Tucked away at the end of unsealed Ball Road, just north of Pātea in South Taranaki, this lakeside campsite sits on the shores of New Zealand's longest manmade lake. The gravel access road down to the site is rough and not the easiest to drive, but the atmosphere of this special place is well worth the effort. It's a favourite for boaties, kayakers and jetskiers, with a handy boat ramp making water activities easy, plus excellent bushwalks for those who'd rather stay on land. Facilities include toilets and hot showers, and the unpowered sites are affordable. It's first in, first served with no bookings necessary, though level ground for tents is limited and the area isn't huge, so arrive early if it's busy. Dogs are okay under control at all times. Be aware there's no cell reception here, and the nearest shop is around 35 minutes away, so come prepared. A great spot for a day trip or a relaxed weekend by the water.