Hot Water Beach Campsite — Hotel in North Island

What can be said that hasn't already been said a million times? Get in here before it becomes a Great Walk and even the walk needs bookings. Try and stay away from weekends from mid-spring until mid-autumn. Be prepared to share the camp with boaties who pitch their tents. The walk is very special. There are warnings about not taking drinking water from streams and the lake edge. That's your personal call. When we were there there was a good flow and filtered all water, but if course the heavy metals can only be avoided by ensuring you pick up absolutely zero sediment and other particular matter. Officially, don't. In practice, your call. 14.5 km from car park to camp, and the last bit going either way is a sting in the tail with some elevation gain. Allow extra time if you have someone in your group that's not up to speed with going up while carrying a pack. The walk itself is easily in the top 5% of NZ's walks- a bucket list item. Water taxi is available if you want to only walk one way, in which case I would pick taxi in,...

We had a great stay here. Nice spot when camping during low season. Its quite popular and the sites are all very close to one another so if you like a calmer camping experience, off season is ideal. Kitchen space is provided, clean toilets and change room. There is hot water streams flowing into the lake near this site but difficult to get a cozy dip. Best to check out the hot water pools. You can get there either by boat or do an hour hike from the campsite. We found our about this spot only on our way out by water taxi. Would have loved to spend an afternoon there. The camp caretaker is so friendly and maintains the sites and hot water pools. There is cell reception a little farther out from the site if you are looking to book a water taxi...

Beautiful surroundings at hot water beach. The hot water fills small rock pools, and gushes diretly onto the beach. Steam rises all year round from the water.

The campsite is pretty simple (composting toilets and a food prep area the only amenities). Water can be taken from the lake for drinking but you will need to filter / boil / purify before using. There are no trash bins, so everything you bring you must take out.

You can hike in (15km) from the carpark, or ferry in from the ferry landing.

Bookings are essential for campsites, but the booking system is currently (Jan 2021) not working properly. There are empty campsites even though it shows full.

Jason is the camp host, and...