Motorhome Camping Options - Section B
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 B?
Thames - Paeroa: 34 kms (3-4 hours)
Just four kilometres from the centre of Thames, the Park is ideally located to explore the Hauraki Rail Trail and Coromandel Peninsula. Set beside a stream, and surrounded by native bush it’s also the site of the remains of the Brown and Campbel gold processing stamper battery.
The Park has a wide range of units available, from shared backpacker bunkrooms to fully self contained units and motel units. There are also communal amenities available for guests.
Dickson Holiday Park also offers a range camping options, has a swimming pool open in summer, BBQ facilities, TV and games room for guests as well as Mini Golf and play areas for children.
Thames Coromandel District Council Freedom Camping Park - Thames
The camping ground is ideally located on Queen Street, in the vicinity of the Goldfields Shopping Mall, JollyBikes and the Thames CBD. It's an easy cycle ride to the Trail Head and The Wharf Coffee House & Bar at Shortland Wharf.
Historical Maritime Park - Paeroa
Self contained campervans and Motorhomes are welcome at the Historical Maritime Park in Paeroa, and power is available. Visitors must take all rubbish and waste away with them.
The Park was once New Zealand’s most inland port, and the Museum has significant links dating back to pre-European settlement and the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1769 aboard HMS Endeavour.
Recent upgrades have linked the Park to Wharf St in Paeroa, with a new purpose-built community jetty on the Ohinemuri River. There are three new pontoons along with a refurbished riverboat which transports visitors and their bikes from the Park along the Ohinemuri River into Paeroa.
Freedom Camping Site - Paeroa
For those wishing to use Paeroa as a base, Hauraki District Council offer a Freedom Camping spot in Marshall Street. With a supermarket and local cafes nearby, it's a convenient location from which to explore the Trail.
Where else can I park my motorhome along Section B of the Hauraki Rail Trail?
Freedom Camping sites are available across the Trail Network within the three District Councils.
Hauraki District Council
Hauraki District Council Area Office, Ngatea - The site is located behind the Council Area Office off Orchard West Road, Ngatea. Dump station plus carparks available for one overnight stay. Power is NOT available.
Hauraki District Council Area Office carpark, Paeroa - The carpark is located on Marshall Street, Paeroa. Carparks available for one overnight stay - only to be used between the hours of 6pm Friday evening and 7pm Sunday evening. Power is NOT available.
Railway Reserve, Paeroa - The site is located on Marshall Street, Paeroa. Dump station plus carparks available as per the Council signage at the site. Power is available at this site which incurs a facilities fee of $5 per vehicle per night, which must be prepaid at the Caltex service station in Belmont Road.
Dump station locations
Railway Reserve, Paeroa, at the designated freedom camping area.
Orchard West Road, Ngatea, next to the designated freedom camping area located behind the Council Area Office.
50 Victoria Street, Waihi, southern end of Victoria Street just before the bridge.
East Coast Road, Waharau, at Waharau Reserve.
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.
Our Top 5 Things to See & Do
1 Fish & Chips at The Wharf Café Bar - brunch, lunch or dinner, The Wharf is well worth a visit to fuel up or unwind with good food, a beer, wine or cold drink.
2 Thames School of Mines - one of New Zealand’s largest and best-preserved mining schools in the heart of the Hauraki gold fields.
3 The Cheese Barn Matatoki - make the most of the Cafe, cheese tastings, and the fabulous animal farm. They are also a POP (Park Over Property), for fully self-contained Motorhomes and Caravans.
4 Historical Maritime Park - once New Zealand’s most inland port. Hop on the riverboat with your bike and head to the township of Paeroa, via the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers.
5 Paeroa Antique Shops - arrive into Paeroa early enough to fossick through the many antiques and collectables shops.
More information: Destination Coromandel