Whangarei Central Holiday Park

We spent one night on an unpowered tent site. The location was great, and the staff were really helpful. The kitchen, laundry and lounge were useful, and reception lent us cookware, which we appreciated. The downside was the atmosphere: lots of long-term caravan residents, and some people seemed inconsiderate. Music from other sites played loudly from 2pm through 10pm.

The city is very close, so the location is excellent, and I’d recommend it for a short stay. I paid $19 a night for an unpowered site in early November, with free Wi-Fi. It was quiet while I was there, the connection was pretty good, and the receptionist was friendly. The toilets and kitchen were clean, with dish soap, a microwave, toaster and electric stove. There were only two small fridges, though, and the freezer was packed. The common area also smelled oily when someone was cooking. Some cooking utensils are available to share, so ask reception if you need anything.

We stayed three days with our caravan. The cleaning staff deserve top marks, everything was very clean. Washing, bathroom and kitchen facilities were good, and the city is close enough to walk or cycle to.

It felt more like a trailer park than a holiday park, with most people apparently staying long term. The price seemed high for what you get. Facilities were only somewhat clean: the women's bathrooms were fine, but the men's weren't as good. One night a dog was tied up outside and cried for over two hours. Our site was also right by the playground, about two metres from the trampoline, and families stood on our spot while watching and playing with their kids. Not our favourite stay.