Te Araroa Holiday Park

You're not staying at a Top 10 Holiday Park, so don't expect that. But you get: nice, lush green lawns to set up camp (powered and non-powered sites), there are quite a few trees around so you might even get a nice spot in the shade. Bathrooms were clean at all times. Kitchen has 2 fridges, a few gas stoves and a few basins, also always clean. There's a shop on site selling basics and booze. You have to take your garbage with you, and only one hour shower available after 18:00. No drinking water on site. Not a place you'd want to stay for a week long, as there's not much to do. But great for a night or two while passing through the area.

Don't expect much. Ok for a night or two, but wouldn't stay any longer. Price was $18/night for a non powered site even though the website says $14-$16. Only one shower works, there is no drinking water available on site (other than bottled water at the store), owner was rarely available at reception and despite the website claiming there is wifi it is only available if you stand in one specific spot on the driveway. The area is nice and there aren't really any other options (I think they play on that) if you have the option keep driving.

To be fair, having read some of the other reviews, I was prepared for the worst, but was really surprised when I arrived. The lady who checked us in (Suzanne?) was super friendly and helpful. The room was spacious, comfortable and clean, and had the feel of being renovated in recent years. Not to forget mention of the great onsite food truck. I can only speak for my experience in the units, but if that was anything to go by, it's a great place to stay... Rustic, but very authentically kiwi.

Unpleasant experience in a motel unit we booked due to heavy rain in area. Didn't smell good, single bed mattress was worn out and very uncomfortable, smoke alarm missing. In the morning light we found the single sheets were dirty with multiple specks of blood. The owner was reluctant to believe us and even more reluctant to refund us anything. Eventually we got $30 back of $195 we paid for three people. Avoid.

Best burgers I've ever had on site, lovely camp ground and friendly managers

On 1st impressions the camp/motel site looked fine.Our motel room seemed clean despite the strange smell...which we now know was the dirty bedlinenThe room came with no heating, and when we went for a shower that evening found that didn't produce hot water... Called the manager that said this had never happened before (wish we had read reviews prior to visit.) Offered us the use of a recently vacated room (had not been cleaned) which we declined.Bill said he would sort things out with us in the morning...Then found toilet had issues flushing to the point water came over the bowl :-(Bill was again informed...Paid $150 for the night ... Bill refunded $20.00 which was more of an insult afterthe many issues ... this room was not worth any more than $80 for the night....While onsite it was obvious that many of the units are being used for long term guests as thier belongings werescatted everywhere... I hope they ate being treated better than us short term guests....Highlight was the caravan that sold burgers (home-made) but overall not a pleasant stay ...

Very welcoming, helpful staff. Beautiful spot a short walk from the beach. Grounds are well kept, with flowers and lots of trees providing shade. This makes for a magnificent dawn chorus.When we were there (NYE period) there was a girl serving great burgers in the evenings.Facilities are a little old but tidy enough. And one can’t expect a resort in such a quiet corner of the world, just enjoy the peace

Motel units are nice and relatively modern, with a decent bathroom but the bed was beyond clapped out, same with the couch. There was a strong smell of septic every so often, so maybe after toilets were flushed. Grounds are nice with lots of old trees and lots of shade, I did not visit the camping area or look at any of those facilities. Young guy who checked us in was very helpful and friendly.

I had an amazing time staying here on a powered campsite. It's such a beautiful, scenic campground that honestly made me feel right at home. The manager Sussan was so lovely and accommodating, let me know I could call her if I needed anything. This place has an amazing burger spot onsite that does by far the best burgers I have ever tasted.It is worth noting that you do need to take your rubbish with you and there is only one hot shower working currently but that definitely does not turn me away from wanting to stay here in the future.The gardens in this place is worth the stay in itself. Would highly recommend this place for anyone who needs a getaway!