WAIKITE VALLEY ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Site 27: A Quiet Gravel Perch Overlooking the Waikite Valley Thermal Reserve
A non‑powered 6 m × 4 m gravel site for small caravans or medium campervans with included access to six public geothermal pools; this guide compiles the practical details and on‑site rules.
Site 27: A Quiet Gravel Perch Overlooking the Waikite Valley Thermal Reserve.
Set at the edge of the Waikite Valley Thermal Reserve, Site 27 is a compact, non‑powered gravel pitch—6 m long by 4 m wide—intended for a small caravan or a medium campervan. It sits at the end of the campground, often one of the quietest sites, and offers direct access to the complex’s six public geothermal pools for a short stay in a thermal landscape.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Small, Non‑Powered Pitch with a View
Site 27 is a gravel spot sized 6 m × 4 m, suitable for a small caravan or a medium campervan. On arrival caravan users must detach the tow vehicle and park it in the specified area; the pitch is located at the end of the campground and is frequently one of the quietest sites.
Six Public Geothermal Pools Included
Your camping fee includes use of the site’s six public geothermal pools. The pools are close to the campground and have evening drain and closure times to note.
Basic Services Close At Hand
Facilities are approximately 100 m from the site and include reception, a cafe, coin‑operated washers and dryers, a drying shed and purchaseable Wi‑Fi; there is no dump station on site (closest is Rotorua).
What the day feels like
What the Stay Feels Like
Arrival typically involves parking or detaching a tow vehicle and settling onto the compact gravel pad; the site’s position at the campground’s end lends a measured calm. A short walk leads to the thermal pools and facilities—days are spent between your van and the public pools, evenings governed by the pools’ scheduled drain and closure times.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from Site 27—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Stays are bookable online for 1 to 4 days. Check‑in is at 2:00 pm unless an early check‑in is purchased; check‑out is at 11:00 am. Reception hours run 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, and pools begin to drain at 7:15 pm and close at 8:00 pm.
Bring appropriate swimwear (required for public bathing) and any laundry coins (dryers $2 coins; washers and dryers $4). Soap powder is available at reception. Expect limited cellphone reception; Wi‑Fi is available for purchase.
Facilities are roughly 100 m from Site 27 and include a cafe and reception. There is no dump station on site—the nearest is in Rotorua—and a drying shed is located near site 12.
No drones are permitted. Pets are not allowed during public holidays (long weekends) or peak season (1 December–31 January). Smoking and vaping are prohibited within the campground; smoking is permitted on the main driveway only.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I stay at Site 27?
Stays are bookable online for 1 to 4 days.
Does Site 27 have electrical hookups?
No—Site 27 is non‑powered (no electricity).
Are the geothermal pools included with camping?
Yes—use of the six public pools is included in your camping fee. Pools begin to drain at 7:15 pm and close at 8:00 pm.
What are the check‑in and check‑out times?
Standard check‑in is 2:00 pm unless you purchase an early check‑in when booking; check‑out is 11:00 am. Reception is open 10:00 am to 7:30 pm.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted during public holidays (long weekends) or during peak season (1 December–31 January).
Is there a dump station on site?
No—there is no dump station on site; the closest dump station is in Rotorua.