Clifton Motor Camp

Clifton Motor Camp is the ultimate “end of the road” destination and the strategic jumping-off point for Cape Kidnappers. If you are planning to tackle the famous walk to the Gannet Colony or catch the tractor tour, staying here puts you right at the start line, saving you the 25-minute commute from Hastings. This is a classic, no-frills Kiwi motor camp—don’t expect heated pools or jumping pillows; it’s about the location and the vibe. The sites are grassy and generally flat, catering to everything from tents to large caravans. The beach here is stony (bring reef shoes for the kids), but safe for swimming. The absolute “Dad hack” for this site is Hygge at Clifton Bay, the cafe located literally next door. It serves exceptional coffee and food, meaning you can skip the camp kitchen entirely for breakfast and score some serious brownie points with the partner. For those who want the location without the hassle of pitching a tent, they offer decent glamping tents that bridge the gap between roughing it and comfort. Pet-friendly (check restrictions during peak), but keep them away from the bird life.