WAIKATO: MATAMATA-PIAKO

There is a large carpark behind the Matamata-Piako District Council building in Te Aroha, which has been made available for self-contained Motor Caravanners to park overnight. 

This district council, along with its sister, the Hauraki District Council, must rate as two of the most motorhome friendly councils in the country. While there is nothing special about the location, it should be quiet overnight, and is right in the centre of the town. Good for catching up on some shopping, or having a meal, or coffee out. Countdown is just a short walk away, as is the Te Aroha Hot Springs!

We stayed the previous night at the Te Aroha Holiday Park, planning to enjoy their thermal pool. Unfortunately for us, it was not in service over winter. We would have been much better off to have taken advantage of the free overnight parking, and to have walked to the hot pools, which are about 500 metres away.