WELLINGTON: SOUTH WAIRARAPA

The tiny Ngawi town near the southern most tip of the North Island has a large reserve where freedom camping is allowed.

Don't be fooled by the remote location. This is a great place to visit, with the Putangirua Pinnacles on the way, or access to the Cape Palliser lighthouse just a little further around the coast.

The Cape Palliser Road is tarsealed all the way, making this a very pleasant day trip, with freedom camping right on the beach front if you decide to stay longer.

Unlike most other freedom camping areas, you can stay for up to 21 days. All that is requested is a gold coin donation for each day.

There are public toilets next to the fire station building across the road. However, we didn't see a dump station, or anywhere to fill up with water, so you should ask one of the locals if you're planning to stay for any length of time.

Dogs are not allowed in the camping area.

There are some quirky locations to stop and have a chuckle, like the small beachfront reserve with a full wheelchair accessible toilet and a display of old shoes hanging on the fence.

Or you can stop at a beach front golf course for a round of golf.

We really enjoyed our brief visit and plan to come back.