BUG Review
Down a very winding road on the way to the Goat Island Marine Reserve, you’ll find this interesting place. Goat Island is not a backpackers’ in any traditional sense; it’s primarily a campsite, with a few dorm-style beds in a bunkhouse, as well as caravans and stand-alone cabins. That said, there is character and charm to the place. A big communal bonfire and tables out front are well-used and inviting. A games room/lounge inside a hangar offers a pool table, books, and a big kitchen. Views over Goat Island are awesome, and the site is just 500m away from the beach. Snorkel gear and wetsuits are available for hire, and free-range eggs are offered up by the on-site chickens.
Price Dorm bed $22-$25 Camping $12-$16 Prices are in New Zealand dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
A great place to stay , fun, friendly, the Goat Island marine reserve, 5 mins walk, is a must see., November 13, 2007
Reviewer: dazza from Christchurch, South Island, NZ
Pros:
A lack of signs ordering campers around, genuine people run this lovely camp, fantastic views, walks
Cons:
A seagull ate my lunch!!!
dazza
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(4)
Atmosphere
(5)
Althought slightly off the track, this place is worth the effort. A totally scenic drive from the turnoff on state highway 1 at Warkworth to this camp (35 mins) was rewarding with tons to see.
There is a feel that the tourist is welcome in this part of the country. I would recommend that you take a half day from Warkworh to get to the camp because there are many venues that you may wish to stop at on the way.
We found no problem with parking for our camper van at any of the places we visited. When you leave the Goat Island Camp to return to the main road , it is necessary to back track slightly to Warkworth before heading further north (because of loose metal roads for camper vans) but we found this no drama because it was all so beautiful.
The time we spent at the camp was fantastic and friendly (staff and guests).Great views from our powered site, we had some great times with other campers around the campfire at night after our time snorkelling among huge schools of the worlds friendliest fish at the nearby Goat Island Marine reserve. The reserve is apparently, NZ's longest established, a short walk from the camp. You gotta do the glass bottom boat trip!! for another look at the marine life. The clift top walk from the camp is something to do as well, with views forever out to the offshore islands.
