Just heard on the radio today 27th January 2018 that due to abuse by 'freedom campers' this reserve is now closed to overnight stays, as well as the reserve on the Shotover Delta north of the bridge at

Lower Shotover on Route 6

https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/queenstown-cracks-down-freedom-campers

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

Stayed 1 night in a campervan Feb 2017.

Was very busy (Saturday) so we parked up overlooking the bay, others were parked up overlooking Porpoise Bay as all the sites amongst the flax were taken or unsuitable. Gave us a great view but luckily the wind wasn't blowing.

Facilities all new, PIN code for the door to the block (put a slight weight on the door before putting your code in for easier opening).

Not the quiet forgotten place it apparently once was but still worth a visit for the killer view over the bay, the Petrified Forest and YEPs and the Hector's Dolphins.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

Stayed 1 night in a camper van Feb 2017.

One of the top sites of our month long holiday.

Friendly owner, good view from pitch, fully equipped retro kitchen attached to a big games room / lounge with ping pong table and various other games. Oh, and a record player with a stack of 70s vinyl to chill out to while sat on the comfy sofas chatting to others.

A real find for $30 powered for 2.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

We rented a Volkswagen 2007 T5 Dart 2 (285000km) for one month in Feb 2017.

We were picked up in Christchurch on time and our contract explained to us in a professional manner by the hard-working Denise. We had to phone in twice for advice, which was dealt with in a satisfactory manner both times. Return of the van was all good, we were refunded for a puncture repair and engine oil which we had paid for on the road as promised.

A few things to check before leaving KC’s base when picking a van up:

That the supplied linen is all clean, including any covers that might be on the quilt and pillows.

That the engine oil is at the top mark.

Also, check the tyre pressures at the first opportunity.

Specific tips for the VW T5

Never ever leave the keys inside the van with the doors closed, the central locking has a mind of its own and the doors may lock at any time.

If the cooker rings won’t stay alight then turn off and knock hard on top of the gas ring before relighting.

Pros: These are great vans with a lot of living area compared to other vans of the same size.

Front room staff very professional.

Cons: Back room staff letting the show down a bit with the preparation of the vans.

Kiwi's web site doesn’t have any pictures of the VW Dart 2, the pictures shown are of a Toyota. You’ll need to Google them separately or search for ‘Wilderness Dart 2’. Doesn’t show a great deal of respect for the customer…

Overall happy enough with our experience and would use Kiwi again.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

Had a look here 28 Feb 2017, there's a sign on the gate saying 'Camping area now closed' and advising that the nearest free camping area is at St.

James Station on Tophouse Road, accessed via the Clarence Valley Road.

Reviewed over 7 years ago

Stayed one night in a campervan, late Jan 2017.

Great campsite with modern facilities, saw 4 blue penguins coming through the site about 10-ish. Steampunk museum close by, lovely views out over the harbour from the front. Probably worth booking ahead in the summer months as it's not that big, especially if you plan on arriving late.

Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017

Easy short walk through the forest to a lovely cove with great views, too dangerous for swimming though.

Parking on the other side of the main road from the signposted track.

Mini blowholes off to the left at the track end, a bit like Pancake Rocks if the tide and sea state is right.

Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014

Stayed one night in a campervan.

The site is at the far end of the playing fields.

Pros - Friendly, homely feel, loads of space

Cheap - $9pppn for a powered site

All you need in the kitchen, pots, pans, plates, cutlery etc

Cons - Facilities a bit retro but fine for the money

Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014