FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you plan your holiday we’ve assembled the most common questions people ask when making a booking … if you’ve got a question which isn’t here don’t hesitate to drop us a note.

  • How far is the camp from Kaitaia?

    Its about 40kms from Kaitaia and only about 32 kms from the SH10 turn-off at Awanui. (About 25 minutes) If you pass a takeaway shop and a workshop garage on your right then you have gone about 500 metres passed the turn-off.

  • Where is the nearest supermarket?

    The nearest supermarket is in Kaitaia but there is a well stocked local store which generally has pretty competitive prices only 5km (6 minutes) further north.

  • Where is the nearest service station?

    We would suggest to fill up at the BP in Awanui (intersection of SH10 & SH1) just north of Kaitaia.  There is a petrol pump at the wharf in Pukenui, it is self service and payment is by card.

  • How far to the 90 mile beach?

    There is a road which takes you through the Aupouri forest about 500 metres further north from the Houhora Heads road turnoff.  It’s just 10kms from SH1 to the 90 mile beach. 

  • What is there in the camp kitchen?

    The camp kitchen is only small and basic and not designed for the peak period however it has what most people need - a fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave and two 2-burner gas hobs. You need to supply your own crockery, cutlery, and cooking implements. If you are staying in the cabin rooms they are all provisioned with pretty much everything you need. 

  • What is the cost?

    February 1st - December 19th

    Peak Season: December 20th - January 31st


    The cost of a standard non-powered site is $18 per adult and $9 per child(child is 2-14 yrs inclusive) 


    The standard cost of a standard powered site is $20 per adult per night  and $10  per child(child is 2-14 yrs inclusive) 


    The cost of a harbour view non-power site is $19 per adult and $9.50 per child(child is 2-14 yrs inclusive) 


    The cost of a harbour view powered site is $21 per adult and $10.50 per child(child is 2-14 yrs inclusive) 


    There is a minimum 2 adult cost per site during the peak season.  There is also an increase per site per night fee to cover the cost of additional labour and the effect of the Holidays Act.  


    We have RCD approved power leads for campers who are staying in tents but wish to have a powered site. The cost of a lead is $2.00 per night (there is a $50 refundable bond required).


    The cabin rooms come in a variety of configurations sleeping from 2 to 6 people

    The beds all have mattresses, mattress protectors, and sheets, a duvet, pillows and pillow cases. you do need to bring your own towels.

  • What does the site fee cover?

    The site fee was introduced to cover the additional costs faced by the introduction of the new Holidays Act.

  • How big are the sites?

    The minimum legal size for a camping site is 53m². Most of our sites are a minimum of 56m² and are generally 8m x 7m. However, because we have a large area we are able to be quite flexible during most of the year. Unfortunately, during the peak season and public holidays we need to be a bit stricter on ensuring that camps keep within their site boundaries. Because of the lay of the land some sites can spill over onto adjacent undulating land.

  • Do the sites have shade?

    Many, but not all the sites do have shade. If you particularly require a site with shade please contact the camp managers.

  • Are the sites flat?

    At Houhora Heads (Wagener) Holiday Park we are proud of our heritage. The area has been used for camping since the late 1800’s and we are always conscious of not spoiling the character of the camp by too much landscaping. Consequently, although the main camping areas are flat and have access to power much of the non-site specified area is undulating and have no power stands. Getting a flat site is rarely a problem except in the absolute peak period but if you are wanting to book a flat powered site for the peak period it pays to book and confirm your site early.

  • Is there an onsite shop/ takeaways?

    We have a small on-site shop that sell the basics but if you want anything more you will need to go a bit further north to the general store (about 5kms further north) which carries stocks of most day to day requirements. There are a couple of takeaways and dining places in the area and during the peak season the fishing club often opens for meals for both members and non-members on a Friday& Saturday night.

  • Is it a safe beach for children to swim?

    There are a few options for the children for swimming. The river that runs next to the camp is very safe for little ones. The harbour area directly in front of the camp is very popular and pretty safe except in the last hour of the tide when the channel deepens steeply. The adjacent 15 km beach is also very popular as a swimming spot and has both calm sheltered areas and good boggie board waves (and surf on the right days). There are several other beaches within easy driving distance. 

  • Do You get cell phone coverage?

    Cell phone coverage is not great so you have to pick your spots … during the busy season it quickly becomes obvious where the best reception is! Generally, there isn’t a problem with texts. Neither network is great (but it does seem that Vodafone may have a slight edge) and the quality of reception you get seems to depend more on the brand and model of your phone rather that the network.

  • Can I bring my dog?

    Yes we have a special area set aside for campers who want to bring dogs (aptly nicknamed Baskerville). As this is a rural area it’s important for you recognize that the Northland Regional Council require that all dogs are up to date with their immunisations etc. The Baskerville area has some excellent shade cover. Obviously, dogs with well-behaved owners are just as popular as owners of well-behaved dogs with the other campers!  Dogs must be kept on a leash and there are areas within the camp and grounds where for obvious reasons we request they do not go.  Pets are not permitted in the cabins.

  • Terms and Conditions

    CHECK-IN: Is available from 2pm on the day of arrival. Check-out is 10am on the day of departure. Early check-in and /or late check-out is by arrangement.


    AFTER HOURS ARRIVALS: If you are arrving outside of our office hours we will leave instructions for you in an envelope with your name on it in the after hours container at the reception door. We will include coins for the showers for your 1st night and this will be added to the cost of your stay. 


    TARIFFS: Prices may increase from the original quote/booking unless the quote/booking is provided within 60 days of the booked dates. Extra charges may be levied during high season or public holiday site fees.  The showers take a NZ$1 coin for operation.  This gives 6 minutes of hot water.


    CREDIT CARD / DEPOSIT GUARANTEES: To secure a booking we require your credit card details to deduct a 20% non-refundable deposit.


    CABINS: Credit card details are required for cabin reservations. Cleaning fees may apply if a cabin is left damaged or out of the ordinary cleaning is required.


    CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: Cancellations up to fourteen days before the booked date incur no extra fee other than the non-refundable applicable fee. Where a cancellation is made with less than 14 days' notice there will be a cancellation fee and the amount refunded will depend on our ability to re-let the facility. There is no refund for a cancellation made within 48 hours of the booked dates or for early termination of a booking made either before or after check-in. (this includes weather events)


    OVERDUE ACCOUNTS: All accounts are payable on arrival unless prior arrangement made. We reserve the right to charge overdue/recovery fees on all accounts not paid by due date.


    CHANGES IN RESERVATION TERM: Any change in reservation term will be treated as a new booking and additional charges may apply. Any extension to a booking is subject to availability. Earlier departure than the reserved date is unlikely to result in a refund (this includes weather events).


    CLEANING/REPLACEMENT FEES may apply if a room or any equipment you have booked/hired are damaged during your stay. NO Smoking is permitted in any cabin or camp kitchen, bathroom or dining area. 

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