Whatipu Lodge and Campground - Huia

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!

Best camping experience ever! Arrived late at night so did not have the chance to see the sunset, a very tranquil place. Woke up in the morning and found a clean toilet without any funny smell, which is awesome. Washed our cooking utensils in the kitchen unit (has a map within) while the morning sunshine spills into the small room, an absolutely nice way to start your day:D. Nicely maintained public units, very satisfied. (no cooking stuff provided so you have to bring your own). Water supply pole next to kitchen unit. There are two shower rooms next to the toilet with cold water, there is even a small piece of soap xD The owner will come collect fees at the morning and afternoon or you can pay through bank deposit. (account on notice board at entrance) $7.50 pp as I remembered? Definitely a good campground worth the price, recommend! :D 只要有一顶帐篷就能让你在这过得很舒服?海滩很近，阳光很美！

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.

One of my favorite campspots in New Zealand! Amazing landscape, rugged rocks, black sand and lush bright greenery around! Arrived with a tent, most others with campers. Had amazing sunset there! Lots of space for everyone. Like all other gorgeous remote campsites I know in New Zealand amenities are basic but are cleaned daily. Owners are really sweet with lots of interesting facts and tipps for the surroundings. They even gave us fresh honeycomb when we left ?

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!