Portobello Village Tourist Park

Happy Camping Review

A 20 minute drive along a winding coastal road east of Dunedin brings you to the sleepy village of Portobello. Portobello Village Tourist Park is a small, friendly camp well positioned to take advantage of Portobello's activities.

Portobello Village Tourist Park is a Kiwi Holiday Parks member site, and has been run for 17 years by Sherryl and Kevin Charles. The site is located on Hereweka Street, a quiet cul-de-sac on the right as you arrive in Portobello, and has 23 powered sites and 27 non-powered sites, as well as some cabins.

The village of Portobello is quite sedate, with a small hotel / bar, restaurant, coffee shop, craft shop and local store making up the bulk of it. Further up from the restaurant is a museum, and a short way along the road around Latham Bay is a popular aquarium. The area has many walks to try, and it's worth asking at the office for a map and advice on what to see in the area. While not marked on the map, Hereweka Street itself leads onto a pleasant walk towards Hooper's Inlet. Dick Road also leads to a good walk around Okia Flat.

Portobello is also located within a short drive of a golf course, the stunning Lanarch Castle, and Tairoa Head, where albatrosses can be seen. A visit to Penguin Beach near the Head is also recommended.

The camp site itself is split into three sections. In front of the office is a double row of powered sites, and on a level above the cabins are positioned next to some more powered sites. The unpowered sites for tents are separated from the powered site, and tucked away from the main vehicles.

The office and facilities are located in the centre of the site, and contain a kitchen, toilets, showers, and a small computer room with paid internet access. There is no wireless internet as yet, though it should be on it's way sometime. The kitchen contains a seating area with some outdoor-style tables and chairs, and a TV on top of the fridge, electric stoves and 3 good sinks. Some implements are provided, along with a kettle and microwave. The toilet facilities, while being quite vintage, are well maintained and reasonable, and include access for people with disabilities. There is also a free covered BBQ pavillion and children's play area.

Powered sites are in two straight lines, with a patch of grass and several picnic tables separating each. As the park is separated into sections, this makes it feel smaller and less crowded.

Overall, it's a pleasant site, though the quietness of the village may not appeal to everyone.

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