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!
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.