Clobby
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Paia Point Campground
4.5/5
Stayed here as near SH1 and convenient but what a find.
We were initially concerned due to proximity of the main road but after dark and before 8am it was deathly quiet. The toilet and outside cleanup sink were clean and all we needed.
We spent the evening collecting shells and watching the seabirds fish among the rocks and dodging the basking fur seals. In the morning we watched white sided dolphins broaching and jumping just offshore, fabulous. Funny thing was seeing the dolphin watching boats arrive in the bay and they stopped performing!
Only downside was the midges (sandflies) as we got a few bites.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Cascade Creek Campsite
3.5/5
A massive site which was not what we expected from the Rankers description, obviously expanded by DOC since it was listed.
The gravel areas were great for vans, but there were more limited options for tents. The toilets were smelly but typical of the ‘drop’ type so that was expected. Lots of sandflies though that was also expected. Location for Milford Sound is why we stayed and I guess will be the reason most people will use it, so users should just temper their expectations.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Rangiora ▷
Motunau Beach Camping
5.0/5
Nice secluded site next to the river, doesn’t look much but just look at the surroundings, seabirds like spotted shags and oystercatchers roosting on the riverbank.
We also saw five kingfishers hunting the creek. We were the only ones on the site, clean male and female toilets and an outdoor clean up area with several picnic tables as well. A lovely quiet nights sleep.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa ▷
Curio Bay Camping Ground
3.0/5
Fantastic location on a headland between curio bay and penguin bay.
Great for seeing the penguins and the dolphins, but.....
The site was very busy, wouldn’t take bookings over the phone as it was first come first served. We were lucky to find a spot on the camp field but another couple arrived and paid for a powered pitch but then couldn’t find one as they were all taken - not good.
Also the toilets and showers suffered from excess numbers and were a swamp by 7pm and impossible to get into in the morning. The kitchen also suffered from overuse. Overall the location deserves a 10 but the facilities lose it marks so only a 6 from us, which is a shame.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Marfells Beach Campsite
4.5/5
Excellent location beside the beach, but be warned the best spots are taken quickly so get there early as it can very busy.
The toilets were clean and well maintained and the site warden was friendly and helpful and the walks from the site worth the effort.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
Mistletoe Flats Campsite
3.5/5
Nice and quiet site, used a small shaded area, and the Manuka trees were in flower so outside smelt great.
Not so the toilet! Shame.
Also a lot of wasps, just something to be aware of.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield ▷
Lake Pearson (Moana Rua) Campsite
3.0/5
CLOSED ON 2nd March 2018.
The location looks fantastic, can’t comment on staying there because it was closed off by large fences and gravel trucks. I can’t give it a proper rating, just a neutral 6/10 for location. I just felt a notice of closure, even temporary would help others.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill ▷
Invercargill Holiday Park and Motels
4.5/5
Nice site outside of town which suited us.
The receptionist was friendly and helpful and we were there the week after the Munro challenge week when friends told us the site had been full to the brim but there was no sign of overuse. The grass areas were in good condition and the kitchen was spotless as were the toilets and showers. A nice experience of the Top 10 franchise.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
3.0/5
Handy for Kaikoura but...
We were there on a wet night, our grass pitch was poorly drained with standing water and big puddles. The kitchen was large but overcrowded - I know it was raining but didn’t seem to have the capacity to cope with the numbers and the site was not full.
From our experience can’t give more than a six
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Godley Head Campsite
4.5/5
Great drive to the site, simple DOC operation, book online and receive the gate code.
Find a pitch, choose carefully for the best views, go for a walk and just enjoy, perfect arrangement for us.
Basic but clean toilets as well and peaceful nights sleep.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Lake McGregor
3.0/5
Looked nice and quiet when we arrived, $10 per person seemed reasonable until it started to fill up and got busy.
Some vans parked outside and didn’t pay but still used the sinks and toilets - which probably contributed to the smell and signs of overuse.
A word of warning if walking around the site is the use of snares, I found four discarded snare wires actually on the site and tripped over a set snare while walking around the lake. Rabbits and game trapping is allowed in NZ but not where people walk.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
Onuku Farm Backpackers Hostel
4.0/5
Access to the site was fine in our small van but a challenge for bigger vehicles.
Helpful and friendly staff, and a large field for camping etc, a few sloping parts though. The views were fantastic and the walks were well marked and away from any traffic.
The toilets and shower were clean and basic, the kitchen shelter a friendly place to spend the evening.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park
4.5/5
Stayed for two nights as close to town, but not 10 minutes as claimed on Rankers, more like 20-25 minutes.
That said the warden was friendly and helpful, the pitches were in good condition and all numbered which always helps. The toilets and showers were clean and well maintained and the kitchen well equipped but a bit small.
Overall we enjoyed our stay and would stay again.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Leith Valley Holiday Park
4.5/5
Visited as wanted to see glow-worms, but the warden didn’t know how to find them - thank goodness for google!
The site was nice and clean with really good kitchen and toilets/showers. Our van pitch was next to the office and really quiet, but I noticed tent space was limited. Good value site tho.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
2.5/5
Chose the site for the location which was a mistake as it was too crowded and too busy for us overall - you just couldn’t get any peace as there was noise all the time even at night.
The reception was busy when we arrived at 3pm with a queue out the door, although the staff were helpful there weren’t enough for the numbers of people checking in. The toilets were clean on arrival but didn’t stay that way getting progressively worse as the day went on until the evening when they became a swamp, yes it was the campers fault, but there were too many for the facilities. Sorry won’t stay again.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Methven ▷
Rakaia Gorge Camping Ground
5.0/5
Lovely site right beside the river, good walks nearby and the laid-back warden was friendly and helpful.
The toilets/showers were clean and the cooking shelter had hot water. Enjoyed the views and laid back vibe, will visit again.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
Lumsden Information Centre
4.0/5
The first free site we used in NZ and pleasantly surprised.
Very busy in late February and filled up quickly with tents even pitched on the platform, obviously writes by the occupants. The toilets are the public type and basic and a bit smelly. The wash up area on the platform was handy as were the picnic tables. Very quiet at night. Lovely staff in the local shops who were all friendly, so if it is to remain free people should use the shops and ensure the facilities are not abused, so help keep it clean please, as we will be back next year.