Katy
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
4.5/5
Our favourite spot yet!
Absolutely beautiful views of the lake and lovely being nestled in among the pines. There is a whole long stretch after the viewpoint turnoff that you can camp at. We did go explore to see if there was a toilet as one review said there was but we couldn’t see it and we drove all the way up to the power lines. So be prepared to use your self contained toilet! We found a loo the next morning a 5/10 min drive on the south side of the lake at the visitor centre, but too far to use over night without risking loosing your spot. Space wise it was quite busy with campers on a little open lip out onto the lake (which is where Rankers marks the site on the map) but we parked up with some others at about half way between there and the turnoff as we’d heard it could get windy so wanted shelter from the trees. Completely picturesque and so nice and quiet, and seems self contained camping is allowed along that whole stretch though there weren’t any signs. Note: the water from the lake laps quite a lot, from inside our van it sounded like someone walking around our van! So it spooked us at first but it’s just the lovely lake. Stay here if you can.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Methven ▷
Methven Camping Ground
4.5/5
This was a brilliant place, great value for all the facilities and the owners so friendly and helpful.
Great hot showers, (50c for a plenty of time) sparkling clean, big kitchen with everything you need and a fun games room. Stayed early April and got there early so wasn’t too busy but they get busy in ski season I gather. Very near the town and a great base for walks up Haketere way. Oh, and a gorgeous Labrador puppy in the grounds plus two fluffy cats we spotted.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
Akaroa Freedom Camping Area
4.5/5
Great spot, really picturesque near the water, cute stream with ducks and plenty of stars out at night.
But a busy spot. And warning, *don’t confuse this spot for the daytime-only parking right next to it*: we almost got caught out when we pulled up for the night in the *day parking only car park as there were loads of other campers there. Foolish of us as there are plenty of signs saying no camping (was our first night). Only twigged later. Overnight camping is the smaller campsight the other side of the footbridge from the public toilets near the road. Once in it was a great spot. morning and evening patrols here.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Ashburton ▷
Bowyers Stream Scenic Reserve
4.5/5
Gorgeous little spot, under pretty pines and by a stream.
Bins and a (smelly) long drop with no sinks. Close to the road but not too noisy. a few other campers when we arrived at 4pm and a few more came but space for everyone. Probably 8 or 9 of us so could have for more. Worth heading past the loos to get a spot by the stream with mountain view. Loved it here.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Fairlie ▷
Lake Opuha
5.0/5
Stunning spot!
As the other reviewers say - nice enough flush loos and a fair bit of space. Pretty popular so worth arriving while light for a space and for sunset on the beautiful mountain views. If it’s clear, stay out for the stars - really bright and we saw shooting stars. Great alternative to busy/expensive Tekapo