Whatipu Lodge and Campground

Great campground, highly recommend! Short walk to beach and a little further to the caves (which are awesome! Dont forget a torch). Camp staff were helpful and friendly.

This is strictly a review of the Whatipu Bach in its current state and not of the campground, lodge or the mangers. It’s also not a review of Whatipu Beach or the caves.The bach is located within the campground and is managed by the Lodge. It has its own property though people still walk through on a regular basis, and the parking is around the back close to the door and great for loading and unloading. The inside of the bach is very dated and in bad repair except for the bathroom. There is peeling paint and wallpaper and the area was covered in cobwebs and spiders. The beds are pretty uncomfortable and seem old and the furniture is just a ragtag of items. The kitchen is suitable for cooking but the bench space is quite limited. There are ample supplies of cookware, plates, utensils etc. the water is pumped from high on the hill and is untreated, sometimes turning brown when it rains. The lodge does provide 10L bottles of city water which is key. The whole place is run off 12v solar and there is limited light so pack a lamp or torch, there are also no outlets so bring a battery pack for phones. There is very limited and spotty cell service. We sometimes got 1 or 2 bars and could send out texts/emails but it’s very unpredictable. There are 3 bedrooms (1 king, 1 double and 1 double/single bunk. Plus a pull out sofa in the lounge) linen is not supplied except for pillows and pillow cases as well as a duvet. Also included is a bath mat and tea towels, all other towels must be brought. The cabin in pack in/pack out so that means taking the trash with you unless you are tramping. Outside there is a picnic table, a gas bbq and a clothesline and views all around. There are also some insect screens in a few windows as the mosquito population is astounding, even with the screens we were mobbed by them at night an unfortunately had to leave early. The price of $120/night seems steep and there is even an extra cost for additional people over 4 (sleeps 8 max) overall we wouldn’t recommend due to price and overall condition, best bet is to camp and save.

Beautiful location only 10 minutes walk to the main beach and 20 minutes to the caves. Very basic campground. Manager is a very chilled guy who was knowledgeable about the area and gave us some tips. Campground itself has lots of room, no need to worry about the first come first served spaces as there are plenty. Less than an hour from our place in Was Auckland, we are definitely coming back!

While I haven't yet camped here, I made the trip out to assess whether it would be suitable for us. The facilities were basic (as expected) but most importantly very clean and the grounds had plenty of taps. The gravel roads are high and narrow at points, with 10+ areas of severe water erosion where a standard car would need to drive carefully. The Park Ranger we came across was very helpful and we're looking forward to trying Whatipu.

The near-anxiety attack driving so close to a cliff was 100% worth it, this campground was so quaint and beautiful. Short, majestic hike to the caves, and even shorter walk to the beach were the cherries on top. The amenities, toilets and sink, were basic but surprisingly clean. A small kitchen area that we didn't use was able to be used as well. Our first night campervaning New Zealand has set the bar high!

We can't say enough praise about this little campsite. The views are stunning, there's friendly pukekos wondering about, there's a shower available, clean and very well kept composting toilets, and we happened to be there on a clear night with a stunning full moon. We did the cave track, make sure you crawl through inside all the caves, you'd be surprised how expansive they are once you crawl in! The view from the top of the hills is a killer and the beach is a beautiful, massive black sand beach with lovely swimming water. An especially big shout out to Peter, the groundskeeper, who made our stay particularly lovely, he made us feel like we already lived there, offered us tips, a ride, and went out of his way to help me personally when I lost my manaia. Thank you Peter, you're the loveliest soul!

Honestly the best campsite within Auckland, you don't even think you're near Auckland while there, staff are friendly. Some nice walks and caves close to the campsite! Make sure to book online if you're going to stay on a long weekend.

Pretty area to camp over night. Nice walks in nature and to the beach near by. Saw birds such as pukeko, sparrows, miner birds and pigeons. The facilities are not really good for camping as it's just a long drop toilet, but there is running water and simple shower which is good. It feels pretty safe and there's lots of space. Would be nice during the summer.