Gay Taaffe
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Lake Paringa Campsite
2.5/5
This is the the only campground just south of Fox & Franz Josef so it is busy!!!
When we arrived at 4pm there were a LOT of people but we found a good space at the lakefront!!! The spaces are designated by rear concrete stops spaced very close together so by mid evening it was like a parking lot with people packed in so close to each other you could hardly get your door open!! Toilets are drop but not smelly and seem to be cleaned every morning... There is one small sink with a dribble of water from the tap. Lots of sand flies ... If you CAN freedom camp then I would definitely go for that rather than be a sardine!!!
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Spring Creek Holiday Park
4.5/5
We had a great location here right by the river and in a sheltered evening sunny spot which helped a LOT as we had come from the bitterly cold south!!!
It is easy to find about 3 km north of Blenheim on the Picton route so is a good stopper before the Wellington Ferry or south between the ferry and Kaikoura for your Whale Watching. The toilets may be older as people say but they are clean and functioning. Kitchen is large and 2 - 3 of all equipment like toasters, microwaves and fridges. There is even a pool... though unheated so pretty chilly. Pitches are flexible and screened so good privacy and there are lots of well placed picnic benches. I really liked it here and wished we didn't have our ferry booked for the next day.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Historic Empire Hotel
4.5/5
This is such a funky space opposite the Historic Empire Hotel!!!
New bathrooms that are spotless with great hot water and new shower. Kitchen is large and well equipped. The camping area is small but beside a small lake and the town is round the corner. Friendly pub and good food.. A great find....