Okay, I’ve gotta say Durham Lake Holiday Park is hands down one of my favorite paid campgrounds in NZ. The owner is honestly one of the most pure and lovely people you’ll ever meet. It’s $20 per adult, which feels super reasonable for what you get. If you're about to tackle something like the Mt. Taranaki summit hike, then trust me, those clean hot showers will feel like absolute heaven on your body afterwards.

But, let’s be real, the true star of this place is the view. Waking up to a clear view of Taranaki every morning when you open your tent or campervan doors is just something special. The whole vibe of the campground is so peaceful, and the grounds are really well maintained. There’s also a swimming pool and kitchen facilities, so it covers all the basics. Plus, during my visit, the owner was working on setting up an outdoor bath, which is going to be iconic once it's done.

I don’t usually pay for campsites while traveling, but Durham Lake is definitely one I’d happily return to.