PHOTO: BROOK SABIN: The campground is only accessible by boat – the island provides a water taxi service if you don’t have your own.

At this time of year, many campgrounds resemble an Auckland suburb – jammed and loud.

Which is why I couldn’t believe finding an idyllic little campground on a beautiful private island – completely empty. Not a tent peg or Speedo-clad camper in sight.

Ok, so it must be crazy expensive to pitch here I assumed, or be closed. Completely wrong: it’s open, and costs $15 a night, per person.

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