Mangaweka Camping
An idyllic camp spot under the massive Papa Cliffs and alongside the beautiful Rangitikei River.
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When visitors come to Mangaweka Motorcamp and Campground for the first time, they cannot stop looking up. The outstanding Papa Clay Cliffs that stand nearly 200 m high are overwhelming. Perspective is where they place you. As for the anglers, well, they can't help but look straight ahead. The Rangitikei River, which headwaters are far north deep in the Kaimanawa Ranges, is a splender to watch and wonder.
Halfway between Taupo and Wellington is Mangaweka, the pure essesnce of the Rangitikei. Just 5 minutes drive off SH1, is a small piece of sanctuary, the Mangaweka Campground. Owned by the local council but leased out by Mangaweka residents, Paul and Tricia Eames for nearly 10 years. Paul, the landscape artist, enjoys the challenge of reshaping and building, while Tricia brings on the social charm. Together they have created a spot that is friendly and relaxing for everyone to enjoy. One thing you will not find is the commerical set up of lines and numbers.
The 3 levels at Mangaweka Motorcamp and Campground have something for everyone. The top level provides the powersites, amenities and children's play area. Amenities include coin operated hot showers, flush toilets and a shared camp kitchen. Also on the top level is a campstyle cabin with a full kitchen, 1 double bed, 3 bunk beds, a private fire pit and wood burning BBQ. There are more wood burning BBQ throughout the other levels. The middle level is quiet, away from the traffic, but not too far from the amemities. The bottom section is the river action station. Set on a loop road, many day users will pass by and join in the river action. All water supplied is safe to drink.
Mangaweka Adventure Company specialise in fun family activities on the Rangitikei River and have done since the family business started in 1981, as Rangitikei River Adventures. There have a variety of trips available from 1 hour to 4 days, taking in the spectacular Mokai Gorge and camping in remote consented DoC sites. The base for MAC resides in the Mangaweka township, under the iconic DC3 aeroplane on SH1. Now known as the Mangaweka International Airport, the site is know for its fresh cafe sporting great coffee and "World Famous Toasted Sandwiches".
The highlights of this campground is setting up below the towering Papa Clay Cliffs, enjoying the soothing sound of the Rangitikei River as it flows past, meeting new friendly people in the same relaxed frame of mind or feeling the warm sun on your face while you sit reclined in you chair.
The rates at the Mangaweka Campground are easy on the budget. The facility is serviced. The relaxed glow you get from your time in Mangaweka...priceless.
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Mangaweka Motor Camp and Campground
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Mangaweka Motor Camp is a beautiful and safe setting along the Rangitikei River for power or non-power camping and other activities. Located 1km off State Highway 1, midway point between Taupo and Wellington.
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