Sophie Ross
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Pororari River Track Carpark
4.0/5
Carpark, but a very pretty car park.
About 3rd and half full mid February. Quiet even though it's next to the main road. Walking distance to pub however personally I wouldn't walk to the blowhole and rocks from here (uphill and I'm probably lazier than most!).
Try and see the sunset if you can! Great for an overnight stop.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Reefton ▷
Marble Hill Campsite
4.0/5
Great little spot to stay at, we stayed here on the drive from Havelock to Kaikoura (Coast Road still closed Feb 17).
Huge site, lots of camping under the beech forest or out in tree clearing. Easy to find just up the road on the left from the Spring Junction township. Only downside were the amount of sandflies but with good repellent they're not too much of an issue.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Golden Bay Holiday Park
1.0/5
Do not stay here unless you have no other option.
The only thing this camping ground has going for it is its location next to a beach.
Tried all afternoon to call ahead to secure a powered site for 1 night as it was a busy time of year, no one picked up the phone. When we arrived the office was manned by a very rude woman (no idea what she had been doing all day). Her tone was condescending and unprofessional when asked about a vacant site and local transport in the area. After meeting such friendly people everywhere else in NZ she was a massive grouchy rude let down.
Facilities very old and tired, messy, not well maintained. Sites are very close together with little privacy.
Location next to beach is good. Showers are free although the sign on them makes it look like you need to pay.
If you're in the area check out The Mussel Inn just down the road. Their live music nights are brilliant. Despite what the grumpy lady in the office will tell you there are 2 numbers you can call if you have had a couple of drinks and need a ride back to your accommodation. Sign is next to the bar at the Mussel Inn, must be prebooked.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Arrowtown ▷
Arrowtown Hampshire Holiday Park
4.0/5
Amenities great and very clean.
10-15 minute walk into town. Able to purchase wifi. Must pay for showers but they are excellent showers, great water pressure.
Well kept site, would imagine it is beautiful in Autumn. Paid around $42 for 2 people in a powered site.
Didn't need to book in advance but on weekends or school holidays it would be advisable to do so.
Camp ground quiet and staff friendly.
Recommend hiring bikes in town and there are many wonderful cycling tracks leaving from Arrowtown.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Mount Cook ▷
White Horse Hill Campground
5.0/5
Favourite DOC campsite on our trip.
Sleeping directly under the mountains was absolutely magical!
Clearly signposted right turn just before Mt Cook village we easily found a spot in the overnight camping area (first parking area you come to is for day parking. We arrived about 4pm, however if you arrived after dark it might be a bit harder to find van space, however heaps of grass for tents.
The Hooker Valley track starts from the campsite and it is a must do highlight of NZ. Approximately 3 hours return easy walk, magnificent.
Clean and tidy facilities, used the toilets and water however self contained so didn't use the kitchen however it looked good.
A must stay location, thanks DOC!