Rissa W
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Russell ▷
Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite
4.5/5
Bit of a drive to get to, but worth it.
Nice safe protected beach, ideal for families with small children. The campground was right on the beach, had recently updated facilities (cold showers only). Planned to stay only 1 night, ended up being there for 3. Campground manager is friendly & helpful, kept us well informed when NZ was under tsunami watch after the Japan earthquake. The walks in the area are good also, and looks like a good spot for fishing and kayaking. Love to return and spend a week there.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Turangi ▷
Tokaanu Thermal Pools
5.0/5
One of my favourite places to visit when I'm in the area.
Can't beat a soak in the mineral pool after a day on the skifields or after walking the Tongariro Crossing! Much better value for money than the thermal parks in Taupo.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Whakatane ▷
Awakeri Hot Springs
4.5/5
As thermal parks go, this one is fairly average, but as a campground, we found it very good.
All sites are level and grassy, and the communal kitchen, showers & toilets, while basic, were clean. On top of that, campers can make the most of the warm thermal pool. Good for families, lots of space and a good playground for the kids too.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Marton ▷
Vinegar Hill Reserve
3.5/5
Lovely spot by the river, heaps of room to spread out.
There is a very tired amenities block at one end, and a newer one at the other. Disappointed that so many other users had left their rubbish behind - please please PLEASE be responsible and take it with you! - this is why freedom campers get a bad reputation! Otherwise lovely reserve - keep an eye out for the apple trees and olives in season!
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Spa Park
4.5/5
Great place to relax and soak in the open air, and can't beat the location right on the banks of the mighty Waikato.
Get changed at the toilets before you walk down to the park, as there are no facilities at the water's edge.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Mahia ▷
Morere Hot Springs
4.5/5
The walk up to the top pools through the forest (only 10min) is well worth it.
We had them all to ourselves, and it was a lovely amongst the nikau palms. bathroom and shower were clean. one of the nicer paid hot springs I've visited.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
Otamure Bay (Whananaki) Campsite
4.5/5
Awesome DOC campsite, the beach is one of the best, spent most of the time swimming or lazing in the sunshine.
Clean & recently updated facilities. Helpful and friendly manager. Would have given it a 10 if it had hot showers!
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Hipapatua / Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve Free Campsite
5.0/5
Beautiful location, right on the banks of the mighty Waikato, up from Huka Falls and close to Taupo township.
Due to its location, it can be very popular, but it is still a lovely spot. As the description warns, toilets were smelly, but clean enough to use.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Dannevirke ▷
Anzac Park
4.5/5
We had hoped to stay in Napier, but found leaving it to the last minute to find accommodation on a Saturday night had been a bad idea!
Not wanting to pay a premium, we decided to get a little bit closer to Wellington and headed to this campsite at Norsewood. Directions were accurate and despite there being no obvious signs and arriving well into the night, we had no problems finding it with the help of GPS. We shared the large grassy park with only one other campervan, and apart from the familiar rustling of hedgehogs (or were they possums...?), we had a very peaceful sleep. the amenities are limited to a small but clean toilet block and tap (water not fit for drinking). a sign in the men's helpfully suggested if there was no toilet roll there, to try the ladies! :)
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
5.0/5
It would be a crime to drive past these rock formations, regardless of the weather.
We were there when the weather was good, and the light at sunset really sets them off. In rough weather, visitors get treated to the spectacular blow holes. The park itself is well-maintained & landscaped. Entry is free, but we made a donation to the upkeep of the park.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Havelock ▷
Pelorus Bridge Campground
4.5/5
great campground with great facilities (gas burners, HOT water, good toilets).
Lots of swimming holes to choose from along the river, and some nice walks amongst the forest adjacent. Only downside was construction of new amenities block was a bit noisy. Be great when it's complete.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
White Horse Hill Campground
4.5/5
Great location with nice clean facilities, including an enclosed cooking shelter.
Great views of the mountains all around, and some good walks starting out right from the campsite - the 3hr return walk to the Hooker Glacier is a must-do for views of Aoraki. No showers, but apparently some coin-showers can be found in Mt Cook village. Good level parking for campers and some nice tent spots tucked away from the wind too. Recommend getting some fresh salmon from one the farms for dinner before you arrive!
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Twelve Mile Delta Campsite
4.0/5
Large campground that looked like it was being landscaped when we were there.
Be good to see it when it is finished. We arrived quite late in the evening (after dark) and it was a bit hard to navigate, but we awoke to beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu. Facilities are typical of basic DOC campgrounds - clean toilets & running water. Enjoy stunning views of the same lake as Queenstown, but without the Queenstown price tag!
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
Hooker Valley Track
4.5/5
Lovely walk with some great views of Mt Cook/Aoraki along the way.
mostly easy-going although there are some difficult spot, and it requires reasonable fitness to complete. Can be very hot in summer but take a warm jacket as weather can change without warning, and temperature drops as soon as the sun starts sinking low in the sky.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Albert Town Camping Ground
4.0/5
Basic campground right on the Clutha River, near where the Hawea River joins it.
You can't beat the location! Lots of trees for shade, clean & basic amenities block. Can imagine it gets very popular over summer. Great place to stay to enjoy all that Wanaka has to offer, without paying Wanaka prices!
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Cameron Flat Campsite
4.0/5
Stayed here overnight after coming over Haast Pass.
Good basic DOC campsite, facilities basic but clean. Cooking shelter came in very useful at breakfast! Unfortunately views were hidden in the misty rain.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
4.5/5
Great for those looking a bit of adventure!
start from the downstream end, make sure you have at least two waterproof torches, and don't attempt it if it has been raining recently. Dress warmly (polprops under shorts & tshirts work well) as the water is cold and it is chilly out of the sun. moderate level of fitness required (there is a narrow ladder to climb at the end).