Reid’s Farm Recreation Reserve in Taupo

Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve is a campsite on Huka Falls Road, on the banks of the Waikato River. It’s popular due to its location just a few minutes out of Taupo.

Reid's Farm also allows both self-contained and non-self contained vehicles for a maximum stay of seven nights. Trust me, these are very welcoming regulations!

Getting to Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve

The easiest way to get to Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve is by driving north out of Taupo and looking for the large green sign pointing to ‘Huka Falls and Scenic Area’.

After turning off, follow that road and after about 1km you’ll see a small faded greeny-blueish sign on the right. There will most likely be a bunch of other freedom camping vans at Reid's Farm already which is probably an easier identifier.

Reids Farm Recreation Reserve Amenities

Aside from the long drop toilets, a picnic table and a rubbish bin, there are no other facilities at Reid's Farm. As to the state of the toilets, I haven't had any problems with them, but there have been a bunch of comments through the CamperMate app that mention the toilets being unclean. The Reid's Farm rubbish bin is often jammed pack with a mountain of rubbish from travellers. So, if you can, take your rubbish out with you.

Even though it's a little way out of town, the locals are pretty passionate about the Reid's Farm area, so when they see an area that looks a little abused they will tend to kick up a fuss.

If you get the chance, park up near the river edge. It's such a peaceful river with an awesome vibe.

If you're not so keen on a busy freedom campsite like this one and are in a self-contained campervan, you might like to try the DOC managed 5 Mile Bay instead. It's about 15 minutes from Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve, on the south side of Taupo. You can stay four nights in a calendar month. If you are ok with meeting others though, you'll like it here. It's a pretty, chilled place right on the edge of a river and close to Taupo.