Drove by this place thinking I might stay overnight on the way to the ferry.

I say drove by because I had barely pulled in before I was confronted by a few campervans hogging the minimal space with their full lounging setups and a few others that looked like they had been there ages. The whole site had trash about it and was very rundown. I imagine other human evidence would be present as well looking at the single long drop. Definitely would pass on this DOC campsite and am skeptical it will remain an available overnight site as it stands now.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Unpowered sites for campervans are just a block of 2x4 in a grassy field.

The powered sites have lovely lake views. While the showers were hot I really detest signage and the “3 min” shower signs put me off. Who, might I ask, can actually take a shower that involves cleanliness in 3min? Kitchen has no supplies in it and is small. However, everything was very clean. This is also as far north as the shuttle for the cultural show will pick you up if you intend to go to an evening performance.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Fabulous stopover in the Marlborough region and on the way to the ferry.

Laundry facilities that work, muffins on checkin as advertised, and lots of farm animals that you can feed if you want. Very pleasant family running the place. The only reason I just can’t quite give a 10/10 is the water pressure on the shower is so low it took ages to get the shampoo out of my hair.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Older place where a lot of locals stay for the weekend.

Despite being dated the facilities were clean and the managers were really interesting and friendly. Great place to stay near the ferry. Has all the usual facilities for a holiday park.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

I was not as in love with this campground as others were.

What it has going for it is proximity to the trailhead for Abel Tasman hikers and clean facilities. They pack the campervans in next to each other on a grassy lot which greatly detracts from the camping experience. Also the internet worked only until my screen timed out while cooking; then, despite following their directions and leaving the browser open, I could not get back on.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Really great glow worm dell.

Do not miss an opportunity to stop and see it if in the area. Better than most other sites you pay for and its free!

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

$15/adult with kids free.

Covered cooking area but bring your own supplies; hot water for dishes. Barbecue by coin. Showers by coin. Caretaker on site. Close to lots of great beach and forest walks, a lagoon you can rent kayaks for, and a night time kiwi tour operator. Also free wifi which was actually pretty speedy before lots of people showed up in the evening. They are dealing with some flood damage which means fewer sites and a 9/10. Great site in a great little town though. So worth the stay.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Their van sites were quite expensive for a single person in an unpowered van.

To that end I stayed in the dorm (and was reminded why I hate dorms with all the cafe noise and late comers). The dorm uses the same facilities as the campervans though. With nearly all 50 campervan spots and the dorms about full there was not enough kitchen space for everyone. Overall clean bathrooms considering. There is also a laundry room though it is very expensive. They are pretty much the only game in town so you are stuck with them but I would not stay more than a night. Quite a crush.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Good location within 15min walk to town and the bird sanctuary (worth a quick visit)!

Kitchen and bathrooms were clean but be prepared to being your own cooking and eating supplies. $18 for a tent site where I parked my campervan and you get showers and internet with it so not bad. The place gets 8/10 because of all the complaints I heard about the laundry facility. $4 each to wash and dry and the clothes apparently did not dry all the way. I took my laundry to town for $7 and had no problems.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

$17/night for a single person in an unpowered campervan.

I was early enough to get a spot next to a tree for a feeling of privacy. At first I was going to knock this down to a 8/10 bc of the shower in the womens restroom (very mildewy smell that made it hard to want to stay in even one extra minutes) but later I found the main shower block which is actually very nice. Apparently there’s a small pool as well. Laundry facilities are good and the dryer will actually dry your stuff. Wifi is included in your fee. Fully stocked kitchen. Roomy lounge with a fireplace. Great location if you are going into town for the glow worm tours the next morning. So overall recommended.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

$12.50 for an unpowered site via an honesty box.

There was only one other campervan present when I stayed and it was perfect after the bustle of Milford. No sandflies, chickens scratching about your door, and quiet. There is a single shared toilet/shower for the unpowered sites but it wasn't a problem with only three people there. No kitchen facilities though there is a hot water kettle and a cold water washer. There is technically space for ten unpowered campervans but that would be packing it in and i cannot imagine that would actually work. 4-5 powered sites across the way that each get their own toilet/shower combo. Nice little place to spend the night. Be on the lookout for the sign though as Athol has all of two roads i think.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Nice little family run place a quick walk to the tiny town of Portobello.

There is a yummy cafe and small grocery there and a few of the wildlife tour groups will pick you up at the store or at the campsite. Kitchen facilities were great and the hostess was excellent. Gets 8/10 because the showers were impossible to figure out (especially while wet and freezing) even after consulting with people who had been there multiple days.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

I had a slightly strange experience here where I was the only camper staying and they turned the lights off on me midshower in the evening well before the golfers left for the day.

Then the next morning they did the same thing again while I was brushing my teeth. It was probably unintentional but it was dark in that shower! The washer mentioned in prior postings is cold water only and no dryer on site. The shower in the womens locker room had a clean and newish stall set into a dated and damp basement changing room-overall fine by me but hopefully that explains the mixed reviews already posted. $2 gets you about 15min of hot shower. I was the only person there overnight and the only noise I heard were the cows and birds.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Great site with epic beaches views and the best smelling drop toilet I might have ever encountered.

Only downside were all the people who showed up late with their blinding headlights and then left without paying. Shame on them. If you want to enjoy a nice beach with nice toilets please pay the measly $8.

Reviewed almost 6 years ago