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Tom B
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
Otamure Bay (Whananaki) Campsite
5.0/5
Couldn’t fault this campsite, mostly because the beach it fronts onto is absolutely beautiful with clear blue waters.
The camp itself is a really good size, and the guys at the office are really good at helping you find the best places to park up for the night. Plenty of toilets, cold showers and treated water available. Made pals with a one legged duck.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Edwards Stream
3.5/5
Pretty basic but does the job, and nice and close to Lake Tekapo so you can get there early morning before all the tour buses arrive.
Toilet is a long drop with some hand sanitiser, and there’s a bench, and that’s about it for facilities. Inspector came round in the morning but as long as you’re self contained it’s not a problem. Some road noise but bearable
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Caroline Bay
4.0/5
Decent place to spend the night here - close to the town if you need any supplies, and there’s a public toilet, clean drinking water available, and you can have a shower (outside so just be aware).
Short walk to where the penguins come in - we saw 2, a really lovely experience, and who can complain when it’s free. Nice swim on the beach in the morning. Description says about 10 campers - didn’t seem to be any such restriction at the site.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Poaka Campsite
4.5/5
As mentioned in other reviews, gravel road to get to this site, and then the site itself is a bit potholed, but no major issues if you take it steady.
Couple of long drop toilets, nice view over the lake, and with an impressive mountain backdrop. Plenty of space for heaps of campers, and a short drive from Twizel if you need any supplies or fuel. One of our favourites
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Roxburgh ▷
Pinders Pond
5.0/5
One of our favourite freedom camps so far.
Road in has minor potholes but very easy to avoid. Cannot currently swim in Pinders Pond due to toxic algae, but swam in the river 2 mins away from the main parking spots. Slightly uneven ground, but a beautiful spot to park up for the night.