Camping spots in Waikato?

[sinaptik]

Hey guys, just after some good places to camp in the Waikato. As far as I can see, any campsite is good if it fits these three criteria:


Can ride our bikes to the campsite
Can light a fire
We won't disturb anyone if we are loud (i.e. no houses nearby)


If you know of any campsites, please let me know!


Thanks!

[MIXONE]

Try sending MXNUT a pm.He knows them all.

[dino3310]

Fletchers bay:headbang:

[fridayflash]

lake ohakuri was once an option although i really dont know if freedom camping there is ok nowadays

[clint640]

Check out the DOC website, lots of info on there incl downloadable GPS waypoints IIRC

Cheers
Clint

[sinaptik]

Fletchers bay:headbang:

lake ohakuri was once an option although i really dont know if freedom camping there is ok nowadays

A little far from Hamilton, but will keep these places in mind.


Check out the DOC website, lots of info on there incl downloadable GPS waypoints IIRC

Cheers
Clint

I've had a good peruse through their site, but it's unclear if there is motorcycle access to the campsites (i.e. if gates/bollards/etc are present)

Thanks for the suggestions though

[clint640]

I've had a good peruse through their site, but it's unclear if there is motorcycle access to the campsites (i.e. if gates/bollards/etc are present)

Thanks for the suggestions though

I think at pretty much all of the DOC camps that are vehicle accessible you can drive/ride right up to most of the spots where you pitch your tent. I've been to some that have barriers around the bbq areas etc to keep cars out. As the gaps in the fence or bollards are usually wider than a bike we usually take it to mean that motorcycle camping is encouraged in those spots :msn-wink:

Cheers
Clint

[ADVGD]

I've had a good peruse through their site, but it's unclear if there is motorcycle access to the campsites (i.e. if gates/bollards/etc are present)
Thanks for the suggestions though

The DOC website lists all the DOC campsites in NZ, DOC have a new web application: http://maps.doc.govt.nz/Viewer/index.html use the slide menu on the left, select campsites and a map of NZ with all the campsites will appear.

Another option is private campsites or holiday parks, this clunky old website has a few listings http://www.nzcamping.co.nz


I've been to some that have barriers around the bbq areas etc to keep cars out. As the gaps in the fence or bollards are usually wider than a bike we usually take it to mean that motorcycle camping is encouraged in those spots :msn-wink:

Sounds reasonable to me :niceone:

[nodrog]

You live in hamilton and want to camp in the Waikato?

Thats like when you are 7, and mum lets you sleep in a tent in the back yard.

[dino3310]

A little far from Hamilton, but will keep these places in mind.



you did say Waikato...
how close to Hamilton are you looking for

[sinaptik]

you did say Waikato...
how close to Hamilton are you looking for

Well I'd like to go for the weekend, so leaving on a Friday evening after work I don't want to be too late when we arrive. (I guess it's impossible to get anywhere in time to get some sunlight)

Maybe a few hours ride maximum (3)?

[gwynfryn]

Takapuna Beach

[awa355]

Out around Kawhia / Marakopa way. Just clean ya mess up before leaving.

[MXNUT]

Whakamaru lake

Landing Road, Arohena

Dickey Flat, in the karangahake gorge

Owhango end of the 42nd traverse.

Pureora Forest park.

A few round the shores of the rotorua lakes with good riding close by

Minginui

Various DOC campsites on the coromandel peninsula.

Depends what type of riding that you are looking for and at what time of the year......

[clint640]

Well I'd like to go for the weekend, so leaving on a Friday evening after work I don't want to be too late when we arrive. (I guess it's impossible to get anywhere in time to get some sunlight)

Maybe a few hours ride maximum (3)?

One nice one you'd get to in 3hrs from Hamiltron is the Mangamate Waterfall Campsite (http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/east-coast/te-urewera/mangamate/) It's a good one for this time of year as it has a cool dining shelter with a big fireplace at one end so if the weather turns poo you can kick back out of the rain. Don't tell anybody but if you fossick around in the slash & scrub just to the south of the camp turnoff you should find some decent firewood as it used to be a eucalypt block, take a hatchet or folding saw.

The location lends itself to a ride through to Waikaremoana the next day of course too.

Cheers
Clint

[trustme]

Kaurarenga Valley , Thames. DOC camp. Firewood from the DOC office. Get real rowdy & you will get thrown out same as any where.

[Oscar]

Camping in the Waikato....I hope you didn't go this weekend.
Bloody weather...

[Vinz0r]

Anyone know of any good camping spots along the Forgotten Highway? (Taumarunui to Stratford on highway 43).

[Maha]

SOTR is reasonably quite at night, food within arms reach depending where you set up. Toilet facilities are unisex and without walls but that's so bad...right?

[dino3310]

Taumaranui motor camp has always been good to us on the KCR rides + this time of year you can get a cabin with heater and get around the open fire for a few beers:drinknsin

they even lend the odd power tool when needed:facepalm: