Mitch
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Hamilton ▷
Porritt Stadium, Hamilton
1.5/5
Heaps of better places to stay, given that you can stay pretty much anywhere in Hamilton.
Along the river, by the lake, anywhere else with a toilet. No need to be certified self contained: just don't make/leave a mess or annoy the neighbors.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Murchison ▷
Murchison Motorhome Park
5.0/5
Lovely place, everything you need.
Friendly hosts, nearly perfect amenities, as someone else said, a shelf/rack in the shower would be nice.
Would not recommend if you are allergic to bees, there are hundreds if not thousands of them. They pretty much leave you alone, but if you knew you were allergic it would be terrifying.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
St James Homestead Camping Ground
2.5/5
It's 14km of very corrugated, winding gravel road with some very steep sections in desperate need of a once-over by a grader.
I was able to make it there in my RWD Lexus is250 but it took 45 minutes due to the corrugation, thank God for traction control too. Some beautiful views, basic facilities, vault toilet only.
Would not recommend going if road is wet or icy. Probably wouldn't attempt at all in winter unless you have 4WD, chains, and lots of experience driving in such conditions. There are two bridges on the way there with an axle limit of 1500kgs, and gross 2500kgs, so not suitable for campervans.
Zero cell reception, so tell someone your plans before going, take a locator beacon, plenty of supplies, and a first aid kit.
25 Jan 2021
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Balmoral Recreation Reserve Camping Ground
4.5/5
Very very large grassy forest area, excellent facilities, only losing a point because there are no showers - although not an issue if your doing the Hamner thermal pools, as they have showers there.
There can be quite a bit of wind at times.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
The Lodge and Holiday Park
2.5/5
Looks like they've had problems with the main structure, an no plans to reopen it so you're left with a dinky little shed with fridge etc, and a tiny little box with a shower and toilet in it.
Beautiful views though half the sites pool water in the rain, so if tenting be sure to be on an incline.