György Hamar
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
3.0/5
not a bad choice if you're looking to spend the night in the area, but after reading such good reviews, it was disappointing.
the 5/10 review below says it best. facilities are clean, but old and tired. the male bathroom smelled like piss, the way they're constructed means that your feet are getting splashed from the next cubicle and the mirrors were foggy (not from the steam)...
kitchen was alright - there are a few utensils, but you're better off bringing your own.
dining room is pretty small, but I guess this place is designed for caravans rather than for tent/car campers.
the sites are not cramped, but some of them are just next to the road, where the only privacy you're getting is from the hedge that separates the larger sections. at least there are no floodlights, so you can sleep at night.
$19/person/night felt a bit expensive, I've been to better DOC sites.
even though the hosts were nice, I'd rather stay somewhere further south with more options.
I wouldn't give it more than a 7, I'm leaning towards 6, partly to balance out the great reviews
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud ▷
5.0/5
as others said, the beginning at the bush is easy.
it gets gradually harder until the treeline (Parachute Rocks), then there's a quite steep climb up to the ridge. an easy, 30 minutes return walk on the ridge to the south (to an unnamed, 1797m tall highpoint) is a must for the best views of the snowy peaks of Traverse Range, Lake Rotoiti, and Raglan Range. absolutely gorgeous hike!
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
3.5/5
Stayed here for 1 night, we didn't book ahead, there were a few available sites.
The place has an interesting, calm atmosphere, there's plenty of places to be alone (a teahouse for example), you can join meditation in the morning. Facilities are fine, drop toilets' ventilation wasn't properly done. Beach is clay, not good for swimming, however nice. Wifi is only for a few hours a day. No freezer. Tent site for two was $22pp.