YP
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground
4.0/5
Great value if you're using the thermal pools (we paid ~$60 for 2 ppl on an unpowered site; admission is $25pp).
You also get to use the pools from 6am before it's open to the public, which was lovely. But camp facilities are very basic - not that many toilets / showers; no hairdryer; no crockery / utensils in the small kitchen; no dining area.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Cascade Creek Campsite
3.5/5
Price ($15pp pn) is for its location rather than facilities (long drop toilets which were very smelly).
Beautiful views. Convenient for doing the Lake Marian and Key Summit hikes too.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Mangawhai ▷
Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park
4.0/5
Off peak $50 for 2ppl on an unpowered site.
Absolutely beautiful location by the estuary - great sunrise. But facilities were just ok for that price. Hot showers cost an extra $1 for 5 mins. No crockery or utensils in the kitchen. Toilets were very clean but showers had lots of sand all over (perhaps inevitable given the location, but they could remind campers to rinse their feet using the tap just outside!)
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
White Horse Hill Campground
4.5/5
Unbeatable location, flush toilets, drinking water sinks.
But note that although the DOC website says booking is required, there is zero enforcement of this. Signs on site just ask people who arrive without bookings to find a spot and pay cash (and try to book ahead next time!). It was super packed the 2nd night we were there as it was the start of Easter weekend. So if you're planning to be there at a peak time, definitely get there at a decent hour to secure a spot.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Edwards Stream
4.0/5
Great basic freedom camping site, close to Tekapo.
Long drop toilet was clean, with plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitiser. Bring a head torch as there are no lights