The Campground

Motutara Farm is a 75 hectare  farm,  owned by Bruce and Helen Barron and has been in the Barron Family since 1915.

The camping is along two beautiful Pohutukawa fringed beaches, Kings Beach and Barrons Beach.

The camping area is extensive, spacious and picturesque with  the layout of the camping ground being quite unique.   The camp is divided into distinct areas.  

You will be spoiled for choice here; take your pick, sea view, green valley or beachside.  Many sites are hewn from the hillside where you will be quite a distance from your neighbour.

Kings Cliff is about peace and quiet; just the hiss of the surf on the beach below your tent and the breeze in the Pohutukawa trees interrupts your solitude.

Pitch a tent on Barrons Cliff and have a view to die for, out along Barrons Beach and over the expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the Poor Knights Islands. Barrons Valley gives shelter from the weather.

Relax in the shade of Pohutukawa trees and dream of the next fishing expedition or wax the board ready for the surf. Kings Riverside, Kings Valley and Kings Bayou are large areas, great camping space for the young family or the larger group. You have the best of both worlds, a short distance to Kings Ocean Beach sand and surf or the quiet, safe swimming of Kings Riverside Beach, there is also plenty of room for that game of cricket and for dad to park the boat.

Camp Fees

Charges are $ 20.00 per adult and $ 10.00 per child (5 to 14 years inclusive) per night Under 5 yr olds are free. A Minimum site fee of $40.00 per night applies between Boxing day and the Waitangi day holiday to sites occupied by less than 2 adults. We accept payment by cash, eftpos or visa/mastercard

Facilities

You’ll need to be self-sufficient as there are just cold water showers (bring your solar shower bag) and excellent drinking water. Numerous taps are dotted around. There is no power or cooking facilities (bring your BBQ or gas cooker). No fires are allowed, use gas only. There are numerous shower cubicles and pit toilets located in many areas.

Local Shop

General Store : Located in Whananaki either 5 mins by car or a nice 30 minute walk. You’ll find a general store for basic supplies including fresh bread, milk and newspaper. They also do real coffees. Takeaways : A takeaway bar is there for hamburgers, chips, fish and milk shakes. EFTPOS available.

Petrol/Diesel

Unfortunately the general store no longer pumps fuel. The nearest fuel station is the BP Whakapara out on the main road, just north of the main road turn-off, about 26kms from the campground. That’s about 30 mins driving so keep an eye on your tank. The address is 1675 Main North Road

Whananaki Library

A very good library for summer reading supplies.

Boating

Boat launching at the estuary is good with ample parking. Watch the tides as there may not be enough depth for a runabout at dead low tide. There is a specific channel to negotiate in and out of the estuary, especially around the marker at Seagull Island and near the beach at Kings Riverside. Carefully study the route posted clearly on the boat ramp sign or better still, ask a local or someone who has done it a few times. The first couple of times can be tricky when there’s a tidal flow.

Kids Playground

There’s a full playground at the Whananaki school to keep the kids happy!

Dogs

This camp is a working farm so please leave your dog at home.