Ranking: 10/10

We had an awesome trip to Ashley Park during school holidays. We weren't sure if the site was open as their website is ancient and they didn't answer the phone, but we are really glad that we just stopped in to ask. The site has recently changed hands and there was lots of prep underway to ready it for summer. The camping area was well maintained with neat rows of hedges separating out sites. We were the only people camping so had a choice of wherever we liked. $10/adult/night

There is a small kitchen area with fridges, ovens, a toaster and kettle and free hot showers. It was all we needed. If they had more guests there was another block at the back of the campsite but this was locked when we visited.

The main draw of the park for us was the farm park. Our two kids loved the aviaries, the highlight being Goldie, who would happily shout "hello" from across the yard. There were plenty of animals to visit including sheep, an ostrich, donkey, alpaca, goats and some baby calves. The host was nice and came over to let us know when the calves were going to be fed.

In addition to the animals, the site had lovely park like settings, with a few walks - we enjoyed an evening stroll through colourful camelias one night and a walk around the lake the next.

A highlight for us was to be allowed to borrow mini golf clubs for the duration of our stay and play a few rounds on the old and somewhat overgrown 18 hole course. This played great and just needs the plants to be cut back. The artificial grass would benefit from water blasting. Still, we had a lot of fun there is also petanque and a tennis court which just needs a new net.

The swimming pool looked great but wasn't ready for tourists.

The site has a museum which is arranged a bit like stables, with numerous themed bays. Everything from novelty tea pots to kids games of a bygone age. There are more old photos in the lounge next to the kitchen.

A true kiwi gem.

We loved our stay and will be back.

Reviewed 6 months ago