NORTHLAND: BAY OF ISLANDS

Puketi Forest Reserve is situated along the Waipapa river bank and is available for Freedom Camping in self-contained vans

It's an isolated location surrounded by forest and farmland, being around 2km down a narrow gravel road when you turn off State Hiighway 1. The last 200m is so narrow that it is really only one way, especially in a large van.

There were quite a few campers there when we visited in mid January. I would expect it to be really quiet outside of the summer holiday season. 

This is an excellent choice if you really want to get away from everything, and are looking for complete peace and quiet. However, there is no mobile phone coverage, and we wouldn't feel safe parking there overnight by ourselves.