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4.5

Excellent

31 reviews

#3 of 5 campsites in Akaroa

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

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Property amenities

Free parking

Beach

Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)

Location

1357 Okains Bay Road Okains Bay, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7552 New Zealand

Getting there

Christchurch Intl Airport49 kmSee all flights

Car HireSee all Akaroa car hire

See all nearby hotels

Nearby attractions

Banks Peninsula

1,171 reviews

7.8 kmScenic Walking Areas

Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum

178 reviews

2.1 kmSpeciality Museums

See all nearby attractions

31Reviews1Q+A1Room tip

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Sarah Van L wrote a review Jan 2022

3 contributions

Another great holiday

Such a special place for a relaxed camping holiday. Spacious, super clean facilities, helpful friendly staff and the new barrier gate and covid restrictions meant a much quieter campground. Bliss. Thanks.

Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Michelle Wallis Hartley, General Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 29 Jan 2022

So pleased you had such a great time here! We've had so many positive comments about the installation of the new gates, they have been a big hit! So nice to see all our lovely customers, smiling and happy, enjoying everything on offer here. Our awesome beach is such a great place - it's safe for swimming and other watersports and if you're lucky you might even get to spot a dolphin out there!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Wendy D wrote a review Jan 2021

3 contributions1 helpful vote

A great camp!!

We stayed a long weekend here over a very busy time but were truly impressed with the cleanliness and management of the camp and facilities. Toilets/showers were cleaned at 5am! And 3 more times daily with the last one at around 10pm. The kitchen was immaculate! And the grounds were well mown, well planted and rubbish-free. Little mounds of new planting created nooks and crannies to camp amongst and buffered any noise from larger groups. And there was no noise between 10pm and 7am!! We came here a couple of times 20 plus years ago when our kids were very young and are a little sad we missed all those years in between...what a treasure! A great family venue...and who cares about the lack of cellphone reception?!

Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Michelle Wallis Hartley, General Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 1 Feb 2021

Thanks so much for your review. I'm pleased you came back and rediscovered our little piece of paradise! This is a great place for family and friends to get together and experience some classic kiwi camping at its best! We ae situated right on the edge of an awesome beach which is safe for swimming and other water sports. There is a lovely happy family vibe out in the camp at this time of the year. It's so nice to see so many people getting out and enjoying all we have to offer here

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ben VB wrote a review Oct 2020

1 contribution

Great Annual trip to Okains Bay

We have been coming to Okains Bay Annually on Labour weekend for the past 14 years. Labour weekend 2020 was one of the best so far. Big shout out to the managers, the place is looking amazing after having to remove the 60 year old pine trees. the new plantings are really taking off and we love how the camping areas have ben laid out. \keep up the good work and see you next year.

Date of stay: October 2020

Service

Sleep Quality

Room Tip: camp where ever you want.. no assign plots.. this is free range camping at its best

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Michelle Wallis Hartley, General Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 26 Oct 2020

Thanks for the review. I'm really pleased you like what we're doing here with our landscaping efforts. It was great to have you back again for another Labour Weekend! It was an awesome weekend with so many happy families out there getting in to the classic kiwi camping we have on offer here and enjoying the great outdoors together. Was so nice to see so many familiar faces, but we had a lot of first time campers here for the weekend too which was also great to see!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sarah wrote a review Jan 2020

1 contribution

Most amazing kiwi camping ground

This is the most amazing place to stay, our family love it. Management are super helpful, facilities are always clean and fellow campers are friendly and respectful. You can't beat this spot for swimming, walks and relaxing!

Date of stay: January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from MichelleW5761, Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 11 Feb 2020

Thanks for your review. This is a great place for families to come, relax and enjoy what nature has to offer. As you mention our beautiful beach is very safe for swimming and other water sports and we have lovely views and walks available in our area. We also have a playground, including a flying fox which is very popular with the kids. We have great customers here, which really helps to make this campground an awesome place to be.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Khidra wrote a review Jan 2020

Durban, South Africa5 contributions4 helpful votes

Unexpected Surprise

We knew the area would be beautiful but were really wowed by what this site offers! Can get some great views if space is available. Huge grounds, excellent service from staff, decent and clean ablutions and kitchen facilities really good too. Wonderful having the beach along with an estuary! No signal but actually enjoyed having a completely relaxing weekend with no phones. Will definitely be back soon :)

Date of stay: January 2020

Value

Cleanliness

Service

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from MichelleW5761, Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 18 Jan 2020

Thanks for your review, I'm so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. As you mention this campground is situated in a very beautiful part of the country. It is large and you are able to choose your own spot in which to set up your campsite. Even when we are fully booked the space available for our customers is generous. The beach and estuary is safe for swimming and we have great playground facility for children. This is a classic kiwi campground, wonderful for families to get away with their children to relax and enjoy the great outdoors!!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pip wrote a review Jan 2020

Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions

Impressive campground

Had a great stay here over the Xmas/NY period. Although the campground was fully booked there was plenty of space. Great for families or groups. Facilities are well kept and clean. No mobile service/internet-just what we all needed. Will be back :)

Date of stay: December 2019

Value

Service

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from MichelleW5761, Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 15 Jan 2020

Thanks for your review. I'm pleased you enjoyed your stay here with us. :) This is a big campground and as you said, although we were fully booked over the period you stayed with us, our numbers are kept to a level that ensures there is plenty of room for everyone. Most of our staff live in the community and they all take pride in ensuring that the camp it is kept clean and tidy and do their best to ensure its smooth operation. We also have great customers, many who return year after year, who assist us in this, so a big thank you to them too! The awesome beach right on our doorstep also helps to make this camp the special place it is! Great for relaxing, having fun with families and friends and enjoying getting back to nature!!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

H101 wrote a review May 2019

61 contributions48 helpful votes

Nice but out the way

This campground is decent value but it pretty out the way of anywhere. There's no service which isn't ideal. Showers cost $2 a pop and there's no cutlery, washing up liquid, plates or pans in the kitchen which I've never experienced before

Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from MichelleW5761, Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 3 Jun 2019

Thanks for your comments. We are out of the way, but that's part of what makes this place so special and it is only a 25 minute drive to Akaroa, the main town on the Peninsula, where you can find coffee shops, restaurants, a movie theatre, a supermarket, gift shops, a service station and a doctor. The views you get on the drive here are outstanding and once you are here you get to choose your own campsite right on the edge of a beautiful beach. At this time of the year our office is on winter hours which means we no longer have set hours but whenever the manager living in the camp house is home you are able to ring the doorbell and she will be happy to serve you or help in any way. No, we don't provide plates, pots , pans etc. but I thought this would have been quite normal in many campsites throughout New Zealand. I hope this wasn't too much of an inconvenience for you, we do have a couple of pots at the office that we lend out to campers who arrive without any.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Christine W wrote a review Mar 2019

Surrey, UK74 contributions60 helpful votes

Right in the middle of nowhere

A wonderful campsite in the middle of nowhere. Tricky to drive to with a camper or caravan, as the roads are extremely (and I mean extremely) twisty and steep - Wrynose and Hardknott pass in the UK Lake District, on steroids. Lovely quiet campsite though, out of season or avoiding weekends. No electric hook up. But other services available - waste dump, water, showers, kitchen, etc.. Lots of children at the site, having a great time playing together and on the playgrounds cobbled together around the site. Wonderful bay to swim in, right next to the campsite. Lovely warm temperatures of the water in February. Owner very friendly and accommodating.

Date of stay: February 2019

Value

Service

Sleep Quality

Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from MichelleW5761, Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 26 Mar 2019

Thanks for your comments. I'm really pleased you enjoyed your stay with us. Our roads are a little steep and windy if you're not used to them, but we actually get a lot of campervans and caravans coming in, many of them very large, who manage the trip. The views you get on the way really make it all worthwhile and our beach is beautiful and very safe for swimming and other water sports. We have a great little piece of paradise here!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Middy wrote a review Mar 2019

1 contribution

Our go-to campsite

Stayed at Okains for the fourth time as a group. This time 3 families but soon it seems we’ll be taking five families in our group. Campsite has undergone some changes with a lot of the trees chopped down which has opened up the site. Positives: easy booking, great staff and manager, amazing beach, good boogie board surfing for kids, shallow slope beach for kids (doesn’t get deep for quite a wee way, great kitchen, campsite and facilities kept very clean and maintained. Night sky is unbelievably good, Ocean sounds at night, pheasants on site, cool walk to next bay. Negatives: showers could do with a renovation/ tidy up and perhaps a few more, if there’s a southerly wind forecast by crikey it can blow & I’d probably delay trip, drive in can be testing for carsick inclined, no cellphone reception (probably a negative because visiting friends have no way of contacting or ‘at home emergencies’ unknown. A campsite wifi zone would solve this, can’t drink water unless boiled for recommended time, cave at end of beach is often soiled, permanent residents setting up & fencing large areas of site. Other feedback: Really great place to visit and stay. Would love it if there was planned activities like I’ve heard there was in the past for Easter, Christmas, school holidays... How cool would it be if there was arranged family activities, concerts, small outdoor amphitheater for try your own busking (kids, visitors, paid professionals...)…

Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from MichelleW5761, Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 6 Mar 2019

I'm so pleased that you enjoy staying with us and thanks for your comments/suggestions. It's great getting some constructive feedback like this. There is a planned upgrade to the water supply for the whole of Okains Bay currently in progress and potable water will be available for our campers at its completion - current target is the end of 2019. An internet upgrade is also planned for this area which will improve communications for our customers. There is currently a Wifi hotspot available here in the camp but it is not associated with us - you access it using your device and pay with a credit card. I will share your other thoughts and ideas with our staff members and higher management. Thanks again for your input. :)

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JobeeMom wrote a review Feb 2019

Toronto, Canada1286 contributions99 helpful votes

+1

Beautiful beach

Our driver, Keith from Tour South took us to this beautiful beach at Okains Bay during our private tour of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. It’s a small town; we hardly saw anyone as we drove by. Keith told us he used to bring his kids here for camping when they were young. There’s a big sea cave on the far end of the beach. I could see hiking trails going up to the hills. Behind the beach, separated by rows of trees, was a campground. This is definitely off the beaten path as big coaches cannot get through, and there’s limited parking space and washroom facilities to accommodate tour groups. We were so happy that Keith showed us this little gem. We had the beach all to ourselves for the whole time we were there. It’s quite an expansive beach, surrounded by rolling green hills. The sand was smooth and fine. The waters were calm. Such a peaceful place to enjoy nature.…

Date of stay: November 2018Trip type: Travelled with friends

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from MichelleW5761, Manager at Okains Bay Camping Ground

Responded 25 Feb 2019

Thanks for your comments - we really do have a beautiful spot here and a great beach! It's the perfect spot for people who enjoy getting back to nature and having an authentic kiwi camping experience!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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