Anna G
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Ohingaroa, Kenepuru Sounds
5.0/5
We parked at this campsite because the nearby one was already full at 4pm.
We were lucky and got one of the last spots at this one. It's amazing! Great view, relaxed vibe, you can go swimming or just enjoy the scenery. Just don't rely on getting a spot there as there are only a few.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Westport ▷
Hector Freedom Camping Area
3.5/5
We had a pleasant stay at the site.
It's just a gravel carpark next to the street, you have some noise from passing trucks and from the coal factory but we didn't find it disturbing. Besides fresh water access there are no other facilities. I really liked the location, the town is cute, it's next to the beach and there is a tiny well maintained park we had breakfast in. Town is quite dead at night, only thing open was the tavern when we arrived. If you are staying here definitely do the Charming Creek Walkway to the waterfall, an amazing experience!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Richmond ▷
Norris Gully Recreation Reserve and Camping Ground
2.5/5
This site is ok for one night.
It's extremely hard to find in the dark - if you are driving from West to east the first thing you will pass is the marker on the app, continue on the main road and you will see the backside of the white sign shown here on the photograph, continue further in to the yellow curve sign advising you to slow down to 55. This is where the entry road is!!! Follow the road on the left and you will come to a big grassy area. We saw another camper there so figured this must be the right spot. Couldn't find a toilet. The grass is not well maintained, so I would be careful where to park. Quite close to the main road. Ok for arriving at night and leaving early morning.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Decks Reserve Carpark, Motueka
0.5/5
Worst place I have ever stayed at.
Don't get me wrong the facilities are ok: huge parking space so you will always find a spot and clean toilet nearby. But what I experienced staying there was the worst. Apparently the locals hate each and every freedom campers staying at the site. When we arrived there was a drunk(?) Local stopping us and trying to start an argument why "all of us are sh****ing in the bushes". At the carpark itself was a committee of locals checking out each car and discussing how to get rid of them. When we had a pizza in town we could feel all eyes on us, seriously they were murdering us with their eyes. I have heard of other stories where locals threw stones at cars or attacked the campers with wooden swords. I did not feel comfortable there and therefore cannot recommend staying there or even visiting the town as the overall vibe was strange. The only good thing was the Arcadia Restaurant which had amazing yummy food!