Durham Lake Holiday Park is one of my top 10 campsites in New Zealand and the only place I’ll stay in Taranaki. The views alone are worth the trip!

I stumbled upon this place on a last-minute road trip to Taranaki when we needed somewhere to stay on the same day we were arriving. It blew my expectations out of the water, and the owners made my friends and I feel so welcome. 

Facilities: There are bathrooms, hot showers, laundry, and a communal kitchen. There’s a cosy on-site bar with a log fire in winter, which felt so luxurious when it was 5°C.

Cost: One night is $22 per adult for a powered site, and $20 per adult for an unpowered site. If you don't have a tent, cabins are available for $70 per night.

Location: 25 minutes from New Plymouth and 15 minutes from Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki

Personal tip: If you love photography, drive up Durham Road for the most amazing views of Taranaki Maunga. This road is much quieter than other popular photography locations around the area, but equally as beautiful.