Katie Marx
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Rangiora ▷
Grey River Campsite
4.0/5
An idyllic spot by the banks of a stream.
After driving for about half an hour on some rather parched gravel roads it was a surprise and a delight to come across this little spot.
We were camping and found nice soft ground to set up in, complete with a layout that ensures privacy. There's also a beautiful walk up the hill through Beech trees and ferns. The river generally comes to mid shin height, so probably don't need to pack your bathers.
This might not be the place for you if you're allergic to bees as they are super thick on the ground due to a number of nearby commercial hives.
Disclaimer: we were really lucky, there on a Friday night and had the place completely to ourselves. Judging from other reviews and some of the rubbish we saw half-burned in fire pits, it might not always be as peaceful as we found it. Speaking of rubbish, quite a bit had been left around, which suggests that this might attract a different set of visitors than some other DOC sites.
Highly recommended when quiet :)
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Cameron Flat Campsite
4.0/5
Great setting with wonderful views!
We were using a tent - lots of space for campers and nice soft ground to set up in. Facilities were clean and it wasn't too crowded. Again, absolutely smashing views and only a short (but prickly!) walk down to the stream. Highly recommended.
It almost goes without saying, but the sandflies do come out in force when the sun goes down. Be prepared and, if you're cooking outside, do it early.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Amberly ▷
Amberley Beach Camping Ground
2.5/5
Two big yards.
Clean, good value for money and ok if you have nowhere else to go for the night. Setting is nothing special, though it is a short walk to a shingle beach.
We were there in high summer and found the ground super hard when it came to setting up a tent - definitely bent a few pegs.
A clean and cheap option if you're passing through.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Okarito ▷
Okarito Camping Ground
5.0/5
Nice little spot and a good alternative to places like Gillespie beach which are often packed out.
We were camping and found a pretty little patch to set our tent up in. It's not too crowded and the grounds are arranged in a way to enable privacy.
Awesome facilities, complete with an old school clothes washing press! Showers are coin operated and there was a cue at peak times.
It's only a short stroll to what is quite a unique and striking beach. Would imagine there's good fishing there if that's your thing. It's likewise a short walk to the township. Don't know if this is the norm but there was a gig playing the night we were there, so you're not short on things to do.
As this is on the west coast, sandfly caveat does apply: come prepared and cook before the sun goes down. Not as bad as around the Haast pass though.
PS: Bonus points for the big, fat wood pigeon which sat preening itself in a nearby tree for thirty minutes!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Otaio Gorge Campsite
4.5/5
Beautiful setting.
Green fields, even in the height of summer, and a river that you can swim in. Clean toilets, good value for money and a small shelter if you need.
The site itself is an open paddock, so you might struggle with privacy during busier times.
While we were there the choice spots were taken up by seemingly long term campervan residents who had set up fairly spacious arrangements for themselves and gone so far as to set up gardens and verandas. They were friendly and welcoming, but again this might be an issue in busier times.
Definitely worth a visit, and especially a swim :)