix of paid campgrounds with amenities and free or low-cost freedom camping spots. The information is practical, covering costs, facilities, pet policies, and vehicle suitability. A strong emphasis is placed on responsible camping, including environmental care, respect for local communities, and safety. The guide also includes specialized information on topics like SOG toilet systems and remote DOC hut stays, making it a comprehensive resource for planning a camping trip in the Rangitikei and Manawatu areas.