Maaike Goudriaan
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Putaruru ▷
5.0/5
Spaceous campground.
Stayed here in January, I guess there were about 30 vans and cars around but it didn't really feel crowded. Longdrops are very clean and no need to take your waste with you. Very close to Hobbiton!
Superfriendly Dutch (Frysian) campwarden lives at the end of the road, came by to say hi to all campers when I was there. Since I was travelling alone he told me that I could always come see them if I needed any help, that made me feel really safe.
Nice views on the lake, easy to find. One of the best free campgrounds I encountered in NZ.
South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Karitane ▷
3.5/5
One of the very few campgrounds catering for not self contained in the region.
We did not really have choice and were a bit scared due to the bad reviews. However, the owner was friendly and helpfull. The facilities were a bit old, but well cleaned and the showers were nice and warm. There were enough showers and toilets so no long waits. Big communal kitchen with tables and chairs, a few stoves, sinks, toaster, microwave and oven. Not much pans, plates etc but we did not mind to use our own. Owner pointed out how to get to the beach, which was a nice beach and a good place for a morning run. We were one of two campervans. Campsite mainly caters for long-term stayers and self-contained it seems. This did not bother us but might be uncomfortable. All in all pretty good for one night.
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
4.5/5
This place is a bit of a detour from the mainroad but worth it.
Basic but well maintained DoC site. Has plenty of information on walks around the campground and the history of goldborough. There's some kind of shelter and pickinicktables you can use, flush toilets and drinking water. Private and more open spaces both. Enjoyed staying here. Be sure the walk the 20minute tunnel track further along the road, it is a nice easy walk.
South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
5.0/5
Stayed here two nights in a row.
Lovely quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of Qtown but still close enough. Easy gravelroad to reach the grounds. Lovely lake for swimming and kayaking. Plenty of sheltered spots. Some cool sheep wander the campground and there's a few nice walkingtracks nearby. Cooking shelter provided and the warden is super friendly.
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Balclutha ▷
4.5/5
Nice campingground.
Helpfull and friendly people. Kitchen well equipped. Clean kitchen en showers. Pinguin viewing closeby. Everything you need when camping.