Pitched at the southern end of freshwater Lake Tutira, this is a big, grassy lakeside campground that folks tend to come back to. Non-powered tent sites, non-flush long-drops that campers reckon are kept clean, and a tap with untreated water, so boil it before you drink it.

The lake's good for fishing, swimming, kayaking and sailing, and there's plenty of birdlife about, native ducks and swans included. Walking trails lead off from the camp, from quick 20-minute strolls up to four-hour outings. The climb to Table Mountain Trig is worth the effort, with views across the inland Kaweka, the Maungaharuru Range and out to the coast.

The surrounding hill country really comes alive in autumn. It's a large site but fills up over summer, so plan ahead if you're coming at peak time. Bring some coins too, as there's a nightly fee to camp here.