Country
New Zealand
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Family friendly
Yes
Season
Year-round
About Hawke's Bay Naturist Club
Hawke's Bay Naturist Club is a members' club whose grounds, known as Rapere, sit at the south end of Glengarry Road near Rissington, about 22 km inland from Napier and 32 km from Hastings. The club grew out of a group formed in 1962 and took over the grounds in December 1965. The 4.5-hectare property has landscaped lawns, shade trees, hills to walk and a small dam or pond for canoeing. Facilities centre on a clubhouse with a large lounge, dance floor, dining area and kitchen, warmed by a wood stove in winter, with showers, toilets, a laundry and an indoor spa pool below. Outside there is a 20-metre filtered swimming pool, a toddlers' pool and play area, an outdoor spa, mini-tennis, pétanque, volleyball and tennikoit courts and a putting course. Visitors can stay in Norm's Lodge, which sleeps up to 12, a cottage and cabin, or on powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans and campervans, while members keep cabins and caravans on the hillside. The club is family friendly and affiliated with the New Zealand Naturist Federation. Swimsuits are not worn in the pool, spa or sauna, and nudity is expected once newcomers feel comfortable.
Legal context & local rules
Nudity on private club grounds is lawful in New Zealand. The grounds are private land off a rural road.
New Zealand has no specific law prohibiting public nudity on beaches; however, individuals can be prosecuted under the Summary Offences Act 1981, Section 4, which criminalises "indecent exposure" when nudity is deemed obscene or indecent. The law specifies: "Every person is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $2,000 who, in or within view of any public place, intentionally and obscenely exposes any part of his person." Court decisions have generally distinguished between non-sexual social nudity and indecent exposure, with naturism increasingly recognized as legitimate.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
The entrance is at 1504 Glengarry Road, Puketapu 4182: from Napier head inland towards Rissington and, 4 km before the village, turn right into Glengarry Road for 400 m to the signposted Rapere gate. There is no public transport. Members and visitors are welcome any day, with Sunday afternoon tea in the clubhouse from 3pm; phone 027 450 0557 (9am to 8pm) before a first visit. Newcomers may visit several times before joining, and the club holds open days for people new to naturism. Fees are not published; ask the club.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
-39.4902, 176.9178
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit before joining?
Yes. Newcomers can make several visits before joining; phone the club first.
Is it family friendly?
Yes. There is a toddlers' pool, play area and children's equipment.
Do I have to be nude?
Swimsuits are not worn in the pool or spa, and nudity is expected once you are comfortable and the weather suits.
Can I stay overnight?
Yes, in Norm's Lodge (up to 12 people), a cottage or cabin, or on powered and unpowered campsites.
Is it open in winter?
Yes; the clubhouse has a wood stove and an indoor spa pool, and events run through the year.
Sources
- NZNF Go Natural: Hawke's Bay Naturist Club Official
- Hawke's Bay Naturist Club site
- Visit Wairoa: HBNC Open Day
Researched 25 October 2026 ; confirmed against an official source 25 October 2026.
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