Motorhome Camping Options - Section A
Motorhome camping is a great option for those with a love of road trips, together with the comfort of having your own self-contained space. With more than a dozen motorhome camping options available across the Trail Network, there's every reason to visit the region and spend time exploring the Hauraki Rail Trail. Visitors can find a combination of holiday parks, New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Parks, NZMCA Park Over Property (POP) Parks, and Freedom Camping locations. We've collated all of the options by Section, which also list our Top 5 things to see and do. You can find all of the motorhome camping options here.
Where can I camp on Section A?
Kaiaua - Thames: 55km (5-6 hours)
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association - Kaiaua
With water on two sides and just a block away from the beach, the NZMCA Park is perfectly sited for members to enjoy all the area has to offer. NZMCA Parks are always about fostering a relationship with the local community. Money raised from members staying at the park is often used to support project and improvements that benefit the local community.
Waihopuhopu POP (Park Over Property) - 25 Pukekereru Lane, East Coast Road Kaiaua (09 232 2964)
The NZMCA Park Over Property (POP) Scheme first started in 1991, with one member offering overnight parking at her property. It has since grown into a unique network of overnight parking locations on private land throughout New Zealand, that welcomes members and provides a safe place for them to park overnight. Non-members are welcome to stay at POPs, however they must be self-contained.
Just north of Kaiaua is a privately owned POP campground. The site is suitable for self-contained camping, and there is water on-site and it's dog friendly. With the beach directly across the road, it's a magic place to stop overnight. There are only 9 beach front sites, so visitors must book ahead to stay at this popular camping ground.
Rays Rest Reserve - Kaiaua
Rays Rest Reserve is off the East Coast Road, approximately 4 km south of the Kaiaua township and is adjacent to the Firth of Thames. Camping is restricted to self-contained vehicles holding and displaying current certification. Visitors may stay for up to two nights, and power is not available. The area is spacious and allocation is on a first come, first served basis. Freedom camping is prohibited on the southern and northern part of the Reserve, including the beach. Standard rules apply, take rubbish with you, dispose of grey water in designated dumpstations, and obey signage. The wetland environment is home to thousands of migratory birds, and is a magical area to explore.
Award winning Miranda Holiday Park offers a choice of first class self-catering accommodation to suit all budgets and needs. Superior Qualmark rated 4 star plus holiday accommodation and campervan park in beautifully landscaped surroundings.
Situated on the scenic Auckland / Coromandel Pacific Coast Highway, it’s an oasis with hot mineral pool on-site and offers a great get away for the whole family. Guests can enjoy high standard communal facilities, kitchen, laundry, lounge, TV room, Internet, BBQs, children's playground, tennis court, trampoline, petanque, outdoor table tennis, trikes and bikes for hire, cycling and walking trail, BMX track and recreation field.
Although the Park doesn't allow dogs or other pets in units or main accommodation areas, they do have 11 fenced and gated Pet Sites. These are ideal for Campervans and Tenters travelling with their Pets. There’s an exercise paddock provided too. All of the new pet-friendly sites are suitable for a large van with awning, or as a large tent site, and all have power and water.
Where else can I park my motorhome along Section A of the Hauraki Rail Trail?
Freedom Camping sites are available across the Trail Network within the three District Councils.
Hauraki District Council
Hauraki Rail Trail Terminus, Kaiaua
The Hauraki Rail Trail terminus is on East Coast Road, just north of the Kaiaua township. Freedom camping is restricted to designated carparks. Power is not available.
Thames Coromandel District Council
Danby Field carpark and entrance, Thames
Queen Street
Rhodes Park Reserve, Thames, 449 Ngati Maru Highway, SH25
Brown Street from Walter Street to Thames Squash Club, Thames.
Restricted Sites for Freedom Camping in the area
Freedom camping sites are available for a maximum one-night or two-night stay in any calendar month, as indicated by the onsite signage. Please adhere to these limits so that many people have a chance to camp. Check the signs for other special conditions, too.
Rays Rest, Kaiaua - The reserve is off East Coast Road, approximately 4.5 km south of Kaiaua township and adjacent to the Firth of Thames. Camping is restricted to self-contained vehicles holding and displaying current NZS 5465:2001 certification, maximum two-night stay in any one calendar month. Power is NOT available.
Our Top 5 Things to See & Do
1 Pūkorokoro-Miranda Shorebird centre / Bird hides - learn about the area’s precious birdlife and view the Shorebirds up close.
2 Miranda Farm Shop, Café and Gallery - stop at the café, and enjoy one of the regular exhibitions of New Zealand print makers, painters, ceramicists and sculptors.
3 Stop off at the Bugger Cafe - just 50 metres from the Pipiroa Bridge, this quirky cafe makes for an easy stop on your journey. Food is fresh, seasonal and local wherever possible.
4 Historic Kopu Bridge - the last remaining operational swing span bridge in New Zealand. The bridge occasionally opens for walkers and cyclists, offering a great opportunity to experience our industrial heritage.
5 Community Arts Trail - as you approach the town centre, stop and enjoy the many sculptures. along the community’s Arts Trail. Amongst the new artworks is a giant Jandal, and a six metre tall toy train.