Never camped before, not since you went on a Girl Guide camp, had a horror camping experience or love it and wish you could do it all the time? Read on you will be surprised this is a new way to camp and later check out the blogs on why we women do or do not camp.
Perfect Four takes care of everything for you. A large modern canvas tent is put up just before you arrive. Comfy single camp beds with foam mattress are made with quality crisp clean linen and bedding. Pillows, towels and lovely beauty products are included. Nicer than some hotels. There is even flush toilets and your own gas hot water shower 2 minute walk away, yet it is still camping. We show you the ropes when you arrive and leave you to it.
Your beach is amazing, no houses, no people, waves and white sand for miles. The 400m wide strip of DoC land runs down to and along the whole the extent of the beach, from Kauri Mountain to Ocean Beach. For a change or if it’s too rough there is safe swimming in the harbour (5 min drive) or at Ocean Beach (15min drive) which has good surf and is patrolled by lifeguards.
Mt Manaia seen in the background is a 10min drive to the start of the track. The stunning panoramic view from the top is worth the 1000 steps. Plus there is coffee and wine/beer nearby when you get back down. There are a variety of other walks.
Discover the magic of Whangarei Heads. Do as little or much as you want to do. We can also arrange trusted local providers of pampers, lessons and experiences to make your stay extra special. Give us your wish list.
The cell-phone coverage is patchy and shock there is no Wifi or hair dryer. There is solar phone charging available. And we provide lots of other nice touches like torches, yoga mats, hot water bottles and a blue tooth speaker. It really is away from it all.
The Campsite
The campsite is a 40 minutes drive from Whangarei City. You will have plenty of space and privacy. Situated on a private coastal farm the campsite is used occasionally by locals and Te Araroa trail walkers. The camp is on a working farm but you don’t need to worry about gates and cows. It is fully fenced off and boarders Department of Conservation land. On your first visit you will be met and driven into the site. Directions will be sent on confirmation of booking and payment.
Flush toilets and a gas hot water showers are a 2 minute walk from the tent.
Cooking
The campsite has all the facilities you need to self-cater. Just bring your own food and and cook meals using the gas cooker, BBQ, chilly bin and equipment provided in your private camp kitchen. You’ll find cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils. Pantry staples and a nice selection of teas and plunger coffee are provided. You bring your food and drinks.
The camp cookhouse has a gas fridge and hot-water for dishes, plus a wood-fired pizza oven. Which we can light for you on request.
There is no electricity so everything is gas or solar. The cook house (1 minute walk) has a gas fridge, pizza oven and hot-water for doing dishes.
Campfires are allowed, weather and fire bans permitting.
Linen
High thread count quality sheets are provided. Hypo-allergenic duvet and pillow, and wool blankets are supplied. Beds will be made up prior to your arrival. Towels for showering, facecloths, handtowels and tea towels are provided. Bring own beach towel.
Adventure package has no linen provided.
WHAT TO BRING
- Food and drink if you choose to self-cater
- Warm clothing in winter – especially if you want to soak up the evening stars
- Footwear suitable for walking and for inside the tent (jandals, ugg boots)
- Torch
- Raincoat
- Toiletries
- Insect repellent (non-aerosol please) & sunscreen & hat
- Beach towels
Eating and Drinking
If you feel like a meal out, we recommend the Parua Bay Tavern, New Day Cafe, or Good Food in Parua and The Deck and The Manaia Club in McLeods.
The nearest supermarket is in Whangarei, several on your way though. The Four Square and Bottle Shop in Parua shopping centre have a great selection. The nearest store for basic supplies is the Taurikura General Store, just a 5 minute drive away.
Things To Do
AT THE CAMPSITE…
- Relax and soak up the views from your tent.
- Explore the beach and ocean there is miles of it.
- Listen and look for birds – kiwi, ruru(moreporks), kaka, tui, little blue penguins, dotterels.
- Sit by the campfire at the end of the day with a glass of wine, bag of marshmallows and enjoy the stars.
IN THE LOCAL AREA…
- Walk a section of the Te Araroa walkway, Kauri Mountain to Ocean Beach, or Beam Head Peach Cove to Smugglers Cove.
- Climb Mt Manaia, walk Mt Aubrey and more
- Go snorkelling in the Reotahi Marine Reserve (or any number of places).
- Swim, SUP, windsurf or kayak in the Harbour.
- Go surfing at Ocean Beach (lessons available).
- Check out the local golf course Manganese Point and tennis courts down the end of the road in Taurikura.
- Fish off the beach or a Wharf
- Check out the excellent local art, beauty spa, yoga studio, cafes and restaurants.