Down on the Wairarapa coast, this campsite sits beside the Putangirua Stream, with views across Cook Strait and a pebbly beach just across the road. It's a spacious spot and a quiet base for walkers, with room to spread out even when it fills up over summer.

Facilities are simple. Non-powered tent sites, flush toilets that people reckon are kept clean, and water from the stream. Dogs are allowed. Note there are no campfires permitted here, despite the fire pits.

You're right at the bottom of the Putangirua Pinnacles walk, which is best tackled in the morning and well worth the hike. From here you can also carry on to the seal colony near Cape Palliser lighthouse. Summer sunsets from the beach are the pick of it, so it works nicely as a base or just a quiet getaway.