Kairakau Beach Freedom Camping
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Kairakau Beach Freedom Camping
Free camping for self-contained campers at Central Hawkes Bay's Kairakau Beach
Fully certified ‘self contained’ motor homes ONLY are permitted to stay overnight for not more than three consecutive nights.
Camp on the area of grass at the northern end of Kairakau Beach Road (past the new public toilet). The area allowed to be used is clearly signposted.
Any other form of camping on any other ‘Council’ land at Kairakau Beach is NOT ALLOWED.
Casual campers must notify the Council's Bylaw Officer of their name, address and contact phone number, their intended camping area and length of stay.
Take your togs (Kiwi for swimwear), fishing rod and surfboard and get amongst!
Details
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Organisation |
Central Hawkes Bay District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Waipukurau |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Freedom Camping
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
One of our favourite spots, the view is just amazing, I guess it could probably be quite busy in the high season
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5.0/5
Very remote location so make sure you have enough food and water for the night but absolutely amazing!
So quiet and picturesque! Walks on the beach from the stairs are a must. One toilet there too. We loved it here as a family with a young child!
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5.0/5
Amazing spot.
Nothing fancy but has absolutely epic views. Cliffs and ocean - what more could you ask for.
Great spot. Met some lovely other campers.
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4.5/5
No need to imform council info needs to be updated very good freedom camp area right in front of beach and high cliffs behind you while parked big grassed areas for plenty of self contained vechices only
nice toilets near by and walk along beach to Rive sign asks for $3 donation r
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4.5/5
Beautiful beach, one of our favorite spots on our 3 month road trip.
The beach is great, pretty big and there was hardly anyone on the beach when we were there. The free camping was quite busy when we arrived at the weekend but then got quieter. 4G phone coverage. There's not much nearby for food or gas unless you drive out to Havelock. Only reason for not giving 10 stars was that there's only one toilet and no shower but no complaints- its free! And there's a paid campground just down the road if you do need showers.
If you are self contained we thought the free camping was nicer than the paid campground. Its on a nicer bit of the beach and in a row right along the seafront with beach access and trees between the sites (which make it feel more private but also block the wind) the paid site was completely open and lots of campers packed in together.
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5.0/5
Darling community run campsite nestled between the beach and cliff.
Dog friendly and one modest little toilet. The scenery is stunning.
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5.0/5
Wonderful place.
Lovely beach for walking our two dogs. Beautiful cliffs and can't wait to return sometime soon. Recommended
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5.0/5
This is such a sick campsite, you can pull up right next to the beach on the grass and there are trees between each spot.
Mean place for surfing and you can even go surfcast fishing off the beach to catch some kaimoana at the end of the day.
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5.0/5
Incredible place in front of the ocean with waves that rock you into the night.
Many spots with trees in between for privacy. Clean flush toilet. No cellphone reception.
Don't forget to make a DONATION.
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5.0/5
This was an idilic location.
There was only one other camper there so we had the view and the beach to ourselves. Gorgeous sandy beach boarded with bolders ideal for climbing at one end and a beautiful river that feeds into the sea at the other.
The road out is a bit windy but worth it!
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4.5/5
Lovely free spot right by the beach.
Lots of space with trees for more privacy. One flushing toilet, is clean though with toilet paper and tap inside. No cell reception so get out and enjoy the beautiful spot and beach!!
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5.0/5
One of our favourite spots, the view is just amazing, I guess it could probably be quite busy in the high season
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5.0/5
Very remote location so make sure you have enough food and water for the night but absolutely amazing!
So quiet and picturesque! Walks on the beach from the stairs are a must. One toilet there too. We loved it here as a family with a young child!
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5.0/5
Amazing spot.
Nothing fancy but has absolutely epic views. Cliffs and ocean - what more could you ask for.
Great spot. Met some lovely other campers.
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4.5/5
No need to imform council info needs to be updated very good freedom camp area right in front of beach and high cliffs behind you while parked big grassed areas for plenty of self contained vechices only
nice toilets near by and walk along beach to Rive sign asks for $3 donation r
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4.5/5
Beautiful beach, one of our favorite spots on our 3 month road trip.
The beach is great, pretty big and there was hardly anyone on the beach when we were there. The free camping was quite busy when we arrived at the weekend but then got quieter. 4G phone coverage. There's not much nearby for food or gas unless you drive out to Havelock. Only reason for not giving 10 stars was that there's only one toilet and no shower but no complaints- its free! And there's a paid campground just down the road if you do need showers.
If you are self contained we thought the free camping was nicer than the paid campground. Its on a nicer bit of the beach and in a row right along the seafront with beach access and trees between the sites (which make it feel more private but also block the wind) the paid site was completely open and lots of campers packed in together.
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5.0/5
Darling community run campsite nestled between the beach and cliff.
Dog friendly and one modest little toilet. The scenery is stunning.
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5.0/5
Wonderful place.
Lovely beach for walking our two dogs. Beautiful cliffs and can't wait to return sometime soon. Recommended
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5.0/5
This is such a sick campsite, you can pull up right next to the beach on the grass and there are trees between each spot.
Mean place for surfing and you can even go surfcast fishing off the beach to catch some kaimoana at the end of the day.
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5.0/5
Incredible place in front of the ocean with waves that rock you into the night.
Many spots with trees in between for privacy. Clean flush toilet. No cellphone reception.
Don't forget to make a DONATION.
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5.0/5
This was an idilic location.
There was only one other camper there so we had the view and the beach to ourselves. Gorgeous sandy beach boarded with bolders ideal for climbing at one end and a beautiful river that feeds into the sea at the other.
The road out is a bit windy but worth it!
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4.5/5
Lovely free spot right by the beach.
Lots of space with trees for more privacy. One flushing toilet, is clean though with toilet paper and tap inside. No cell reception so get out and enjoy the beautiful spot and beach!!
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5.0/5
A absolute gem and worth going there.
There is no reception and the closet gas station is 40 min drive, so prepare well.
It is quit a large free camping with good spots. There is one toilet, but if you walk 800 Mtrs back there are more. We loved this spot so beautiful
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5.0/5
Best freedom campsite we have seen in 3 weeks traveling the northern island.
Next to the beach, plenty of room, grassy area with bushes for some privacy. Very cleen and spacious flush toilet with toilet paper and sink. Best sunrise ever with amazing colors.
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5.0/5
This is an absolute gem!
You are right against the beach. There's a flush toilet with a sink. Park in backwards and leave the back open and have the best view from your bed! Our little girl loved it too. The sandy beach and relatively calm waves were the best playground.
The road there is windy but very good and absolutely gorgeous.
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5.0/5
Amazing campsite: clear views of the beach and sea; easy access (down twelve steps) to the beach; each pitch is divided by a tree/hedge; flush toilet with sink and toilet paper; beautiful, calm setting
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5.0/5
An easy 5 stars and a must stay freedom camping location.
Access is via a fully paved and well maintain road suitable for any camer. The freedom camping is located at the very end of the road you cant help but drive into it and it's well sign posted.
There are about a dozen camping bays where you can back up your camper up with views over the ocean. Each spot is separated by foliage which provides both privacy and a wind block. There is a well cared for bathroom at the start of the freedom camping area and would be a short walk from any of the camping bays.
I loved this spot as you can watch an idyllic sunset in the evening, the moon glistening over the ocean at night and a bright red sunrise in the morning.
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4.5/5
What a wee gem.
Like the land that time forgot. Gorgeous beach walks and peaceful tides. A beautiful strip at the far end of Kairakau Road (go past the members-only camp ground until you see the sign pictured). Space for 30+ RVs. The verge on the ocean side of the road is designated for self contained campers, with a handful of shrubs breaking it up to give some privacy and wind breaks. One flush toilet block on site, and a further triple block 300m back at the corner of Kairakau and Mananui Street, where you’ll also find a couple of picnic tables. For the adventurous, kaimoana around the shallow rocks is plentiful with rods, pots or freediving. No drinking water or other facilities. Pack out your trash. Don’t forget to let Central Hawke’s Bay council know that you’re heading out (06 857 8060), and how much you enjoyed their hospitality.