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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Pohowera (South Bay), Kaikoura
5.0/5
If it’s open during your stay, go there!
One of the best sites we stayed at!! Such a beautiful view and the sunset is amazing on a sunny day. There’s a ranger coming around in the evening to make sure all is in order and everyone follows the rules. Really nice guy. There’s marked spots for each vehicle at the top of the parking lot, so only camp there. The ranger confirmed it’s possible to stay 2 nights.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Timber Yard Point Lakeside Domain Camping Area
3.0/5
SWARMS of Mayflies in the evening.
Literally couldn’t exit the van. At least the sunset and the lake were beautiful. Not so many flies in the morning but we left at 7.30am.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Moke Lake Campsite
4.5/5
Crazy washboard gravel road to get there.
But it’s worth it, the lake and its surroundings are so beautiful. The hike around the lake is easy and nice to do. Upon arriving (~5pm) we were immediately greeted by the rangers to pay by cash or card. Lots of space available though not all exactly flat. No phone reception! Clean toilets, quite busy on a sunny weekend in March.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
Nokomai Road
4.0/5
Definitely no phone reception at all!
But the spot is very nice, lots of space. There was 4 other vans that night so not completely by ourselves. I’d say it takes more around 15mins from the main road if you’re not too slow.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Omarama ▷
Loch Laird Camping Ground
4.0/5
Many caravans of permanent campers were all empty when we were there (March), the vibe was a bit eerie at night.
But we had a nice spot at the river and could even take a dip. Good phone reception as well. Bring cash and a pen to fill out the registration.
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Lake Dunstan / Bendigo
4.5/5
Really nice place just at the lake.
Quite a lot of space available but also quite busy in March. It’s super dusty though. During our stay it was very windy so the dust went everywhere and we had a shaky night in the van. Toilets were dirty and the doors didn’t really stay shut because of the wind. Good phone reception.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
White Horse Hill Campground
4.5/5
Came here spontaneously at 7pm even though online it was fully booked.
Still lots of space available. The honesty box is actually 18$ pp, keep that in mind if you’re coming with cash. Gets very crowded in the morning from 8am. Beautiful scenery to wake up to!