Amy
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Mossburn ▷
Mossburn Country Park
5.0/5
One of the best campgrounds we’ve had in NZ so far!
It’s about 500m from the highway, so no sounds of cars passing by. Clean and enough showers and toilets, small cabins to read inside in case of bad weather, big spots. Payed $36 for 1 night 2 adults non-powered. Was a pleasant place to stay, and a great place to watch the stars at night.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
White Horse Hill Campground
3.0/5
Yes, the site is beautiful and close to all the main tracks, but it also means that it is EXTREMELY crowded (>100 Campervans, >50 tents).
It’s basically a big parking lot with some humpy grass with many stones in the middle and around. Toilets are relatively clean, but there can be a wait. It felt a bit like a festival, including the music, musquitos and crowds.
In daytime there are many ducks walking around the airing for you to feed them (please dont), at night Kea’s are present. Although beautiful to see, they make a lot of noise throughout the whole night and they are quite aggressive (poked a hole in our tent, although we didn’t have food in it).
Drinking water available. In case of good weather you’re able to see the stars at night :)
In conclusion, an ok spot for a night to access the hikes, but expect crowds. Best time to arrive is probably the end of the morning, when campervans are leaving.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Manapouri ▷
Manapouri Motels and Holiday Park
4.0/5
Ended up here after Possum’s didn’t have any vacancies left (hung a paper on the porch that sad “Don’t come in and ask!”).
Loads of space for your tent, terrain is beautiful with many oldtimers, trees and plenty of picknick tables. Had a beautiful spot with views of the mountains out of our tent. Didn’t hear the road too much. Owner was very friendly and helpful. Showers are free and work, kitchen is a bit dirty and outdated.
This was the first night in ages I wasn’t attacked by sandflies! :) The beach with a great view on the mountains is within a 5 min walk, nice cafe closeby.
In conclusion, it isn’t a top10 campground, but it is a place with character with plenty of privacy and a beautiful environment.
Payed $42 for one night 2 adults non-powered