David Coyle
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Reefton ▷
4.5/5
Great place.
Clean, quiet and great value for money. Reefton is a handy place to head onto the Buller Gorge from.
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Raglan ▷
4.0/5
It's huge but it's also used by loads of local Hamilton people so you don't get too many tourists.
I know that sounds mad being a tourist, but there was an authenticity about the place. Yeah they could do with more toilets and cleaned a bit more often too - but it's Raglan and a very chilled place. It's a surfing Mecca and we just kind of got into it. Kitchens busy but with enough stuff there. It wasn't the sort of place I'd normally stay, but it was ok.
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
3.5/5
It's a car park.
It has toilets and there's some food places in walking distance. And it's free.
North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Opunake ▷
5.0/5
Now these guys know what they are doing.
A family campsite with clean kitchen and toilet areas. The BBQs were ace. Super close to beach with lifeguards. Opunake is small but has a couple of supermarkets and decent surf shop. Beach was great and. Waves predictable so kids could safely surf. Reasonably priced and the managers are super flexible - was going to stay a night ended up staying four. Excellent.
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
5.0/5
Yes it's small and most people are either there for a night waiting for or arriving from ferry.
Yes there's some traffic noise - though nothing too major. However I've been camping 20+ years and have never seen such clean shower/toilets!! Amazing - and for a germphobe like me it was heaven.
North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Oakura ▷
4.5/5
Super flexible site.
Stayed one night only but could of stayed more if we hadn't wanted to be further north on Christmas Day itself. Powered sites right on beach. Tokens for stuff but it was clean and friendly.
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Porirua ▷
5.0/5
Free with public toilet in walking distance.
Enough space to park motorhome and to sit outside with a decent Sauvignon was excellent. There's a playground and fields too for kids to run off energy after day in van. Dump station in garage 1/4 mile away. Very handy.
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
4.0/5
Easy to find, about 1.5km out of town headed North.
The site is about 20 seconds from the beach which is in keeping with the West Coast, strong swell and windswept. The walk along is good and the sunsets would be stunning.
The site is clean with ducks and chickens wandering about and the small animal menagerie is fun for the kids. The kitchen has a dining area and really good is that there is an abundance of utensils pans and even drying towels. Really saves walking 20 metres or so with all your cooking kit. A bit pricey at $70 for 2 adults and 3 kids (near Christchurch prices) but it was ok. Yeah the free wifi was a draw for the kids though they spent most of their time in their devices!
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
5.0/5
After a long haul from the South this spot was just the job.
Super friendly woman on front desk and mega helpful. Free wifi for kids a bonus and decent places for food on the doorstep. Glow worm forest walk 5 mins away. Really lovely place.
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Miranda ▷
4.5/5
Well run.
Clean and well thought out. Professional and helpful staff. Reasonable price and kitchen and BBQ good. Nice touch with herb garden. The hot pool was good, make sure you rinse your togs well or they'll smell of sulphur forever!!