Whangateau Holiday Park

Well-kept council-operated campground suitable for families with a high-density look and feel. All sites are powered and a good 8x10m but the lamps on the posts stay on all night, which makes it hard to sleep. We had to cover the tent with an extra tarpaulin to try to block it out. The camp does not enforce the legal minimum of 3m minimum spacing between tents and the lamps would be unnecessary if they did as you could turn walk around without tripping over guy lines.

There is ample kitchen and sanitary capacity for all your needs, including gas and charcoal BBQs and lots of refrigeration space, and the kitchen, toilets, playground and showers must all be only months old. There is no additional charge for the showers but they shut off at 10pm sharp, lights and all, which is weird and a health and safety risk). I hear the rather tired-looking caravans are also in for replacement. Overall these facilities are spic and span with a combination of sensible design, attentive cleaners and families being responsible users. Water pools in one of the showers as it has not been finished with an even gradient.

Quiet time is early at 10pm but the lack of trees means you will be awoken early if sleeping in a tent. There is a sports field at the end of the camp with several wee sandy nooks at the water’s edge for late conversation.

The staff are professional and helpful. The on-site shop has lots of basics, ice creams, water cooler and an automatic coffee machine.

The estuary is tidal and not too deep and you can wade to the island at most times.