Such a great location to stay!!

Amazing views and if no cloud just mind blowing star gazing!! There are public toilets only at the Salmon Shop (could be quite far away) Just have clear that The Pines is not an specific place...it means that all the east part of the lakes (full of pine trees) is a free camp area...so basically anywhere you feel like camping that looks safe and ok it’s a fine place to stay. Just look for your spot and enjoy! In the south or east south you’ll have amazing views of the lake with giant Mount Cook!

Reviewed about 5 years ago

Really nice place!!

Perfect for staying after climbing Tongariro. Great clean hot shower with plenty of space, no limit of hot water. Fully equiped kitchen with nice area to eat and chat. Free wifi and very big areas for vans. Also a convenient store where to buy staff. Laundry machine there perfect for cleaning after excursions! Its a bit of money but worthy after long day at Tongariro...better do reservation, as it was fully booked the night we stayed!

Reviewed about 5 years ago

The views and the place is nice!

But charging $10 per person seems way too much for what you have here. Just an old and completely dirty toilet, water supply (which is brown, better don't use it). The environment is nice ...and if it was free camp it would be very good. But the DOC can not charge $10 for a camp that is completely unmaintained!! Also when you park, and then you pay at the honesty box you feel a bit like a fool when you use it because after a lot of people is just parking outside of the camp, not paying but coming in to use the facilities...it does not make any sense to then to pay! Better look for another option...but it could be hard because Lake Tekapo doesn’t look very free camp friendly!

Reviewed about 5 years ago

Perfect place to stay at Wellington.

Just 10 minutes away from the city. Very nice and clean flush toilets. Right into a beach with cliffs, amazing location. Place for around 20 vans, but we also saw campervans in the normal parking. Nice walk at the nearby beach and nice coastal road to get to Wellington.

Reviewed about 5 years ago

You are right in the middle of the forest...secluded area and quite calm.

At 20:00 it begins to get busy and fill up. There are like 10 spaces. Basic drop loo. Just keep in mind is bumpy road to arrive, maybe not best for big caravans. Very good option for free camp next to Tongariro.

Reviewed about 5 years ago

Would be a 10 if not for the sandflies!

They were everywhere!! We had to stayed at the van. But for the rest great place! In the middle of nowhere just next to the lake. Great star gazing, long drop toilet. Some dirty road until arrive but easy and accessible. Totally worth the detour!!

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

Amazing sunset!!

Great place to stay if getting or leaving Wellington. Nice and long beach just in front of you. Only self contained and in theory just 3 spots allowed. We were like 7 when we were there. Toilets located in front but closed early (like 20:00).

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

Good place to stay one night to break the drive on the way to Wharariki.

Drop toilet which was ok. Next to the road but not much traffic at night. Nice lookout just 5 min walking track. Perfect for one night...around 10 spaces so arrive early

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

Nice and lovely place.

Super calm area to stay. Nice views to the lake, star gazing at night and lots of spaces. Flush clean toilets. A bit of sandflies but ok. Totally recommend it!!

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

Huge place!

Probably they can fit all the campervans from the country. Many drop toilets, clean. Nice walk to the lake. The best option if going to Milford Sound next morning as it is the last free camp on the way. Honesty box and the ranger pass at afternoon to check everything.

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

One of the best camps we stayed in the whole month in NZ.

A lot of spaces. 42NZD two pax on unpowered. Perfect place to finish the day after doing Tongariro, perfect and clean hot showers, washing machine room, kitchen, dinning room, wifi (limited), convenient store. Better to make reservation if in high season; it was full when we were there.

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

Great place.

But The Pines is not a certain place. Its the whole east and south area of the Lake Pukaki. So it means you can pull off and choose your spot where you like it more! Great to be able to stay so close to the lake!! Toilets at the visitor centre and at certain locations around the lake. Careful with some places if heavy rain as can get slippery. Be respectful with the environment and take your rubbish. We even got a swim at the lake!!

Reviewed almost 7 years ago

One of our favourite camps in entire Nz.

4 flush toilets, very clean. You park just under the trees and next to the lake. Great sunset and great vibes at the camp. Totally recommend it. A lot of spaces available and close to Queenstown and next to Arrowtown.

Reviewed almost 7 years ago