Sarah Woolley
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve
5.0/5
Brilliant camp.
Perfect for families and anyone else who can embrace a big community.
We were parked in Green Zone D13 in an RV in early March for a one night stay. It doesn’t look it on the map: but this is plenty close to the beach. It’s a few seconds away and everyone has space on this big site. We never felt like we were in a parking lot because the grounds are well kept with views of the sea and the hills.
This camp attracted a lot of Kiwis and folks who’ve been driving caravans and campervans for decades. It was lovely to see so many old vehicles with net curtains and such. A real friendly and chatty crowd.
Toilets and showers: clean. Powerful showers on a six minute timer but at no extra $.
There was some toilet paper on the floor and one toilet had poop on the seat but I think this is an unlucky encounter with thoughtless campers, not a reflection of the site.
Order your food early if you want dinner, the bar kitchen gets a backlog and the staff are working so hard there. Ditto at reception. Those guys were so helpful.
This is a fantastic location and it’s impressive that a big camp can have so much heart.
Highlights:
- The orange fridge that it actually a library
- Spotless kitchen
- Signs reminding you that you can ask staff for utensils, straighteners etc
- Lots of cute ducks! If you feed them be prepared for a swarm….
- Somehow bug free!!
I had a super time watching the sun go down with the sound of the live band playing Fleetwood Mac in the background.
Thank you!
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Barnett Street Carpark, Wellington
4.5/5
There are only 8-10 designated motorhome spots but there were 25+ motorhomed parked up without any issue.
No spaces when we first rocked up but we tried a few times and came up lucky. It’s a basic car park so you’re coming for the location and we got cosy in our RV for a one night stay. Right near the museum, close to the ferry, and a quick walk to Cuba Street. Our mark reflects the convenience of the location before or after a ferry / proximity to downtown Wellington.
Noise and passing traffic was not an issue for us. Things had quietened down by 11:30 and got started around 6am. Park further from the road if you can’t do noise or take ear plugs. Wind is a bigger issue if you’re further away but is no bother in a hefty vehicle.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Manapouri ▷
Possum Lodge Motel and Holiday Park
3.5/5
A lovely atmosphere.
Terrific host and a quiet and cosy camp. Old school vibes here and there was a younger crowd during our one-night stay in an RV.
Lovely to see people using the tables outside to journal and it’s a social space.
The toilets and showers are basic, not very roomy, but they do the job. The women’s showers had wet bath towel matts that may have been left by campers because they weren’t in the men’s. The toilets were very clean but had a wet hand towel so I used my own.
This was ideally located for our tour of Doubtful Sound the following morning and I would strongly recommend it to backpackers and campers looking to make friends.
Small camps like this are not for everyone and are less suited to people who prefer a lot of privacy and space (smoke from a cabin camp fire did warrant us closing the windows). Families might want more space but we were happy enough for a one nighter.
Thank you for a great stay!
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Havelock ▷
Smiths Farm Holiday Park
5.0/5
FLAWLESS.
We stayed one night in an RV and would have loved to have stayed on. Got a warm welcome and warm muffins, along with animal feed for the sheep and goat.
Toilets / shower: so clean and secure. Holiday park standard and they withstood a visiting school.
Laundry: clothes came out great.
I recommend the walk to the waterfall in your hiking boots. It will be a bit slippery if wet and there’s a rope to help you uphill on the final stretch but I managed it as a complete beginner.
This was a real highlight on our road trip of the north and south. A cosy but spacious site that offers up the beauty of this land.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Beach Road, Kakapotahi
5.0/5
MAGICAL.
One-night stay in an RV. Level ground. Four or so other campers and so quiet. Take bug spray for sand flies and watch a sunset like no other hitting the views of Mt Cook and the alps in the distance. We had a BBQ during the magic hour and had a walk along a pristine beach. Please keep it that way, this is a very special place. Very romantic and peaceful.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Kawhia ▷
Kawhia Camping Ground
5.0/5
HEAVEN.
One night in an RV and such a warm welcome, with free spades to borrow for the hot water beach (an absolute must.)
The beach is a short and scenic drive away. Low tide was 4am so we got to the beach around 5:30am which was plenty of time to enjoy the hot water before the tide crept in. We had the entire beach to ourselves in late Feb.
Toilets and showers: very clean, old school concrete with a long drain. Hot and powerful.
Atmosphere: warm and friendly. Enough space for privacy but a cosy site full of old school Kiwi campers giving this spot their seal of approval.
The drive: we drove up late during a dramatic sunset and left in the morning with stunning views all around us.
We’ve camped all over the north and south and this camp is definitely in my top five. Thank you!
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Russell ▷
Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park
5.0/5
Worth paying for the elevated pitch.
We had a beautiful view of the bay, perfectly level, with water, power and a dump site next to the pitch. This was our first camp on a roadie and it still stands out for its beauty. Showers have a timer and are roomy and clean. Same with the toilets.
A really safe area and I highly recommend exploring Russell and doing a tour of the bay. Food is great anywhere you go. Didn’t notice any bug life but we saw a kiwi (!) and plenty of quakers. This is a fantastic choice for families or anyone looking for a more luxurious stay. Can’t speak to the quality of the sites lower down.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Whanganui ▷
Lakelands Holiday Park
5.0/5
Peaceful and so full of character.
We did a one nighter in an RV. Our hosts went above and beyond for us during a rare power outage. They got us back in business so quickly and offered use of their personal dryer when our laundry was cut short. Genuine, warm people who care so much about the area.
Land: pristine lake views on what used to be Scouting grounds.
Toilets and showers: roomy, and very clean.
Laundry: everything you need.
Cabins: clean, cosy, and welcoming.
Pitch sites: level and dry with easy access to water and power.
Be sure to take a tour of the grounds and hang out in the communal areas.
Thank you for a perfect stay.