Jess
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springs Junction ▷
Loch Katrine Campsite
4.0/5
Access is via gravel and off road tracks best suited for 4wd especially if it has recently rained.
About an hour of a bumpy ride with Ford's and cattlestops but so worth it ! Plenty of sheltered non powered tent areas. Tap water and long drop portacom - make sure you take toilet paper and a peg for your nose.
Lake was stunning.. cold but the kids didn't seem to mind at all.
No issues with sandflies and bugs at this time of year and weather was nice during the day.
Lake Taylor is a good option if you don't fancy the off roading.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Boyle Campsite
4.0/5
Turning into the entrance is rather dodgey but good little park up spot for campers/rooftop tents.
Definitely take extra toilet paper Incase there's none and hold your breath in the portacom long drop. The river is close and nice shallow parts for kids. Just over a 2km walk to a swing bridge on the st James walkway path will take a couple of hours with young kids but less with older ones.
Definitely need a bug zapper for inside tents or campers - tropical spray and lotion didn't stop the millions of sandflies.