Camp Waipu Cove

There's many a personal definition of ‘camping'. For some, it's the bare necessities – a tent, a sleeping bag, a mattress if you must, a can of baked beans and a torch. Some prefer a two-room tent with self-inflating air bed, beer fridge and fairy lights. The rest are more cabin people – give them a roof and running water thank you very much. Regardless of what camping means to you, it's catered for at Camp Waipu Cove. Unpowered sites, check. Powered, check. Bunk rooms, check. Two-bedroom cottage with king size bed? Yes please.

Once the style of accommodation has been selected, the rest is even easier. The beach is just over the dunes and is perfect for swimming, surfing, walking and napping on. There are cooking facilities, but also takeaways and The Cove restaurant nearby, and if the weather packs up (entirely possible, even in the ‘winterless North'), there's WiFi and a TV room with SKY available. The showers are 50c so start saving coins. As with most holiday parks around the country, summer bookings need to be made far in advance. 869 Cove Road, Waipu. (09) 432 0410, campwaipucove.co.nz