Jill McGrath
North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mokau ▷
4.0/5
This site is the epitome of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Super full (holiday weekend though) and the best ocean view spots are taken by permanent vintage caravans (very cool). All amenities ARE here: bathrooms, showers, kitchen, laundry, dump site, all very clean. The washers and dryers are literally dripping with rust but work fine. If you want to read “fisherman’s Life” from the 90’s or some risqué harlequin like romance or Tom Clancy novels, you’re set, just look in the kitchen building. It’s like walking back in time about 35 years. The beach has really cool black sand. The owners are very welcoming and let us park away from the crowds in the parking area, which we very much appreciated. Don’t be dissuaded, caravanning through New Zealand is a great experience and all good.
Happy Camping 🌿
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
4.5/5
We wish we’d read ALL reviews.
We didn’t realize you can camp anywhere on the lake between the highway and the power lines about 3 km from turn off. The Rd is not marked Hayman Rd IRL, but it’s first rd to your right when you get to the lake. We ended up at a large area about 1/2km back from the power lines, but it was great. We were right in the centre front. No one parked near us, only about 7 caravans around us, very quiet 🤫. No road traffic noise during the night, and not much during the evening. Would park nearer to trees 🌲had it been a sunny day. Was quite windy in the evening, but we don’t mind that. The lake was cold for a dip, but not so cold that I didn’t stay in for quite awhile! Perfect after a hike by Lake Tekapo. You’d have views of mount cook from some spots along the lake, I definitely did when I swam out. Great spot. No bugs. No potty, but freedom camping requires you bring your own anyhow. No pooping about and ruining it for everyone else. Everyone on our night was self-contained, yay freedom campers!
Happy Camping🌿
South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
3.0/5
Had a great dip in the super cold lake.
Very rocky beach.
Beautiful view of mountains.
Was very full but quiet.
Flush toilets and dish cleaning area.
Totally fine for a nights stay.
The camp attendant was a sweetie with a sense of humour.
I am a foot shorter due to the sandflies.
Happy Camping 🌿
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Westport ▷
4.0/5
Set back from the beach but a short walk away.
Lots of space in non powered area. Fun looking playground & bouncy thing. Clean showers and well kept grounds.
Happy Camping 🌿
North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Whanganui ▷
4.0/5
This spot was surprisingly cool.
$10 for 2 adults in a non powered site. It is set back from the ocean, but we still heard the waves. Nice walk down to a bizarre but cool beach. Someone else described it as “the elephant graveyard in the Lion King”, we agree. Not sure if any post apocalyptic movie scenes have been shot here, but they should be! Driftwood galore, black sand, HUGE beach and low blowing sand, creepy and cool. My husband took a shower, $2/4 minutes, old & keep your flip flops on, but fine. It is a bit older but has a kitchen space and a fun well kept playground and barbecue. Kids would love it here! Zero bugs, noise, trash or issues. The people in the town are super friendly, and the camp owner is sweet. We’d go again.
Happy Camping 🌿
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
4.0/5
Great spot to go before catching the ferry.
A bit of free wifi, showers were very very clean and washer & dryer worked great (yes, it cost $4 each, but seriously, clean clothes are worth that!). Spots were spaced nicely, not busy while we were there. I wouldn’t holiday there, but only because I like being more off the beaten track. The owner/manager was a straight forward & nice guy. Great recycling section, barbecue, lovely playground and swimming pool, mature trees and very quiet. Zero bugs.
Happy Camping 🌿
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
5.0/5
I can’t even with how awesome this place is.
It is very new which is great. The layout of the camp is very purposeful. The kitchen, laundry and showers are central and the accommodations move out from there. Tenting is in a grassy sheltered area. The non powered caravan sites are all ocean side. The powered sites are along one side. The super rad converted shipping container cabins are spread about. The attention to detail from the hooks in the shower rooms to the organization of the dual kitchen space to the landscaping is so lovely. The beach is RIGHT THERE. The white beach is divine and swimming was fun and safe. We saw the best sunset of our lives here. The owners are friendly and welcoming. I would spend a week here if I could. The place is 15/10. Thank you to the owners for creating such a lovely place!
Hi Jill,
Thanks for the awesome review. I love it when someone takes the time to appreciate all our hard work. We love what we do and I hope that shows through.
Hope to see you again, take care
Sue
rossbeach
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
5.0/5
Genuine welcome from the sweet owner, offering of fresh garden veggies and best river swimming, I feel like it should be a secret, so go find it yourself.
Say hello to the owners wee crusty doggy for me. Staying here was a seriously charming experience. I wish we could have stayed longer. We’ll be back.
Happy Camping 🌿