Ceri
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Wairau Diversion Reserve
5.0/5
Great freedom camp site.
Plenty of room for everyone and 2 toilets near the beach which were clean when we arrived but did deteriorate. We were picked up from Tuamarina for our wine tour which was really convenient. It’s only 10 mins from Blenheim and 15 mins from Picton so perfect for the ferry. The grey sandy beach was almost deserted. Best freedom camp we’ve so far experienced.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Okarito ▷
Okarito Camping Ground
5.0/5
Great simple camp site between the sea and the mountains.
The toilets and kitchen facilities were clean and free Wi-fi was great. There’s a lovely wetlands walk nearby and a bracing walk along the beach which is just beyond the hedge. We had no sandflies due to the wind. It’s the perfect spot to chill away from the crowds and a great price too.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Kina Beach Reserve Camping Ground
4.5/5
Great little hippy campsite and very cheap.
Nice people running it but it does fill up quickly. Clean loos. Amazing for $5 pp. No Wi-fi. Wonderful beach and sunrise. Would definitely go back.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Hillview Camping Stay
4.0/5
Since we couldn’t find anywhere to freedom camp in the area, this was the next best as it was cheap ($10pp).
The owner was friendly and there was plenty of room for tents and camper vans. The toilets were basic and clean. It was a great location to explore the Catlins.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Fox River Freedom Camping Area
2.5/5
Very very crowded Freedom camp so get there really early as many people had to give up trying to find a spot.
It’s a car park and we camped along the fence. 2 clean long drop toilets and convenient for black water rafting from Charleston (which was amazing). The Sunday market next to the campsite was fun, full of local artisans.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa ▷
Curio Bay Camping Ground
4.0/5
Great for Campervans for incredible beach views.
It was extremely windy so the sea was dramatic, but no penguins or dolphins. Many sites are surrounded by flax to shelter them which makes them private but no views and too enclosed for us. The new cafe and toilets were great. The older toilets, showers and kitchen were basic and clean. I suppose it was expensive($18pp I think) , but we felt well worth it for the location.