Christy
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Cambridge ▷
Moanaroa Reserve
3.5/5
Used this as in between place between Auckland and Rotorua (Hobbiton, mitai village).
No complaints, felt safe.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
KiwiCamp Tongariro
4.0/5
One of my faves, even though it was a giant car park.
Because 1) it was the pickup for multiple Tongariru shuttles (check your Jucy experiences discount btw, a shuttle may be one of them) and 2) it was attended by who I assume were other Tongariru trekkers which was heartwarming and made me feel safe. For me, safety > view. Did not use any paid amenities.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
The Store
3.0/5
The campsite is below/across the store cafe, on another road.
Not a pleasant time. There was no signal, you’re slightly sloped, and there’s no dumpsite. The store cafe view was beautiful though and laundry was helpful (coin machine I believe $2).
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Cascade Creek Campsite
3.5/5
Closest campsite to Milford sound, 45 min away still.
No signal so bring a book, download podcasts, play card games, draw, etc. at night.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Driftaway Queenstown
4.5/5
Oh my god, an amazing site.
Honestly a hotel/retreat vibes. There’s a library/tv room, game room, kitchen/dining area, patio, luxury showers. I highly recommend ending your trip here if Queenstown is your last stop.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Otaki ▷
North River Bank
3.5/5
Not the easiest to find.
Drive to Marine Parade like the other reviewer said. Heard voices at 2 or 3am, eventually was harmless but still creeped me a bit. Pretty cool view to wake up to though.
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Lowburn Harbour
4.0/5
Kinda chilly late May, maybe being by the water.
Overall felt safe, lots of space and other campers doing their own thing.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Arrowtown ▷
Crown Range Summit
3.0/5
Honestly a pretty tough drive.
Tight mountain turns (go slow, use gps to see how tight the turns get). Chilly as others have noted, no toilet. I’d go here if you plan to pass through anyway, from Wanaka to Queenstown or vice versa, and if you’re an experienced driver. The view down was nice.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
All Seasons Holiday Park
4.0/5
Nice staff and great showers.
Cute dinosaur theme.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
3.5/5
Pricey but if you want an indoor kitchen (for example, when it’s rainy out)/community feel, this is the place.
There were also campsite kitties! Saw them at brekkie. I also appreciated how there were many trash/recycling bins available. Oh and a dump site.