Camping Places

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Yesterday my neighbours got back from campervanning in Tolaga Bay, a famously beautiful and remote beach on the East Coast of New Zealand. We got talking about the prices of campsites, and more specifically, how ridiculously expensive it is to camp in Ohope. ....




 There used to be two seaside camp grounds in Ohope, but one was sold to make way for beautiful new apartments, and the demand for campsites is so high that the prices are crazy at this time of the year.
Right now is the peak season, which runs from December to February, sometimes even March (depending on the business). Many campers in the Coromandel can’t find campsites (or don’t want to pay), and consequently camp on beach carparks, or anywhere else they can find. Interestingly, Coromandel’s government has banned this, and the Government in the east Coast (where Tolaga Bay is) was quick to invite campers to their region for freedom camping.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10618634
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10598655

So, all this discussion got me wondering, where is the cheapest place to camp in the coastal Bay of Plenty area? If you want to enjoy Ohope Beach, is camping there really too expensive, and what is the clever alternative?

I’ve started my research with a review of the camping grounds around here, and with the question:
How much would it cost for a powered campsite, for two people, on the night of January 20, 2010?
Here is what I found out:


Ohope Beach top 10 holiday park: $50



Thornton beach holiday park: $30

Awakeri Hot Springs: $30


Pikowai Camping Ground: $12
Toilet, shower, but no power and no booking system.
State Highway 2, Matata

Lake Tarawera outlet: $14, but you also need to get a $5 permit at the visitor’s information center in Kawerau to be able to drive your car into the area.
Water and toilet, no power, camp manager


Whakatane Holiday park: $30
50c for showers



Murphy’s Holiday Camp: $26
On State Highway 2, Matata

Ph 07 322 2136


…and just for a final comparison: Tolaga Bay holiday park: $14! (this campsite only charges $14 no matter whether there is just one person or 6)





Later, I will go to the Bay of Plenty campgrounds and let you know about the quality. It might take a bit longer for me to get to Tolaga Bay!