Rebecca
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
4.0/5
Many long term local sites here, but there are other sites reserved for casual campers, marked by blackboards.
There are 10 spots on the lakeside which have the most amazing view, and are right on the water, with no-one walking past. This alone makes this campsite well worth it. Lots of boats etc going in and out but it's a low speed limit coming in to the boat ramp so it's fine noise wise.
There is a block of toilets with 1 sink per male/female block, a dump station, rubbish bins and a specific drinking water tap (all other water must be boiled), no showers, no kitchen facilities, no WiFi, patchy phone signal .. But you don't visit here for the facilities, you come for the proximity of the water, boat ramp, the view and wildlife!!
Lakeside spots were $40 per night, other spots $30 per night... via cash in an envelope in an honesty box, bank transfer, or by contacting Charlotte who runs the Campground - she is very polite, responsive and helpful :) booking ahead is only required over Christmas/New Year.
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Ashburton ▷
5.0/5
This is a beautiful campsite, with powered and non-powered sites available.
It's right on the shoreline but very sheltered. There are benches along the lagoon, and I believe it's a lovely place to swim.
You do need a "Penny Key" (previously KiwiCash - download the Penny app) associated with your details to access and book the campsite and this is essential as the barrier will only open when you swipe in/out. These are available at lots of locations including camper van hire places... Website will tell you more. They do have a stash before you get to the barrier but you would then need to create an account and associate the Penny Key with it then and if the WiFi is out it might not be that easy.
Great facilities including... Play park, washing machine (2 x $2 coins), showers (Penny Key operated) and toilets, WiFi, dump station, an outdoor bbq and a washing line!
Kitchen has microwave, fridge, freezer, cooker & hob, hot water boiler, cooking equipment, washing up facilities...
In summary, a well maintained, cheap, quiet campsite with great facilities in an absolutely stunning location!