Opoutere Coastal Camping

Before staying at Opoutere, we had enjoyed another top-rated campsite with very modern facilities and sites right on the water, so I was hoping we had left the best till last rather than the other way around.

As it turned out, we had. Firstly, the owners were good to deal with, and their shop had lots of basics and a proper espresso service. Secondly, the site we had was a very nice spot. Thirdly, the extended area is naturally awesome and we took advantage of everything except the loan kayaks, about which I wish we had known at the time as the stream is very inviting.

There is a lovely clearing - the “chillout lawn” - with swings and level ground for cricket, kites, and frisbee, all of which would admittedly be at risk of being lost to the surrounding trees. Boules.

The forest and beach are the jewels in the crown, hard to beat anywhere in the world. Watching the super blood wolf moon rising dead ahead from the beach after pondering the heavens and spotting constellations, satellites and shooting stars has, I am sure, given our kids memories they will deeply cherish.

We also enjoyed the company of the various neighbours, with some lovely German tourists as well as energetic family groups who mostly kept quiet after 10.30pm. Playing music is the surest way to infuriate everyone within earshot and thankfully most campers had the sense not to attempt to convert strangers to their playlists, but I do wish there were a patrol as I am not sure how we would have gone about contacting management. Thankfully some people who started playing hard rock in the evening turned it down immediately someone started yelling at them.

The site appears to be taking some steps to brand itself nicely and promote itself professionally, so I can only hope it does not become too popular! It could really be a world-class facility if the loom and feel were extended to replacing the clean but basic toilets, showers, chillout room and kitchen. The shower heads being too low and the lack of cooking and refrigeration facilities are the things I would most like to see improved.

We could hardly get a connection to Vodafone except on the beach. Two Degrees seemed to work OK. It’s quite nice to get off the grid, though.

The first night was windy and I realised the topography of the camp means it is quite a wind tunnel. We couldn’t sleep at all that night but the surrounding trees, while noisy, provide excellent shade and allowed us to sleep in much later than bare sites.

Whangamata is very close by and provides all the additional facilities you might need. It has a surf life saving club but there is a bylaw requiring body boarders and surfers to west s wetsuit or lifejacket whereas this does not apply to Opoutere. Both beaches offer all-day swimming and boarding no matter the tide.

Next time we come we hope to do some fishing, biking, and of course kayaking. Can’t wait for next summer!