Russell Opland
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Cascade Creek Campsite
4.0/5
It is a very large open area, between the forests and the mountains.
The toilets are long drops, and smell appalling. A great overnight spot on the way to Milford, as you can comfortably drive in to catch a morning cruise.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Lake Argyle
4.0/5
A pleasant spot, slightly tricky to find: watch for a small sign to Lake Argyle.
However, when we were there, access to the boat ramp was closed, so the campsite at the southeast corner of the lake was closed. Note that access is to the left, across the dam wall, not down the road to the right. However, as access was closed, we did stay on a little side loop across from the boat ramp, on the southwest side. It was completely exposed, but fine for a night. The area by the boat ramp has a small grove of trees that looked appealing.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street ▷
Orange Sheep
4.5/5
We had an excellent stay.
I was nervous about noise, based on prior reviews, but it was quiet. $35/night for 2 people. Very responsive to email, but phone wasn't answered. We arrived at 4:30 pm, and it was half full. It was full within 2 hours. If arriving late, booking is recommended. Free WiFi is 500 MB per person. The showers are limited to 10 minutes. The entire floor of the shower room gets wet, so a bit tricky dressing afterwards (no mats to stand on). There are only 2 washers ($4/load, cold water only), and 2 dryers ($2 for 20 mins). These are much in demand.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Palmerston ▷
Katiki Beach North Reserve Rest Stop
4.5/5
Lovely spot!
As noted, it is close to the road and railway line, but if you position your van so that you're sleeping closest to the surf, the white noise drowns out most other sounds. Beware of some soft sandy areas, especially if dark. Best to walk around and check, rather than get stuck.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Turangi ▷
Stag Pool Carpark
4.0/5
Very small parking area at end of dirt track.
Can accommodate maybe 3 or 4 vehicles. Not recommended for large vehicles. The "pool" is not so much a pool as a calmer area between two sets of rapids. A quiet spot for an overnight, but not much else. It may be of interest to fisherman, but I'm not one.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Collins Memorial Reserve
2.0/5
Very small.
Very busy. It was full when we stayed. Only a parking lot next to the main road with about 10 spots. Fortunately not much road traffic at night.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Tarawera ▷
Lake Ōkāreka Campsite
4.0/5
Very picturesque.
Pleasant place.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Tuatapere ▷
Monkey Island, Orepuki
4.0/5
We loved our stay here, however, it was crowded.
People with tents partly blocked us in. The grass was very wet, with underlying mud. Be very careful where you park: we were stuck briefly, spinning on the wet grass and mud, when trying to leave in the morning.