Clothes-optional Locations

I recently took the opportunity to visit what used to be BOP Sun Club, now known as BOP Sun Camp, just out of Matata in the Bay of Plenty. When the former BOP Sun Club found itself without enough members to continue its tenure of the land the lease of the site became available and its new leaseholders, Gerry and Vicki took over with the plan to rejuvenate the site, and have transitioned it into a camp to continue to provide a place for genuine naturists to visit. It operates somewhere between a club with it’s very strict naturist expectations and a park where you don’t have to be a member to visit. Currently admission is off-season and is $15 for a day visit (10am-4pm), overnight is $20 each ($40 couple)+ $5 power (subject to change). As in the manner of a club, admission is only at Gerry and Vicki’s discretion, and you need to make contact in advance and have some good naturist credentials or know someone they trust. For all the best reasons they keep good tabs on who is there and when, and you will need to book your visit in advance, no turning up unannounced like you can at KNP. All vehicles need to have relevant certification valid too. It is a comfortable and enjoyable 1.5 hour drive from where we live at Waihi Beach, and about 25 minutes out of Whakatane which is great for shopping and eating out options. Though this is primarily a naturist park, Gerry and Vicki have taken a clothing optional approach, nice for those of us who have shyer partners, even togs are an option in the spa and pool, and there are protocols in place for those who would rather not share the shower with others. They usually have a happy hour in the afternoon, and there is a firepit and other games for your entertainment and use. Be warned that Gerry and Vicki are very active in keeping the good vibe of the place and won’t hesitate to eject those who come with wrong intentions.

The former BOP sun club had used the site for over five decades, and no doubt many of you have visited or been involved in the club so please feel free to add more info in the comments. Over the years the facilities have evolved to provide the members with various ways to enjoy the site. It has a fantastic position at the base of a bush clad hill with a stream wandering down one boundary, and both of these natural attributes are quite accessible to able bodies and private enough to enjoy in the natural. There are powered camping sites bordering the flatter sections of the undulating site, and are available for both short term holidaying and longer term semi-permanent and permanent tenancy by arrangement.

What about the facilities you ask? As I mentioned already the facilities have evolved over time as the club grew and prospered. They reflect the times and nature of a casual club and are homely and adequate. The former clubhouse has a kitchen, a covered veranda with bar leaners, a unisex bathroom (shared shower space but they have an “occupied” sign to use if you prefer a private shower) and a lounge with pool table, TV and entertainment centre and a fireplace for the cooler seasons. This opens onto a sunny grassed common area, and the covered spa area is close by. There are some open-air hot showers to the side which I loved. These areas are all very conducive to naturist living, sheltered and warm and sociable. There is a pool too, for the warmer months or polar plunging if that’s your buzz. And for those staying the night, check out the glow-worms by the river. Overall, I loved my stay here. It doesn’t pretend to be a high-level resort, it’s just a great place to chill out naked.

So how do I personally rate it for a naturist visitor?

Naturist vibe           10/10

Value for money     10/10

Available facilities   9/10  (Sauna is in the future plans)

Friendliness             10/10

Pro’s : Accessible and open to all who share a strong naturist ethos, close to town, beautiful setting, is clothing optional for those of us with shy partners, resident glow-worms an unexpected bonus.

Not so pro : As the camp is beside the road there is some road noise.

Disclaimer: I wasn't paid or invited to write this review by anyone associated with this camp, it is entirely my own view freely offered and has been reviewed by the camp managers for privacy concerns, accuracy and content.