GISBORNE: EAST CAPE

Pouawa Beach is a grassed area set aside for freedom camping. Because there is no time limit, it appears to be mostly used by long term campers.

The camping area was being well used when we arrived, with not a lot of room left for another van. Parking was all on grass, and the surface was quite uneven.

Talking to other campers closer to Gisborne, apparently a number of families rent their homes out over summer, and relocate to the beach for the entire summer holiday period.

While we were looking for somewhere to park for the night, we decided not to stay even though we could have found a place to squeeze in. It didn't really feel like a good location for casual visitors.