Holly
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Beach Road Reserve
2.5/5
Tried to get a spot here, the 2 car spaces are not clear at location.
It is confirmed by a sign but if you come after sun goes down then it’s hard to know where to park. We came at 6pm in May and the 2 spots were taken so come early if you want to stay here. Toilets looked lovey
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Fergusson Park
3.0/5
It is not clear where you can park correctly so be careful as many people are just parking wherever in the car park.
There is a section for 2 Campervans outlined on the floor in the car park. It says it is only for 2 even though it fits 3 but I suspect you wouldn’t be able to argue this with an official. Toilets are lovely but I think they are locked when the enterance gate is locked (10pm) and opened in the morning. Extremely windy in May to the point our van was shaking the entire night and seagulls woke us up at 6am but overall, pleasant enough. Had much worse camping spots
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve
3.5/5
Lovely view of the lake, drop toilet isn’t very pleasant so avoid if possible.
Plenty of space in the car park. Must leave by 9:30am
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Bay of Islands ▷
Motukaraka Point Reserve
3.5/5
Lovely view of the lake when you wake up, peaceful, only a few runners in the morning.
Quite a few spaces to park up. Toilets were good, just no toilet seat so squatting is advised
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Fairlie ▷
Lake Opuha
3.5/5
Flat areas of the ground.
Toilets flush but no lights inside so abit scary to use at night. Good location between stops in a road trip. Empty in shoulder season. Gate was locked when we left in the morning with rope so we just let ourselves out. No lake in may though still stunning view
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Omarama ▷
Ahuriri Bridge Campsite
3.0/5
Quite big.
Most of the ground is bumpy. Quiet at night. Toilet is hole under seat and not well maintained. Avoid using if you can. Very very cold area. The stars in the sky make it worth it. A few cafes near by to use toilet and also public loo by the petrol station down the road
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Kingston ▷
Kingston Lake Camp
3.5/5
Beautiful view of lake and semi even ground.
Lots of space to park up and can enter any time. Toilets stink and are a hole under the seat so be prepared.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
North Beach Car Park
4.5/5
Very popular car park for freedom camping but lots of space a long the road, various places to park up, though this is the best space as it has clean, well lit and flushing toilets.
Even in May (shoulder season) the car park was full so come early in high season. A few odd individuals in the car park with us, not had this problem at any other free camping
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
Lumsden Information Centre
5.0/5
For a free campsite, couldn’t ask for more.
Toilets are clean and flush, with loo roll and lights and locks. It’s a car park so no uneven ground and has basic facilities like sink and tables to prepare food. Has a laundry service 50m away too and dump and refil stations. Best free site we have been. Great for if you’re on your way or returning from Milford sound
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
West End Carpark, Kaikoura
4.5/5
Really nice place to park up as it’s on the main strip of the town.
Pub near by has free WiFi too. Lovely spot on the beach next to the car park for sunrise and set. Toilets were clean, well lit and flushing. I suspect in high season it would be hard to get a spot though but if you are worried about this. It’s only 1 dollar per hour to park your van in the camping spot before 5:30pm so you can confirm your spot early (free camping only permitted outside of 5:30pm-8:30am)