WAIKATO: SOUTH-WAIKATO

Whakamaru Lake Reserve is a huge reserve on the shores of Lake Whakamaru. Surrounded by forest, it is stunningly beautiful and sheltered.

We visited on a beautiful clear morning in late autumn. There were still campers there, enjoying the forest environment overlooking the lake created from the Waikato river when the Whakamaru hydro dam was built.

This would be a great location in the summer time. It takes the sun a bit longer to come up in the autumn, and could be cold and miserable in bad weather. 

There is plenty of room for motorhomes and caravans of all sizes. There are clean toilets, and strategically placed rubbish bins.

Self-contained caravans and campervans can stay the first two nights free then a camping permit is required for a longer stay. Camping in tents and vehicles requires a camping permit. This can be purchased from the South Waikato District Council offices or the district’s Information Centres. Click here for full details on the council website.