Whitney
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
Kowai Pass Domain Camping Ground
4.5/5
Showed up with no reservation and it was easy to snag a spot.
Facilities are adequate and basic but lovingly looked after and decorated. The managers (couple) are onsite and very sweet. It's an open site plan but grassy and scenic, and quiet at night. Late morning there's an amusing symphony of cows and birds in the distance. Would for sure return.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
White Horse Hill Campground
4.5/5
I reserved in advanced though you don't have to.
There's a registration booth onsite but no management folks. It's a large site with varying options, most are not very private, but I car camped as a solo female and felt super safe. You can get partial privacy with a spot against the shrubs. Hiking trailheads are right there, and facilities are pretty good (didn't see showers though) and somewhat social, moreso than other camp kitchens I experienced. And you're right at the base of Mt Cook with a stunning view. Would camp here again for sure.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street ▷
Orange Sheep
4.5/5
Loved this place.
Many very private spots in shrubbery nooks, with beautiful mountain backdrop. Don't need reservations. Hot showers and bathrooms were nice, didn't see a kitchen but there are outdoor sinks for doing dishes. I got the WiFi to work fine, and some hikes and restaurants are easy walking distance. Would for sure camp here again.
Hi Whitney, it is great to hear you would stay again here. We do have two kitchens - although tucked away slightly in the native forest.
Orange Sheep
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
3.0/5
Had expected a large camp site right on the lake, but this one is across the street and vast majority of sites have no view in spite of the name.
Facilities are good, although hot water wasn't working in one kitchen for two days. WiFi is too poor to connect to on most of the property. Reception was dismissive and unhelpful when I inquired about other options after seeing how exposed the non powered sites were. Even though they fall short on the view and WiFi, they make sure to have a sign scolding you for stealing if you didn't register. Not tasteful. I stayed at 5 sites while traveling the south island and all the others were either spacious and scenic, or private with hedges. This place is more like a parking lot. I wouldn't camp there again.