🌟 McLaren Falls Park Camping ⛺️ | Glowworms & Autumn Magic!
🍁 Why Go Now? This is the PERFECT season to visit! The park is a stunning mix of emerald greens and fiery autumn leaves—absolute photo heaven 📸. Even in rain (like my last trip), the waterfalls are epic. 🚗 Road Trip Details: Auckland → Matamata: 2 hrs (cute Hobbiton town!) Matamata → McLaren Falls Park: 30 mins more Winter hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (arrive before 5:30 PM to park!) ⛺️ Camping Tips: Book online ($25 NZD): Choose sites with water access/showers. Glowworm Hunt: After dinner (~7:30 PM), drive to McLaren’s Falls Waterfall Loop and walk 300m along the creek. Look left—a wall of glowworms ✨ lights up! (Even better than Waitomo Cave—no glass barriers!) Bundle up! May nights are chilly—hats & layers are a must. ☕ Next Morning: Grab coffee at the hillside café in the park. Drive to Matamata for Sofra Restaurant’s legendary lamb (Auckland’s got NOTHING on this! 🍖). Bonus: Snap pics at the nearby Hobbit hut (free mini photo-op!). #AucklandWeekends #NZCamping #GlowwormMagic #TaurangaTravel #MatamataEats #WinterCamping #NorthIslandAdventures #NZMustSee #WaitomoAlternative #CampfireVibes