Five Hot Rotorua Spots to Camp in this Summer

ROTORUA, Friday 22nd December 2014: A classic Kiwi camping holiday is on the must-do list for tens of thousands of people this summer and Rotorua’s lake-district is shaping up as one of the most sought-after destinations for people wanting to reconnect with the great outdoors.

Whether you’re into ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping) or the traditional down-to-earth version, camping is more popular than ever.

Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites cost as little as $6 per night so it’s a great option for people on a tight budget. And many of us simply want to re-create childhood memories of sitting round a campfire and spending long, hot, sunny days outdoors with family and friends.

Rotorua is a picturesque destination that’s an easy drive from Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Taupo, the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. The region’s 18 magnificent lakes are surrounded by stunning native bush and there are numerous campgrounds with well-priced facilities just waiting to be explored.

Here are five of DoC’s best ‘hidden gem’ campsites to enjoy in the New Year:

Hot Water Beach campsite – 30 tent sites on the shores of Lake Tarawera’s Te Rata Bay which are only accessible by boat. Enjoy soaking in the natural hot springs, water sports and exploring the scenic walking tracks. Tap water, toilets and picnic tables are on site.

Adults $10 per night, children $5, infants free. Visit http://www.whakarewarewa.com or phone (07) 349 3463, ext. 101. Bookings are essential.

Lake Okareka campsite – snap up of one of 12 secluded tent sites on the northern shores of Lake Okareka, just 15 mins drive from Rotorua. Take your kids fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and enjoy being surrounded by nature. Toilets, a cooking shelter and picnic tables are provided.

Adults $10 per night, children $5, infants free. Note: this campsite is not suitable for vehicles over 6m in length.

Lake Tarawera Outlet campsite – camp lakeside on the eastern shore of Lake Tarawera. There are 30 tent sites available in this picture perfect location. Walking tracks, trout fishing and water sports are right at your doorstep, while fly fishing is available from 1st Oct – 31st May. Tap water, toilets and picnic table are provided.

For further information go to: www.ngatirangitihi.iwi.nz. Adults $6 per night, children $3 per night, infants free, and can be paid to the on-site Te Mana o Ngati Rangitihi Trust campground manager. Access is from Kawerau and requires a $5 permit to enter private forestry roads.
This can be collected from the Kawerau Information Centre on Plunket St. Ph (07) 323 6300 or email: kawerauinfo@xtra.co.nz.

Rerewhakaaitu, Ash Pit Road campsite – Lake Rerewhakaaitu is 29km south east of Rotorua and there are 30 tent sites for you to enjoy fishing, swimming and stunning walking tracks. There are plenty of fascinating water birds to watch so take your binoculars with you!
Adults $6 per night, children $3 per night, infants free. Tap water, toilets and picnic tables are provided.

Rerewhakaaitu, Brett Road campsite – another great spot to enjoy Lake Rerewhakaaitu. This campground is more intimate with just 14 tent sites available. Tap water, toilets and a shelter for cooking is on-site. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.

Adults $6 per night, children $3 per night, infants free.

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